Clearing tables, washing dishes and setting up for a lunch crowd are not generally part of a legislator’s job description.
But Mike Firorita, Brandon Ernst and Danyelle Smith with Waterford Senior Living recently had the opportunity to put two legislators to work doing just that.
It was all part of the “Take Your Legislator to Work Campaign,” organized each year by the Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities (BPDD).
The campaign coordinates visits between legislators and their constituents with disabilities.
State Rep. and Assembly speaker Robin Vos (R-Rochester) and Rep. David Craig (R-Town of Vernon) visited Waterford Senior Living for the day, witnessing community-integrated employment in action and learning more about the value it brings to an employee, employer and the greater community.
“It was nice to see such enthusiasm when it comes to getting the job done,” Vos said afterward, adding: “My visit once again reinforced the importance of giving individuals with a disability the chance to find careers and help our economy grow.”
When people with disabilities work in the community at a competitive wage, they are less likely to rely on publicly funded programs, according to BPDD; and, 87 percent of customers say they prefer to patronize businesses that employ people with disabilities.
“Each time I participate in “Take Your Legislator to Work” it is inspiring to see an individual reach their true potential in the workforce,” said Craig, who pledged to continue working diligently in the Legislature “to ensure that anyone who is willing to work has the opportunity to do so.”
Currently in Wisconsin, only 6 percent of people with a developmental disability are employed in integrated jobs in the community, according to BPDD.
“Building self-confidence, self-esteem and social connections while providing a valuable service, as well as educating the public are just a few benefits that my clients experience on a daily basis working out in the community, said Next Step Life Coach Connie Lelivelt, who coaches Firorita, Ernst and Smith.
“It is my goal to expose them to many different work experiences as well as educate the businesses and public about those who are differently-abled. Together, we can work together and make a difference in the world.”
To learn more, visit www.wi-bpdd.org.
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