October 25, 2018

Today, Nick was honored to speak at a National Disability Employment Awareness Month ceremony held in City Hall. He was joined by Commissioners Eudaly and Fritz.

Across the nation, people with disabilities experience high rates of unemployment.

The City of Portland is committed to being a model employer, by removing barriers in the workplace, providing meaningful access and services, and building a diverse workforce.

That’s why Commissioner Fish is proud to lead the City’s partnership with the Project SEARCH internship program. Project SEARCH provides on-the-job experience to young adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities.

Nick launched our partnership with Project SEARCH in October 2017 with the creation of 5 internship positions in the Bureau of Environmental Services and the Water Bureau. The interns became valued members of the bureau teams and gained meaningful work experience.

Based on the success of the pilot program, and the City’s commitment to be a model employer, we created paid positions for qualified candidates. And, we expanded the program to two other bureaus – Portland Parks & Recreation, and the Bureau of Human Resources.

Special thanks to Bob Joondeph, who recently retired after nearly four decades at the helm of Disability Rights Oregon, for his leadership and advocacy.