‘People with disabilities have equal or higher performance ratings’

There are excellent reasons to hire people with disabilities, as they have equal or higher job performance ratings, higher retention rates, and lower absenteeism, according to acting Gov. Diego T. Benavente as he signed a proclamation declaring October as Disability Employment Month yesterday.

In his remarks, he cited that persons with disabilities and their inclusion in the workforce promotes diversity, which can create better solutions to business challenges.

“Employing people with disabilities is good for the individual, the business, and society. This is a win-win solution,” said Benavente.

Besides, he said disability “is a natural part of the human experience.”

“We will be touched by a disability, either directly or indirectly, at one point in our lives. By paving the way for equal access and opportunity for everyone, regardless of the presence or absence of a disability, we are fulfilling a great promise,” he noted.

Benavente said that the Bush administration’s disability employment theme, “Americans work best when all Americans work” can be applied locally: “The CNMI works best when all CNMI residents work.”

Benavente, in signing the proclamation, said that Bush’s newly introduced New Freedom Initiative aims “to break down remaining barriers such as barriers to the workplace that continue to confront Americans with disabilities.”

Surveys, he said, showed that Americans with physical disabilities are financially inadequate and more likely to be unemployed.

In 1997, over 33 percent of American adults with disabilities lived in a household with an annual income of less than $15,000, compared to the 12 percent of those without disabilities.

“On the local level, my administration pledges to continue working with various stakeholders, including the Office of Rehabilitation, to remove existing barriers, in an effort to improve access to employment and to promote full access to community life,” said Benavente.

Office of Vocational Rehabilitation-State Rehabilitation Council chair William Jones called on employers “to open doors of opportunity for the employment” of people with disabilities.

“Their employment is something that the business community should take seriously if they really want to be part of our community here in the CNMI.”

He said these people are contributing members of the community and have the same rights “you and I have” to be employed in any position that they may be qualified for.

He said OVR stands ready to assist each business or employer wanting to hire people with disabilities.

OVR planner/researcher Arlene Yamagata expressed appreciation to partner agencies “in working toward our common goal of including everyone with and without disabilities in our everyday way of life.”

These agencies include the Council on Developmental Disabilities, Northern Marianas Protection and Advocacy Systems Inc., Public School System, Office of Employment Services under the Department of Labor, Workforce Investment Agency, CNMI Center for Independent Living, State Rehabilitation Council, and Saipan Call-A-Ride operated by PDI.