Minnesota’s unemployment rate remains impressively low, currently standing at 3.1 percent. Unfortunately, it’s three times higher for people with disabilities. But during October, which is Disability Employment Awareness Month, this under-represented talent pool will have the opportunity to meet one-on-one with employers in a unique job fair.
Presented by ShelettaMakesMeLaugh.com, the job fair is geared specifically at adults with autism.
“We need to erase these disparities,” said podcaster, broadcaster and small business owner Sheletta Brundidge.
The mother of three school-aged children with autism, she is an advocate for people of all ages who are on the spectrum.
“We want to get the word out to folks with autism and their families that there are companies that want to talk to them about jobs. They are ready to hire,” said Brundidge. “Our economy needs these workers!”
The job fair will be held at the State Services for the Blind at 2200 University Avenue West, #240 in St Paul from 10 to noon on October 26th. Doors will open to applicants at 9:00 a.m. to help them get ready. Job seekers can get assistance with resume review and interview preparations from staff from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development.
“Some folks can experience sensory overload in an environment like this, so we will have private rooms where they can sit for a bit if they’re feeling overwhelmed,” said Marci Jasper, business consultant, Vocational Rehabilitation Services, MN DEED.
“I think that people with autism, people with disabilities in general, can get lost in the larger job fairs,” she added. “This smaller event with a more narrow focus is going to be beneficial for these candidates.”
Jasper said that in today’s tight employment market, more employers are willing, even eager, to tailor jobs to make them more attractive to prospects with various disabilities.
“We are excited to welcome people. It’s an opportunity for them and and opportunity for us,” said Jim Platten, job navigator for M Health Fairview, a recruiter who will be at the job fair meeting candidates.
“We are in the service industry and the need is huge,” he said. “We have jobs starting at entry level and moving on up, in housekeeping, dietary services, patient care and support, at Fairview and within Ebenezer, which is part of our organization.”
Employers attending at the autism job fair include numerous local businesses—large and small, public and private—that partner with Brundidge as sponsors and advertisers on her podcasting platform.
Among them is the Minneapolis Police Department.
“Our city and our department believes in being an equal opportunity employer,” said Sgt. Keia Boyd, recruiter for the MPD. “We are recreating our department so in addition to officers, we are hiring civilian support staff. We have tons of jobs in admin, training, working in our property room, looking at data and statistics. We run a big machine."
Sgt. Boyd reminded people who plan to attend that the hiring process is always a two-way street.
“This is about, are you a fit for us, but also, are we a fit for you. Bring an open mind and remember that it’s okay to ask questions of any employer,” she said. “Show up with your head up. There are plenty of employers that want you and need you.”