OVR News
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- Written by Jim Rayphand
The authorizing, federal law for the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation requires that we set aside at least 15% of our basic support/supported employment federal funds to provide "pre-employment transition services" to "students with Disabilities who are eligible or potentially eligible for VR services." As such, we are looking for creative ideas and/or proven ways to deliver pre-employment services accordingly. We welcome proposals from qualified vendors/contractors to provide Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) for high school students with disabilities. Required Activities must include one or all of the following:
1. Job exploration counseling
Job exploration counseling may be provided in a classroom or community setting and include information regarding in-demand industry sectors and occupations, as well as non-traditional employment, labor market composition, administration of vocational interest inventories, and identification of career pathways of interest to the students. Job exploration counseling provided on an individual basis might be provided in school or the community and include discussion of the student's vocational interest inventory results, in-demand occupations, career pathways, and local labor market information that applies to those particular interests.
2. Work-based learning experiences
Work-based learning experiences in a group setting may include coordinating a school-based program of job training and informational interviews to research employers, work-site tours to learn about necessary job skills, job shadowing, or mentoring opportunities in the community. Work-based learning experiences on an individual basis could include work experiences to explore the student's area of interest through paid and unpaid internships, apprenticeships (not including pre-apprenticeships and Registered Apprenticeships), short-term employment, fellowships, or on-the-job trainings located in the community. These services are those that would be most beneficial to an individual in the early stages of employment exploration during the transition process from school to post-school activities, including employment. Should a student need more individualized services (e.g., job coaching, orientation and mobility training, travel expenses, uniforms or assistive technology), he or she would need to apply and be determined eligible for vocational rehabilitation services and develop and have an approved individualized plan for employment. These additional services must be charged TO VR expenditure separate from the funds reserved for providing pre-employment transition services.
3. Counseling on postsecondary education options
Counseling on opportunities for enrollment in comprehensive transition or postsecondary educational programs at institutions of higher education in a group setting may include information on course offerings, career options, the types of academic and occupational training needed to succeed in the workplace, and postsecondary opportunities associated with career fields or pathways. This information may also be provided on an individual basis and may include advising students and parents or representatives on academic curricula, college application and admissions processes, completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), and resources that may be used to support individual student success in education and training, which could include disability support services.
4. Workplace readiness training
Workplace readiness training may include programming to develop social skills and independent living, such as communication and interpersonal skills, financial literacy, orientation and mobility skills, job-seeking skills, understanding employer expectations for punctuality and performance, as well as other “soft” skills necessary for employment. These services may include instruction, as well as opportunities to acquire and apply knowledge. These services may be provided in a generalized manner in a classroom setting or be tailored to an individual's needs in a training program provided in an educational or community setting.
5. Instruction in self-advocacy
Instruction in self-advocacy in a group setting may include generalized classroom lessons in which students learn about their rights, responsibilities, and how to request accommodations or services and supports needed during the transition from secondary to postsecondary education and employment. During these lessons, students may share their thoughts, concerns, and needs, in order to prepare them for peer mentoring opportunities with individuals working in their area(s) of interest. Further individual opportunities may be arranged for students to conduct informational interviews or mentor with educational staff such as principals, nurses, teachers, or office staff; or they may mentor with individuals employed by or volunteering for employers, boards, associations, or organizations in integrated community settings. Students may also participate in youth leadership activities offered in educational or community settings.
For more detailed information about Pre-ETS, interested vendors are welcome to schedule a meeting with and/or email Jim Rayphand at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Connielynn Camacho at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more or may pick up a description of services at the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation located at Delgado Drive, Navy Hill or call the office at (670) 322-6537/38.
