ST. LOUIS (KMOX) - Building a diverse workforce that celebrates employees with disabilities is the goal of this week's Reverse Job Fair at Belleville West High School.Department of Mental Health Employment Specialist Sandy Keyser tells KMOX this free event is not a typical job fair.
Keyser says "the first thing we want to accomplish, we want companies in the area feeling more confident and comfortable in hiring people with disabilities."
Unemployment for workers with disabilities is at 10 percent, which is much higher than the local average at around 3-4 percent.
Keyser adds "people with disabilities they want to have jobs, they want to feel valued, they want to contribute to society, they want that self sufficiency."
Thursday's Job fair starts with an employers workshop, awards and lunch discussion Then, employers have a chance to meet with skilled workers. Unlike a traditional job fair, with employees seeking out the employers, it's the opposite, the employer goes to the worker.Thursday's free event is open to the public, you can register online HERE.