TEXARKANA, Ark. -- Arkansas Rehabilitation Services hosted their National Disability Employment Awareness presentation on Thursday at the Southwest Electric Cooperative to inform local businesses about services they offer that can assist with inclusion in the workplace.
"So many people do not realize what our services include and what we can do for people with disability, as well as business and industry in the area," said Teara Lindholm, business engagement representative with Arkansas Division of Workforce Services, Arkansas Rehabilitation Services Division.
Texas side Mayor Bob Bruggeman read a proclamation designating the month of October as National Disability Employment Awareness Month. The document detailed how the efforts to support inclusion in workplaces throughout Texarkana will continue and why those initiatives are essential to the community.
"We are here to celebrate the 77 anniversary of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, and I think it is important that we always keep in mind those in the workforce who have disabilities," Bruggeman said.
Arkansas Rehabilitation Services provides an abundance of training and programs for clients with disabilities wishing to enter, return to or become better employees in the workforce. Throughout the state of Arkansas, ARS has 19 field offices stretched across all 75 counties where individuals with disabilities can receive assistance with accessibility and training.
Vocational rehabilitation by ARS is offered free of charge to Arkansans with diagnosed disabilities.
"We pay for college; we pay for training," Lindholm said. "If someone is already working and they need tools or any kind of accommodations in the workplace, we can help pay for that."
ARS offers counseling services, testing, job training, adult education, GED support, job readiness preparation and medical services assistance in the workplace for clients. Available services aid with managing disabilities such as asthma, ADHD, diabetes, deaf/hard of hearing, depression, various learning disorders and more.
"The Texarkana USA Regional Chamber of Commerce is proud to support Teara and her team at Arkansas Rehabilitation Services," said Denis Washington, Texarkana USA Regional Chamber of Commerce President. "National Disability Employment Awareness Month is crucial for our community to learn more about inclusive workplaces. Businesses in our community have benefited from their services, and we encourage others to take advantage of what is available to them through this program."
Arkansas Rehabilitation Services is at 2807 E. Broad St. Call the agency at 870-773-2807.