/s/ James M. Rayphand, Director
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NEEDS ASSESSMENT SURVEY FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES
CNMI’s Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) and the State Rehabilitation Council are conducting a comprehensive needs assessment of the vocational rehabilitation needs of individuals with disabilities in the CNMI. As a former, current, or potential consumer of OVR services your input into this needs assessment is very important to us and will help OVR to more effectively meet the needs of people with disabilities in the CNMI. Please participate in this assessment by completing a brief survey that should take no more than 12-15 minutes of your time. Please complete the survey by January 5, 2024. The survey is completely anonymous. You will not be asked for your name anywhere on this survey. You can access the survey by clicking on the following link:
CNMI 2023-24 CSNA – Individual Survey
We appreciate you taking the time to complete this survey. Please feel free to forward this note to any other individuals with disabilities or their families in CNMI. Your input is critical to helping us improve vocational rehabilitation services.
Thank you for participating!
Project Director
The Vocational Rehabilitation Technical Assistance Center for Quality Management (VRTAC-QM) www.vrtac-qm.org
Interwork Institute, SDSU
6367 Alvarado Court, Suite 350
San Diego, CA 92120
858-232-0289 (Please leave a message if I do not answer)
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
CALLING ALL COMMUNITY PARTNERS TO TAKE NEEDS ASSESSMENT SURVEY
Dear Community Partner:
The Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) and the State Rehabilitation Council (SRC) are conducting a comprehensive statewide needs assessment of the employment needs of individuals with disabilities in the CNMI. As part of this assessment, we have developed a survey that we are asking you to complete so that we can include the knowledge and experience of our community partners. The results of this survey will be used to better plan and carry out programs and services that meet the changing needs of persons with disabilities.
As a provider of services to individuals with disabilities, you and/or other staff members in your organization have significant experience working with and observing the needs of individuals served or potentially served by OVR. Your informed, professional opinions are essential elements in our efforts to assemble an accurate picture of the needs of these individuals. Please take this opportunity to complete the survey developed to obtain your input. Please complete the survey as soon as possible, but no later than January 5, 2024. Please click on the link below to take the survey:
CNMI 2023-24 CSNA – Partner Survey
Your responses will be treated as anonymous information and you will not be asked for your name anywhere in the survey.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and experiences with us.
Chaz Compton, Ed.D., CRC
Project Director
The Vocational Rehabilitation Technical Assistance Center for Quality Management (VRTAC-QM) www.vrtac-qm.org
Interwork Institute, SDSU
6367 Alvarado Court, Suite 350
San Diego, CA 92120
858-232-0289 (Please leave a message if I do not answer)
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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- Written by Jim Rayphand
IT is something of an understatement to say that the primary measure of “success” for the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation otherwise known as OVR which is employment for individuals with disabilities rests almost entirely in the hands of employers. Put another way, OVR would not exist, if not for employers. And yet, contrary to popular belief, the onus for getting and maintaining employment still rests squarely on the individuals themselves, not on OVR and certainly not on the employers. Individuals with disabilities, like everyone else, still have a responsibility to be qualified for the jobs that they want to hold and, given individual will and determination, OVR can assist in making that happen.
No doubt persons with disabilities face unique challenges and barriers to employment which their non-disabled peers do not, but that in and of itself does not entitle them employment. It does however entitle them to a series of special class legal protections, government benefits and services, but not to employment itself.
The CNMI has a unique (to my knowledge no other state in the nation has anything remotely similar) collaborative spirit among several of its local agencies tasked with coordinating, facilitating and providing said entitlements and services on behalf of individuals with disabilities. Known as the Disability Network Partners or DNP, we stand in solidarity around the common mission of helping all people with disabilities to achieve their employment goals, live independent lives as contributing members of our community and in support of their general quest for life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. The core partners of the DNP (this is not an exhaustive list), their respective mission/functions and contact information include the following:
• Center for Living Independently: “To ensure the rights of people with disabilities to live independently and fully integrated within the community.”
