County supervisors declare October Disability Employment Awareness Month

The Winneshiek County Board of Supervisors has proclaimed October as Disability Employment Awareness Month in Winneshiek County.

The issue is important because as of August the national unemployment rate for those with disabilities was over 15 percent, compared with 9.3 percent for persons with no disability.  

By signing the proclamation, the supervisors called for individuals and companies to work toward realizing an equal job market, one that does not have any barriers to fair employment for people with disabilities.

The Spectrum Network is a private, non-profit organization that provides customized employment services and daily living assistance to adults with disabilities, substance abuse, mental illness, and other barriers. Approximately 100 men and women from nine Iowa counties currently benefit from the services of The Spectrum Network.