OVR Director Margarita R. Olopai-Taitano told the Variety in an interview that they recognized four employers from Rota and seven from Saipan in separate ceremonies last week. Two employers from Tinian were recognized in another ceremony there yesterday.
“Each year, we show our appreciation and recognition of employers who have been very accommodating and supportive and who have opened wide their doors to persons with disabilities to be trained and work in public offices or work settings,” Olopai-Taitano said.
She is urging government agencies and private companies to continue opening doors of opportunities and hiring persons with disabilities.
“This continues to be a challenge but we need to clear all barriers and discouragements and accommodate persons with special needs. Our growing list of success stories are the living testimonies that these people can work just like the rest of us,” Olopai-Taitano said.
Companies and establishments that hire persons with disabilities can help make a huge difference in the lives of these individuals, she added.
On Sept. 30, Gov. Benigno R. Fitial signed a proclamation declaring October 2011 as National Disability Employment Awareness Month. This year’s theme, “Profit by Investing in Workers with Disabilities,” was chosen to honor the contributions of workers with disabilities and serves to inform the public that they represent a highly skilled talent pool that can help employers compete in today’s global economy.
“Persons with disabilities can contribute a lot to the workforce with their skills and abilities just like the rest of us, and this is what we want to continue to instill in the attitude of both private and government sectors,” Olopai-Taitano said.,
OVR has a lot of activities lined up for this month to continue to honor the employers and to continue encouraging persons with disabilities that they can function like everybody else in the workplace, she added.
For more information, go to www.ovrgov.net or call 322-6537/8/9.
