The ARC of Mercer County observed National Disability Employment Awareness Month in October.

According to President Bush's Committee on Employment of Persons with Disabilities, nearly half of all disabled people of working age do not have jobs despite low unemployment rates throughout the country. Yet a Harris Poll survey of people with disabilities found that 66 percent of non-working persons with disabilities said they wanted to work. It is estimated the lack of labor force participation of people with disabilities costs the nation's economy more than $200 billion annually.

The Community Employment Program of Mercer County ARC, designed to be an employment consultation and placement service that serves area employers throughout the county, works with employers in matching job openings to employment-ready persons.

From May 1, 2001 to April 30, the program helped in 43 full- or part-time job placements, as well as volunteer positions.

In 1990, Community Employment earned the National Association of Counties Award for its development of more than 20 jobs for the mentally retarded by means of conducting presentations with businesses and organizations that educate the public; providing a trainer to aid the hiree in learning tasks; and educating the employer and co-workers on job accommodations and supports.

The largest challenge for the disabled is the lack of adequate transportation during morning hours prior to 7 a.m., evenings after 5 p.m., on weekends, and especially Sundays when there is no bus service. To offset this problem, the MCARavan program, a volunteer driver's program averaging about 200 miles per month, provides secondary auto insurance to volunteers. Currently three volunteers serve 12 persons for employment transportation.

For information, call Renee Ivery at (724) 981-2950, extension 252; or visit the web at www.mercerarc.org