Call (670) 322-4303/04 / 287-4304 or email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
• Council on Developmental Disabilities: “To promote systems change to ensure that individuals with disabilities and their families have the same opportunities as others in the community." Call (670) 664-7000 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
• University Centers of Excellence in Developmental Disabilities: “To promote, support and enhance the independence, productivity, integration, and inclusion of individuals with disabilities and their families in the community.” Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
• Northern Marianas Protection & Advocacy Systems Inc.: “To protect the civil, legal and human rights of individuals with disabilities” through legally based advocacy. Call (670) 235-7273/4 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
• Office of Vocational Rehabilitation/Office of the Governor: “To promote independence and increase employment among individuals with disabilities in the CNMI.” Call (670) 322-6537/8 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Employment of people with disabilities is not common place and often takes coordinated, proactive efforts by a team of people to make it happen. Despite the countless examples of people with disabilities being excellent employees, they still have to contend with prejudice and discrimination even from employers. That being said, it gives us great pleasure to recognize the handful of employers who do not shy away from opportunities to partner with OVR in making employment goals for our clients a reality. More specifically, OVR in partnership with other DNP members acknowledge and thank the following employers for their extended partnerships this past year in providing work experience, on-the-job training and, in a few cases, full-time employment for individuals with disabilities.
Employers
DCCA-DYS
August Supermarket
Kinpachi
Joeten Kiyu Public Library
PSS-MHS
PSS-SSHS
DPW-Tinian
Tinian Ice & Water Bottling Company
PSS-KHS
DPS-Rota
Delta Management-Shell
Center of Living Independently
JJ & K Company
Tinian Mayor's Office
Hyatt
Joeten Superstore
Green Meadow
Tinian Western Lodge
When asked, “What message they’d like to convey to employers and community members during NDEAM regarding the importance of inclusion and equal opportunities in the workforce?,” our OVR counselors shared a common theme of, “give them a chance.”
To quote a couple of them:
- “Open your doors to our qualified individuals with disabilities and give them the opportunity to show their potential and what they can offer to your company.” – Rose Ichiuo, VR counselor
- “Give persons with disabilities an opportunity to be employed and take advantage of OVR’s programs on work employment training and on the job training.” – Ray Diaz, VR counselor
As for any advice to individuals with disabilities who are looking to secure employment, “Active participation is the key to achieving your employment goal…utilize the resources provided by OVR and participate fully in your application and individualized plan for employment.”
For more on National Disability Employment Awareness Month and/or the Disability Network Partners, please contact the OVR office or any of the listed partners via above contact information.
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I was a guidance counselor at NMC Upward Bound Program the first time I got to work with a student with disability who was interested in attending Northern Marianas College after high school. In the context of vocational rehabilitation, we call this pre-employment transition services, more specifically “counseling on opportunities for enrollment in comprehensive transition or postsecondary educational programs at institutions of higher education.” That experience, in addition to having a relative who has mental illness, inspired me to become a vocational rehabilitation counselor. I find my work most rewarding when the consumers fully participate in their rehabilitation plans and obtain employment.
As an example of the many ways OVR can assist individuals with disabilities to achieve their employment goals, I am reminded of a particular person with an intellectual disability who was very shy and reached out to OVR to seek employment. This person had difficulty in completing a job application and comprehending conversations due to her low reading level. OVR provided work experience training in an office environment, adult readiness training, work apparel, and on-the-training in a retail store environment. Through the experience and encouragement, the person learned to be more open with other individuals and seek assistance when needed. Eventually, at the end of her OJT program, the consumer was hired by the company as a regular employee. Ultimately, our primary goal at OVR is to help people with disabilities in every way allowable in order that their disabilities do not hinder their employment goals and that they get hired. This was an example of a successful outcome (“Status 26: Closed Successfully Rehabilitated”).
Additionally, we provide counseling, guidance, along with information and referral to consumers at Northern Marianas College or Northern Marianas Technical Institute to help them achieve employment. It might take longer for individuals with disabilities to complete their academic program and obtain college degrees, which makes counseling and guidance such an important service to ensure that they complete their degree program and continue to believe in themselves and believe that they can do anything. Providing information and referral is also important because consumers can use the information and seek proper assistance to achieve employment.
