October Proclaimed Disability Employment Awareness Month

EVENTS TO HIGHLIGHT ABILITIES OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES SCHEDULED ACROSS STATE

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Governor Phil Bredesen is designating October as Disability Employment
Awareness Month to generate awareness about the talents and abilities of Tennessee’s citizens with
disabilities.

‘America’s People, America’s Talent…America’s Strength!’ is the 2008 National Disability Employment
Awareness Month theme.  Disability Employment Awareness Month will call attention to an untapped
personnel resource in this country – persons with disabilities.

“Our citizens with disabilities can and must be important contributors to our workforce,” said Bredesen.
“Those businesses across Tennessee that employ persons with disabilities are leaders in not only
improving community relations but also increasing productivity.”

The Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) within the Tennessee Department of Human Services
provides vocational rehabilitation services to individuals with disabilities.  VR services help them
maximize their contribution to the workforce.  Approximately 2,500 individuals with significant disabilities,
including traumatic brain injury, blindness and mental retardation, were employed after completing
rehabilitation programs during the last state fiscal year.

“Disability Employment Awareness Month allows us to reflect upon and consider the potential possessed
by the thousands of persons with disabilities currently serving in our workforce,” said DHS Commissioner
Gina Lodge. “This month also reminds us of those who are ready and willing to join the workforce. We
recognize and salute the skills, creativity and dedication of working people with disabilities.”

Vocational rehabilitation offices across the state, as well as seventeen Tennessee Rehabilitation Centers
located in rural communities and the residential comprehensive Tennessee Rehabilitation Center at
Smyrna, provide numerous services to clients, including vocational training, physical or occupational
therapy and transitional life skills.  For more information on the centers, visit
http://www.state.tn.us/humanserv/rehab/trc.htm