Persons with Disabilities Workforce Summit held by the Inland Empire Regional Chamber of Commerce

On April 8th, the inaugural Persons with Disabilities Workforce Summit held by the Inland Empire Regional Chamber of Commerce took place in Fontana at the Jessie Turner Events Center. Under the theme "Empowering Persons with Hidden Talents-A New Perspective on Abilities," attendees from various sectors including business owners, academic leaders, and HR professionals convened to explore initiatives fostering inclusivity in the workplace.

Welcoming the attendees, Mayor Acquanetta Warren underscored the collaborative efforts of leaders in the Inland Empire to provide programs and resources for those seeking to empower individuals with hidden talents.

"We are proud of the collaborative efforts underway in the Inland Empire to empower individuals with hidden talents and provide them with the opportunities they deserve," said Mayor Warren.

The summit highlighted the pivotal roles of education, workforce, and economic development in effecting systemic change. Notably, statistics reveal that 83% of individuals with developmental disabilities currently lack employment opportunities, emphasizing the urgent need for action. With a focus on collaboration between public and private sectors, the Inland Empire aims to achieve a common goal of truly inclusive employment.

Educational entities are taking initiatives to transition towards a collaborative approach, recognizing the significance of experiential learning beyond traditional classroom settings. They recognize that classroom experiences alone are insufficient; real-world exposure fosters the development of practical skills essential for students to pursue their post-education aspirations. Facilitating this process are numerous agencies offering mentorship, education, and resources such as entrepreneurship programs.

Workforce development plays a pivotal role in empowering persons with hidden talents. Central to this endeavor are employers and businesses, serving as the pin that connects various initiatives to individuals. Numerous agencies offer mentorship, educational resources, and program implementation support, fostering mutually beneficial arrangements. These programs not only provide valuable work experience for participants but also offer financial incentives such as salary reimbursements for businesses. As often expressed, all of these agencies believe that if someone aspires to work, they should have the opportunity to do so. Their common goal is to enable individuals to pursue their aspirations and contribute to society, fostering a sense of empowerment and independence for all.

Furthermore, economic development efforts at local, county, and state levels underscore Fontana's commitment to inclusive growth. Fontana's economic development analyst, Rhonesia Perry, encourages all business owners to engage with regional economic developers to access available workforce development resources. The city prioritizes the cultivation of robust businesses that enhance the quality of life for all residents, regardless of their ability. This entails fostering supportive environments and offering quality benefits while facilitating expansion opportunities for sustained growth. City agencies administer various programs, including entrepreneurial initiatives, on-the-job training, and tax credit opportunities, all aimed at realizing the dreams and aspirations of every individual in the community and we encourage you to take action today in finding ways to integrate these into your business.