Consumers have rights and responsibilities when they engage with OVR. These rights include confidentiality of information—all the information provided to OVR is kept confidential. Personal information is used for the purpose directly connected with the provision of vocational rehabilitation services. All information is kept confidential in accordance with federal, state, and local laws.
These rights also include the right to contact and avail of the Client Assistance Program, otherwise known as CAP with the Northern Marianas Protection & Advocacy Systems, Inc. The Client Assistance Program provides assistance in informing and advising the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation consumer and applicants of all available benefits under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended. CAP also seeks to assist OVR applicants and consumers, when requested, in their relationships with projects, programs, and facilities providing services to them under the Rehabilitation Act. This includes assistance in pursuing legal, administrative or other appropriate remedies to ensure the protection of the rights of consumers under this program.
Collaborating with employers by having meaningful conversation and providing information to create inclusive workplaces that benefit both workers with disabilities and their employers is another critical function of our counselors at OVR. I say meaningful conversation because I want employers to understand individuals with disabilities are people too. They want to be respected and given the opportunity to show their talents.
It is important to have assistive technology and accommodations in helping individuals with disabilities to be successful in the workplace. There are individuals with disabilities who would need a low assistive technology such as putting a stack of books to elevate the computer or high assistive technology such as motorized wheelchair. It is important for employers to be aware of job accommodations, which they can seek JAN (Job Accommodation Network), www.askjan.com for assistance.
Finally, as a long-time counselor, I would advise and highly recommend that individuals with disabilities who are looking to secure employment learn to self-advocate and utilize resources provided by OVR. I encourage individuals with disabilities to make connections with the Disability Network Partners in the community, which can also provide resources to achieve employment.
I encourage employers and community members to see individuals with disabilities as contributing members of society. Employers should see them for their abilities, not their disabilities.
For more on the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation and the services provided therein, contact us at (670) 322-6537/8 or here.
| Click here for NDEAM 2023 |
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Jim Arenovski - President, Delta Management Corp.
In honor of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, I am excited to spotlight a couple of transformative programs that have not only proven extremely advantageous for Delta Management but have also paved the way for employment opportunities for the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation consumers.
Delta Management proudly operates five Shell-branded service stations on Saipan and has forged a fruitful partnership with OVR, participating in both the work experience and on-the-job training programs for several years. These initiatives bear the remarkable benefit of funding employee wages, making them a low-risk endeavor for employers.
As entrepreneurs, we should be actively seeking ways to dismantle the barriers preventing this particular group of citizens from securing interviews and employment. It's important to note that individuals with disabilities are a protected class under the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, akin to age, sex, and race, and cannot be subjected to discrimination. These programs offer OVR consumers access to employment opportunities that they might not otherwise have. If you've ever encountered challenges in finding suitable candidates for your business, and haven't yet explored the possibilities with OVR, now is the perfect time to do so.
Given the ongoing labor challenges in the CNMI, these programs offer an invaluable solution for employers, allowing them to identify, interview, assess, and onboard OVR consumers who have demonstrated success.
The process commences with businesses providing OVR with the essential prerequisites for consumer success. These could include the ability to stand for extended periods, lift objects, and possess basic communication or math skills. OVR carefully screens its consumers to match the most suitable candidates with these requirements. Given the diversity of disabilities among OVR consumers, precision in defining your needs is key.
The next step involves a meeting or interview with the consumer, typically conducted at the OVR office and attended by the OVR counselor and the consumer's advocate, such as a parent or guardian. It's important to remember that many of these consumers may lack experience with interviews or jobs. As an employer, your role in this relationship is to offer encouragement, training, and guidance to help them become experienced and effective employees.
The key to success lies in identifying consumers who are eager and willing, and then equipping them with the necessary job skills for success.
Upon deciding to accept the consumer, the work experience program begins, which entails processing requirements and paperwork, taking roughly a month before the consumer starts working. After demonstrating their ability to meet the basic job requirements during the three-month work experience program, you can collaborate with OVR to transition to the on-the-job training program. On occasion, you may find that a consumer isn't able to perform the job, in which case the work experience can be terminated without proceeding to on-the-job training.
