Nonprofit to link businesses, workers with disabilities

Employers will be asked to consider hiring the handicapped both mentally and physically disabled as the Nevada Business Leadership Network establishes its base in Nevada.

The Reno-based program will develop five programs over the next year, says Director Ginger Paulsen.

Business owners and employees are invited to attend a free training afternoon,All Ways Welcome, on Nov.

2 to view, and take a copy, of a humorous video that shows how employees can better serve and communicate with disabled customers and co-workers.

The film also shows how a business can cultivate as customers those with disabilities.

This includes those with arthritis, who may have trouble pulling open heavy doors, says Paulsen.

Call 853-9419 to RSVP by Oct.

28.

Paulsen is also arranging Mentoring Days.

That program first interviews the disabled to learn their work interests, then matches them with a business for a three-hour work stint.

It lets employers learn first-hand what it's like to be around that person, says Paulsen, adding that there are no expectations on either side for employment.A lunch follows the morning's work, at which both employer and employee can debrief about the experience.About 10 to 20 businesses would be included in each session.

Paulsen also plans group lunches, called Leadership Roundtables, for disabled workers.

She will address the concerns that business owners have about hiring the disabled, while business speakers will give goal-setting and career advice.

A lifestyle expo is planned next spring to showcase products and services for the disabled.

It's designed to double as a networking opportunity where job seekers and employers can meet.

Finally, in about a year, Paulsen plans a leadership awards showcase, called the Symon Awards, to recognize disability-friendly businesses.

The Nevada Business Leadership Network seeks business leaders to serve on its advisory committee.

Formed in July through a one-year grant from the Nevada Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities, the non-profit initiative can reapply for two additional years.

"Our hope for it is to become self-sustaining through business member sponsorships," says Paulsen.

It operates under the auspices of Synergy Corp., which operates in South Dakota and Wyoming.