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CARF has accredited Parents Alliance Employment Project for its Employment Services: Community Employment Services in Job Development, Job Supports, and Job Site Training Programs.

Hiring People with Disabilities to Increase Company Productivity and Profits

(Oak Brook, IL, May 11, 2009) - Businesses are struggling to keep afloat in the current economic climate.  Hiring individuals with disabilities can help businesses to improve productivity and tap into the disability market to increase profits. On May 11th, 2009, 25 employers and HR professionals attended Opening the Door to Disability: Tapping a New Market at Hamburger University at McDonald’s Campus in Oak Brook, IL to learn the benefits and incentives of hiring individuals with disabilities from employers who have successfully hired people with disabilities in the past.

Phil Kosak, the owner and CEO of Carolina Fine Snacks, Greensboro, N.C, delivered keynote remarks.  Mr. Kosak is a true pioneer in hiring people with disabilities. Since 1988, approximately half of his employees have been persons with disabilities. In addition, an employer panel shared their experiences in hiring people with disabilities and answered participant’s questions.  Panelists included managers and HR directors from McDonald’s Corporation, Walgreens, Hyatt, and the Village of Downers Grove.

State Representatives Patti Bellock, and Mike Connelly sponsored the forum, along with PAEP partner organizations Choose DuPage, the DuPage Workforce Board, and workNet DuPage. 

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