At the conclusion of the on-the-job training program, the consumer can be officially hired. At Delta Management, we've achieved a remarkable 100% success rate, with consumers evolving into valuable team members and even earning promotions. We take great pride in our track record and remain committed to attracting talent to meet our growing business needs.
Here are some key practices that have made our partnership with OVR successful:
1. Approach this program with the intent of finding a dedicated employee.
2. Understand that while there may be a more extended training process, the outcome is an effective and loyal employee. Once they've learned the job, they often excel.
3. Ensure your staff responsible for training the consumer understands that learning may take longer and that encouragement is crucial.
4. Regularly seek feedback from trainers regarding the consumer's progress and make adjustments as necessary.
5. Maintain regular check-ins with the consumer to gauge progress and address any challenges they may be encountering.
6. Treat the consumer like any other employee, holding them to the same standards as other staff members in terms of punctuality and code of conduct policies, but with a little extra care and understanding.
7. Promptly report any issues with the consumer to the OVR counselor for swift resolution.
I strongly encourage employers to explore the opportunities available for these consumers in your business. The experience is not only rewarding, but we have found that these employees are exceptionally dedicated and loyal. OVR's training programs have made a significant impact on our business at Delta Management, and I wholeheartedly recommend reaching out to OVR to see how these programs can align with your company's goals.
Jim Arenovski is president of Delta Management Corp., which operates five Shell gas stations on Saipan.
| Click here for NDEAM 2023 |
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- Written by Arlene Yamagata
THE CNMI Office of Vocational Rehabilitation otherwise known as OVR exists to help people with disabilities obtain and/or retain jobs in order to be self-reliant. But here’s something else: OVR would not exist without employers who are the hidden gems of OVR. How so? Because with employers, people with disabilities have a job to go to.
Think about it this way: OVR helps people with disabilities prepare for the workforce by connecting them with employers. This includes things like training and gaining work experience. But the real magic happens when employers open their doors to consumers (aka clients) and give them a chance to shine.
Now, let’s talk about why employers are amazingly important. First, in partnership with OVR, they offer something called work experience training. It’s like a practice run for the real job. Imagine learning to swim by actually swimming — that’s how important work experience is. And employers can make this happen, and it’s a huge deal!
But that’s not all. Employers, through OVR, also offer on-the-job training, or OJT. This is like having a personal coach in the workplace. They guide and support people with disabilities, helping them to become great and efficient at their job.
At OVR, we appreciate our employers very much. They’re like the special ingredient that makes everything come together nicely. Without them, the success stories we see promoted by OVR wouldn’t be possible.
Imagine a person who couldn’t find a job because of their disability. Now, picture them with a job, earning their own money, and feeling proud of the work they do. This change in their life is huge —it’s life-changing! And it’s all thanks, in great part, to our employers.
So, next time you hear about OVR and the amazing work they do, remember the hidden gems — the employers. They’re the ones making dreams come true, one job at a time. Together, we are changing lives for the better.
On Oct. 26, OVR, together with our collaborating partners, will be sponsoring the Annual Employers Recognition Ceremony, in which about 20 employers will be recognized for their valued contributions to disability employment. Stay tuned!
For more on the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation and the various ways it can help people with disabilities to obtain or maintain employment, please call (670) 322-6537/8 or contact us here.
ARLENE YAMAGATA
OVR Case Services Manager
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Month.
Last Sept. 28, 2023, Gov. Arnold I. Palacios and Lt. Gov. David M. Apatang held an intimate gathering of individuals with disabilities and various advocates for a proclamation signing to declare the month of October as National Disability Employment Awareness Month, commonly referred to as NDEAM. “Advancing Access and Equity: Then, Now and Next” is the nationally recognized theme for the month
NDEAM's roots go back to 1945 when Congress enacted a law declaring the first week in October each year "National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week." In 1962, the word "physically" was removed to acknowledge the employment needs and contributions of individuals with all types of disabilities. In 1988, Congress expanded the week to a month and changed the name to "National Disability Employment Awareness Month." Upon its establishment in 2001, the Office of Disability Employment Policy assumed responsibility for NDEAM and has worked to expand its reach and scope ever since.
