Freeport, Maine (NEWS CENTER) - Today the Maine Chamber of Commerce and the state departments of labor and health and human services shined the spotlight on the benefits of hiring people with disabilities.
At a conference in Freeport today attendees heard from leaders of several major companies including Proctor and Gamble and Walgreens about their experiences hiring people with disabilities.
They are called Maine's untapped workforce. While they sometimes may require assistance or a bit more time to complete their work, the employers said they find that segment of the population to be loyal and dependable workers. They say hiring disabled workers is more than just a social cause, it also makes good business sense.
"It's the nice thing to do, it's a social imperative. But the stories you hear from Proctor and Gamble, Tambrands, from Le Garage Restaurant, from Inland Hospital, from a number of companies who do participate, who are here today to share their stories are they are overwhelmed with the skill, the work ethic, the commitment, the loyalty, all the things a business wants", said Dana Connors of Maine Chamber of Commerce.
Because Maine's workforce is getting older Connors says companies will have to tap into that pool of workers to survive in the future.
NEWS CENTER