ABC 15 News: Hire Me SC launches new tool to help people with disabilities enter workforce

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WPDE) — A statewide workforce development campaign to increase employment outcomes for young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities has launched a free online resource to help families of people with disabilities.

The employment gap between those with disabilities in South Carolina compared to those without is 42.2%, according to Hire Me SC. The new initiative aims to close the gap by encouraging families to empower their loved ones to meet their employment goals.

“It can be difficult for families to know where to start and what employment decisions their loved ones should make without overstepping boundaries or interfering with their independence,” says Kimberly Tissot, president and chief executive officer of Able South Carolina. “The resources available through Hire Me SC help build confidence in family members so they can empower, support and be an advocate for their loved ones as they decide what kind of employment is right for them.”

Hire Me SC along with Able SC and the South Carolina Disability Employment Coalition aims to educate family members with disabilities looking to enter the workforce, fostering connections with other families and encouraging individuals to share stories about their employment journey.

The new online resource serves as a hub of employment information, including external resources, tips for families, empowering success stories and more.

“Family often plays a significant role in the employment decisions made by a person with a disability, but a lack of knowledge and support can lead to family members compromising the freedom the individual has to make their own employment decisions,” says Tissot.

Learn more about Hire Me SC by clicking here.