Our Gov. Palacios (landing a mere few hours off a whirlwind trip to the nation’s capital for meetings with President Joe Biden and other leaders from the Pacific region) pointed out at last week’s ceremony that, “We’ve been doing this every year and I continue to be impressed by [so many of you]. …It’s important that we keep doing everything we can to recognize ‘the valued contributions people with disabilities make in our nation’s workplaces’ and make sure that every citizen is included in any programs or employment opportunities, whether it be in government or in private businesses. It’s important that we continue to advocate for those who may in one way or another have some sort of disability.”
Essentially, he was acknowledging individuals with disabilities at the ceremony who, despite the challenges inherent with having a disability, continue to persevere in the workplace and lead meaningful lives as contributing members of our community.
Among the speakers during the proclamation signing, John Cabrera, a young man who uses a wheelchair as a result of a spinal injury incurred during a car accident when he was 10 years old, shared that (thanks in large part to community advocates and general support from disability-related programs acknowledging his abilities and advocating with him) he has “been gainfully employed for 14 years—10 years with OVR and four with NMPASI.”
For his part, Preston Basa, vice chairperson for the State Rehabilitation Council, former special education teacher and current vice principal of Marianas High School, reminded everyone in a written statement read by Interim Education Commissioner Donna Flores that “NDEAM serves as a platform to bring attention to the importance of creating inclusive workplaces that provide equal opportunities for individuals with disabilities. It encourages employers to hire, retain, and promote people with disabilities, recognizing the unique skills and perspectives they bring to the workforce. Throughout the month of October, various organizations, employers, advocacy groups, and government agencies across the nation conduct events, workshops, and outreach programs to educate the public about disability employment issues and promote a more inclusive workforce.”
Furthermore, he reminded everyone that just two days prior to the proclamation ceremony, “we celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. On Sept. 26, 1973, this important law was passed to ensure that people with disabilities have equal opportunities and access to various aspects of life, just like everyone else. Before this law, life was often much harder for people with disabilities. They faced discrimination, and it was tough to get an education or a good job. Imagine a world where some doors are open to you, but others are closed simply because of who you are or the challenges you face.”
“Fundamentally,” he said, “this law is all about ensuring that people with disabilities are not left behind, that they have the same opportunities as everyone else. It is about removing barriers and opening doors.”
A timely note in the proclamation reads that, “Welcoming the talents of all people, including people with disabilities, is a critical part of our efforts to build an inclusive community and strong economy.” Still, employment of people with disabilities is not commonplace for a variety of factors; unfortunately, in many cases due simply to a lack of will or preconceived notions about people with disabilities from employers. Despite the countless examples of people with disabilities being excellent employees, they still have to contend with prejudice and discrimination often due to perceived inabilities regardless of their actual abilities.
As of August 2023 the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the unemployment rate for people with disabilities at 7.9% versus 3.8% for their non-disabled peers—more than double. Locally, of 193 individuals who sought VR services in fiscal year 2023, only 31 were or have been employed—somewhere around 16%. For emphasis, that’s just people with disabilities who sought and were deemed eligible for VR services this past fiscal year.
The point being that anything any of us can do to incentivize employers or entice them to think twice before dismissing the possibility of hiring someone with a disability would be welcomed—everyone should be an advocate!
Our Disability Network Partners stand in solidarity around the common mission of helping all people with disabilities to achieve their employment goals, live independent lives as contributing members of our community and in support of their general quest for life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Though much has been done and we have come a long way, there is still much more to be done.
In the heartfelt words of our lieutenant governor, “Nobody should be singled out from enjoying all the great resources that God has given us. …All the resources we find and use on this earth (including love, protection and care) should be shared among all. Thank you all for keeping the work and purpose that you serve going.”
