Burlington County Hosting Employment and Resource Fair to Assist Residents with Disabilities

WESTAMPTON – October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month and Burlington County is hosting a special employment and resource fair for residents with disabilities and their families.

Sponsored by the Burlington County Commissioners, the Burlington County Department of Human Services Workforce Development Board and Waters & Sims Supported Employment Services, the fair will be held on Monday, Oct. 23, from 9 AM to noon at the Burlington County Human Services Building, 795 Woodlane Road, Westampton.

More than 30 employers and providers are scheduled to participate.

“Burlington County is home to a diverse and talented labor force, which includes residents with disabilities,” said Burlington County Commissioner Director Felicia Hopson. “We want Burlington County to be a premier destination for all residents to live and work and events like this help ensure we all have opportunities for employment and careers.”

State Senator Troy Singleton also encouraged residents to take advantage of the fair.

“Individuals with disabilities deserve access to quality housing, recreation and employment,” said Senator Singleton.  “I applaud Burlington County for organizing an event like this one to help residents easily obtain information about available services and job opportunities.”

Residents interested in employment opportunities are encouraged to dress professionally and bring multiple copies of their resume. There will be opportunities for some job seekers to meet with area employers at the event.

Among the organizations scheduled to participate are: The Burlington County American Jobs Center, Rowan College at Burlington County, Occupational Training Center, Abilities Solutions, Acenda Behaviroal Health, Advocacy Services Unlimited, APL & Associates, Avenues to Independent Living, ARC of Camden County, ARC of Ocean County, Bancroft, Center for Family Services, Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired, Community Options, Connect Plus Therapy, Equal Opportunity Support Services, Estes Express, Goodwill Industries of Southern NJ & PA, Jefferson Health/Moss Rehab, Jewish Family and Children Services, New Jersey Civil Service Commission, New Jersey Department of Labor, New Jersey Department of Children and Families, New Jersey Department of Vocational Rehabilitation, New Jersey Division of Civil Rights, St. John of God, Traumatic Brain Injury Fund/Cognitive Treatment Services, Waters & Sims, Women’s Opportunity Network and the YALE School.

This job fair is the 5th employment event organized by Burlington County this year. The first was held in March and featured employers from the construction and utilities fields. A May fair targeted teen and young adult job seekers and one in June was designed for residents interested in careers in health care. September’s general career fair featured more than 50 employers and drew over 450 job seekers.

“We’ve seen first-hand how these employment fairs can help connect businesses with qualified and talented employees,” said Hopson. “Holding these events is a win for our employers and those residents looking for jobs or new career opportunities.”

Burlington County is also a leader in ensuring accessibility for residents with disabilities, with more than 50 miles of accessible trails and multiple inclusive playgrounds with equipment designed to accommodate all abilities.

Earlier this year, the County assisted the Burington County Special Services School District to replace its school playground with a new, larger accessible play area that is open for students and the public. The County also announced plans to build two new inclusive playgrounds at Long Bridge Park in Hainesport, and to study routes for 50 miles of accessible trails through central and southern Burlington County.

This year, the County also installed special hearing loops, portable hearing hotspots, transmitters and receivers in various offices, meeting rooms, lobbies and court facilities at the County Administration Buildings and Courthouse in Mount Holly and at the Burlington County Human Services Building, Health Department Building and Burlington County Library. The devices are designed to assist people who are hard of hearing or hearing impaired to make it easier for them to interact with government officials and participate in public meetings or proceedings.

“Our County has made numerous improvements to ensure County parks and government facilities are as accessible as possible, and we continue to look for new areas and projects to aid in that endeavor,” said Hopson. “Disability rights are civil rights and our Board is proud to support actions to make Burlington County one of the most inclusive counties in the nation.”