Posted on April 4, 2018
HARTFORD – State Representative Mitch Bolinsky (R-Newtown) attended an informational public hearing hosted by the Legislature’s bipartisan Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) caucus, of which he is a founding member. This special hearing was to about current and prospective programs and opportunities available through provider networks that focus on creating win-win employment opportunities for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Photo: State Rep. Mitch Bolinsky (right) listens intently to testimony at the Employment Opportunity Hearing.
“I/DD Employment programs are game changers. This life-changing support activity deserves greater focus. Having work opportunities is important to having a full life, a sense of self and the pride of accomplishment. I want to help connect and the provider networks and employers. I have found job creators tend to be open to engaging in programs like these but often have trouble learning more about how to get it rolling. Large and smaller employers can benefit from these devoted potential workers. By teaming up to facilitate and bring folks together, my fellow caucus members and I can to make this happen” explained Rep. Bolinsky.
“In Newtown, we have a great success story in Tier One, a local specialty manufacturer and assembler of high-tech medical products. They partner with Newtown High School and, not only do they intern folks with ‘different abilities’ but they also have a healthy vocational internship program that benefits all parties involved. We need to learn from them and build on this great opportunity.”
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