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Louisianians with Disabilities in Houma Area Can Connect with Employers at Job Fair Thursday

October 28, 2009

Louisianians with disabilities who are seeking jobs in the Houma area will have a chance to meet with potential employers on Thursday. The final stop of the 2009 Louisiana Job Fairs is scheduled from 9:00 a.m. to noon at the Evergreen Cajun Center at 4695 West Main Street.

More than 40 employers are registered for the job fair, which is free to both employers and job seekers. Additionally, community partners who provide resources and services to individuals with disabilities will also have booths. Information sessions and seminars will include Social Security counseling from the Louisiana Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (La-WIPA) Coalition.

Job seekers are urged to prepare or update their resume and bring multiple copies; be prepared to fill out applications if required; dress professionally; arrive early; be prepared to discuss career goals and interview on the spot; and be enthusiastic.

The job fair in Houma is one of nine jobs fairs held across the state during October to coincide with Disability Employment Awareness Month in Louisiana. Other stops included Baton Rouge, Shreveport, Lake Charles, Alexandria, Monroe, Lafayette, New Orleans and the Northshore.

The annual job fairs aim to help move job ready citizens with disabilities toward greater self-sufficiency by connecting them with the business community. Since the job fair initiative began six years ago, more than 7,200 job seekers have connected with more than 840 businesses across the state.

Louisiana Rehabilitation Services (LRS), an agency under DSS, is sponsoring the 2009 Louisiana Job Fairs along with the Department of Health & Hospitals' Medicaid Purchase Plan, Work Pays, the Louisiana Workforce Commission, the Governor's Office of Disability Affairs and other sponsors.

LRS' Vocational Rehabilitation program offers individuals with disabilities services designed to provide them with skills, resources, attitudes and expectations needed to find employment and develop a lifelong career. LRS supports the Randolph-Sheppard Business Enterprise Program, which provides citizens who are blind with training and self-supports to own and operate a business.

More on the job fair, including registration information for employers and resources for job seekers, can be found at the DSS Web site, www.dss.louisiana.gov.