For more on NDEAM or the CNMI’s Disability Network Partners, please contact the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation under the Office of the Governor at (670) 322-6537/8 or send us a message here.
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| Click here for NDEAM 2023 |
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Jim Rayphand - OVR Director
Good afternoon.
My name is Jim Rayphand. I work under the Office of the Governor as the Director for the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation otherwise known as OVR.
I am mindful of lobbying restrictions applicable to me and OVR as recipient of federal grant funds used in the administration of Vocational Rehabilitation programs namely that I may not influence or attempt to influence legislation by advocating for the adoption or rejection of proposed legislation. I’m not here to do either – that decision is, of course, best left up to you.
Rather I come before you to share some stark realities about the employment of people with disabilities. I’d be remiss not to note that just last week our Governor and Lt. Governor proclaimed the month of October as National Disability Employment Awareness Month as a reminder, among other things, “of the valued contributions people with disabilities make in our Nation’s workplaces… Welcoming the talents of all people, including people with disabilities, are a critical part of our efforts to build an inclusive community and strong economy.”
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics – these are the most current figures I could find:
As of August 2023 the unemployment rate for people with disabilities was listed at 7.9% versus 3.8% for their non-disabled peers – more than double.
Locally, of 193 individuals who sought VR services in FY 2023 only 31 were or have been employed – somewhere around 16% … for emphasis, that’s just people with disabilities who sought and were deemed eligible for VR services.
Employment of people with disabilities is not common place… for a variety of factors and yes, in many cases due to a lack of will from employers. Despite the countless examples of people with disabilities being excellent employees, they still have to contend with prejudice and discrimination even from employers.
The point being that anything this body or anybody can do to incent employers or entice them to think twice before dismissing the possibility of hiring someone with a disability would be a good thing.
I’ll end by saying that our Disability Network Partners stand in solidarity around the common mission of helping all people with disabilities to achieve their employment goals, live independent lives as contributing members of our community and in support of their general quest for life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
Thank you for letting me share.
| Click here for 2023 NDEAM |
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 John Cabrera, second from right, delivers his welcoming remarks during the Proclamation Signing Ceremony for National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) at the Governor’s conference room on 9/28/23. Also in photo are Honorable Governor Arnold Palacios, Honorable Lt. Governor David Apatang, and OVR Director Jimbo Rayphand (partially hidden). This year’s theme is “Advancing Access and Equity: Then, Now and Next.” |
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| Welcoming Remarks by SRC Secretary John Cabrera | |
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Good morning everyone. My name is John Cabrera. I am the Secretary for the State Rehabilitation Council, I am a Client Advocate at NMPASI and I am also a self-advocate. I would like to officially welcome you all to the 2023 National Disability Employment Awareness Month Proclamation Signing. NDEAM is nationally celebrated every October and is dedicated to both raising awareness about disability employment and promoting the inclusion of individuals with disabilities in the workforce. I am moved to be here before you as living proof that disabilities do not have to be barriers to meaningful and rewarding employment. I worked at OVR for 10 years, and have been with NMPASI for 4 years now, with a total of 14 years and counting, being gainfully employed. I have had the privilege of working in a supportive and inclusive environment, where my abilities are valued over any limitations. My journey has been marked by challenges, resilience, and the unwavering support of family, colleagues, community partners, and employers who believe in the power of diversity and inclusion. During this month and beyond, let us commit ourselves to the mission of NDEAM, not only in words but in actions. Let us champion the rights and opportunities of individuals with disabilities, ensuring they can fully participate in the workforce and contribute their unique talents to our communities and industries. I extend my gratitude to all of you for being here today, for your dedication to the cause of disability employment, and for your unwavering support. Together, we can build a more inclusive and equitable future where every individual, regardless of their abilities, has the opportunity to thrive and succeed in the workplace. Thank you for joining us as we celebrate NDEAM and let us continue to work together to make meaningful change happen.
