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.