People with disabilities can work and want to work. However, a Cornell University survey found that the employment participation rate for Minnesotans with disabilities was just 54 percent of the rate in the general population.

The Olmstead Plan calls on Minnesota to reduce this disparity. Its vision is “People with disabilities will have choices for competitive, meaningful, and sustained employment in the most integrated settings.” The Minnesota Department of Human Services and its partners in the disability community are collaborating to make that vision a reality.

“Work is Possible” workshops, sponsored by the Minnesota Association for People Supporting Employment First, are one such collaboration. At the workshops families were given information, tools and hope to make competitive employment a reality. DHS demonstrated its Disability Benefits 101 program and website so attendees could see how they can get a job and still keep public benefits and supports.

One attendee, Lori Richardson, was supporting her son Ryan in trying to find a job, without success. After learning more about online resources, hearing stories from other families and self-advocates and receiving encouragement from workshop sponsors, Lori and Ryan had the tools to chart a path to employment. The training also inspired them to consider alternatives not available in their community.

Ryan’s interests and strengths were identified. These were translated into an action plan matching his strong passion for airplanes and reflecting his support needs and ideal employment conditions.

On his own, Ryan learned about a job fair organized by Sun Country Airlines. Company recruiters at the fair hired him immediately because of his knowledge and passion. He now cleans the airline’s jets and is part of a team of employees who share his interests. Lori says Ryan is “living his dream every single day.”

DHS and its partners see success like Ryan’s as possible for many and are working daily to make it happen.