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| Proclamation Speech by SRC Vice Chair Preston Basa on Brief History of NDEAM and Rehab Act | |
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Today, I would like to share a brief history on National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The NDEAM serves as a platform to bring attention to the importance of creating inclusive workplaces that provide equal opportunities for individuals with disabilities. It encourages employers to hire, retain, and promote people with disabilities, recognizing the unique skills and perspectives they bring to the workforce. Throughout the month of October, various organizations, employers, advocacy groups, and government agencies across the nation conduct events, workshops, and outreach programs to educate the public about disability employment issues and promote a more inclusive workforce. A couple of days ago, we celebrated the 50th Anniversary of this law. On September 26, 1973, this important law was passed to ensure that people with disabilities have equal opportunities and access to various aspects of life, just like everyone else. Before this law, life was often much harder for people with disabilities. They faced discrimination, and it was tough to get an education or a good job. Imagine a world where some doors are open to you, but others are closed simply because of who you are or the challenges you face. The Rehabilitation Act was designed to change that and open more doors for people with disabilities. A key part of this law is Section 504. It said that places that got money from the federal government could not discriminate against people with disabilities. They had to make their places and programs accessible to everyone. This was a big deal because it meant that people with disabilities could be a part of everything, just like everyone else. The impact of this law has been huge. It led the way for laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which is still in effect today to make sure that everyone has a fair shot. Thanks to the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, we have more accessible buildings, better job opportunities, and more inclusive schools. It is a law that keeps making life better for everyone. Fundamentally, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is all about ensuring that people with disabilities are not left behind, that they have the same opportunities as everyone else. It is about removing barriers and opening doors. With that said, let us remember and celebrate this important step in our journey toward a more inclusive and fair society, where everyone, no matter their abilities, can pursue their dreams and live life to the fullest. Together, we can ensure that every individual has the chance to shine and contribute their unique talents to our society. Thank you and have a wonderful day! |
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| Closing Remarks by Susan Satur, Secretary, CNMI Statewide Independent Living Council | |
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Thank our Governor and Lieutenant Governor for all the continual support provided to the disability community. Thank you to the CNMI community for becoming more involved and supportive of hiring people with disabilities. Thank you to all the Disability Network Partners! Always appreciate this amazing team. Lastly, please come to the ribbon cutting ceremony for the newly renovated disability training and resource center next Friday, October 6th at 10:00. |
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 Alyssa Babauta, far left, starts off in the reading of the Proclamation for 2023 NDEAM |
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“Advancing Access and Equity: Then, Now and Next” is this year’s theme for our National Disability Employment Awareness Month of October. This year’s theme was chosen to celebrate the passage of the Rehabilitation Act a half-century ago and its importance in prohibiting discrimination based on disability in employment by federal agencies, federal contractors and recipients of federal funds, and in the delivery of federally-funded programs and activities. We will use this theme to remind ourselves of the valued contributions people with disabilities make in our Nation’s workplaces and to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, a major milestone in our Nation’s ongoing quest for access and equity for all Americans. |
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 Glory Legaspi, second from left, participates in the reading of the Proclamation for 2023 NDEAM. |
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Workplaces welcoming of the talents of all people, including people with disabilities, are a critical part of our efforts to build an inclusive community and strong economy. In this spirit, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) is recognizing National Disability Employment Awareness Month this October to raise awareness about disability employment issues and celebrate the many and varied contributions of people with disabilities. Activities during this month will reinforce the value and talent people with disabilities add to our workplaces and communities and affirm the CNMI’s commitment to an inclusive community. |
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 Nicolas Torres, Chairperson of the CNMI Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC), joins his peers in reading the 2023 Proclamation declaring October as National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). |
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Along with the rest of the United States, we will continue to advance access, equity and full inclusion of our people with disabilities by supporting the activities of the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation under the Office of the Governor in partnership with the State Rehabilitation Council, Statewide Independent Living Council, and all other stakeholders. |
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