5 Things About Employment You May Not Know
1. Did you know that all sheltered workshops that employ people with disabilities will be closed by 2020 in Oregon? 
In response to a class action settlement in 2015 (Lane vs. Brown), sheltered workshops are closing around the state in order to be compliant with the terms of the lawsuit and in compliance with the Governor’s Executive Order No. 15-01, prioritizing community employment for people with disabilities. This means that individuals experiencing disabilities are now accepting jobs in our communities with many local businesses, positively impacting both the business community as well as the employee.2. Did you know that the unemployment rate for an individual with a developmental disability is over 70%?
It is a myth to think that individuals experiencing disabilities have their needs met by social services or welfare or even family members. The fact is that earning money builds independence, confidence, self-esteem, and provides opportunities for friendships so that they too can live a good life. What would your life be like if you never had a job? These individuals, like us, want the same things that you and I want; a home, friends, and – a job.

3. Did you know that hiring someone with a developmental disability can increase your employee retention?
Over the last 2 years at MV Advancements, their retention rate for supported individuals placed at jobs in the community is over 85%! A successful hire of a supported individual has a high rate of success because MVA takes care to get to know the individual and employers before recommending a match. MVA has over 50 individuals on our waiting list for employment in the community but we need more employers willing to offer opportunities. Before placing an individual in a job, we conduct free assessments and explore job options to be able to meet the demand and make quality employment matches. Our supported individuals are an asset to an employer and come with job coaches to support them on-the job and teach them how to engage in the workplace. This alleviates training and onboarding costs that can be a barrier to employment. This is a win-win for the employee and the employer!

4. Do you know the benefits of being diverse in your employment practices?
Companies that hire supported individuals constantly tell us that their culture shifts, biases fade, morale improves, and their company thrives. Why is this? MVA believes that hiring a supported employee adds an essential element to the workplace that brings compassion, honesty, and equity. These individuals are held to the same standards as other employees, they are expected to be on time, polite, and productive. But I will let the employers speak for themselves. This is what Melisa Parrish from HR at Ushio America, a manufacturing company in Newberg says, “Hiring employees through MV Advancements has been a great success for Ushio America. MVA has a great support staff that helps us find the right employee for the jobs we have, and with their continued job coaching supports it has helped these employees and our company Ushio to thrive.”

5. Did you know there are organizations out there that help businesses hire individuals experiencing disabilities?
MV Advancements is committed to helping the individuals we support to live a good life as active and contributing members of their community. MVA empowers and supports over 300 individuals in Marion, Polk, and Yamhill counties to live, work, and thrive. We have many ways you can help to make this transformation of employment success for individuals with disabilities seeking jobs in Oregon. We promise to make it easy and our commitment is that it will be a real win for your business! Email our team for more information at [email protected]
Our Contact Information
MV Advancements
319 NE 5th St
McMinnville, OR 97128
503-472-2248
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