Current Newsletter

Our Mission
Increase employment of people with disabilities on the Eastern Shore

WELCOME TO THE EASTERN SHORE BUSINESS LEADERSHIP NETWORK

As an arm of the Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce, the ESBLN is available to the community and other Maryland eastern shore chambers to answer or find the answers to employment questions related to disability. There are many myths and misconceptions still existing that prevent job seekers with disabilities from finding employment.

Did you know that many businesses forget to mention disability when talking about diversity? Did you also know that people with disabilities are three times likely to be on the unemployment roles than those without disabilities?

While having a disability may limit some job opportunities for an individual, it is more likely that managers and individuals themselves are not aware of the wide range of accommodations available to obtain that right fit between the job seeker and the employer.

Did you know a person who is blind can use a computer or that a person who is deaf can use the phone?

Let us assist you in recruiting, hiring, and retaining the person you want by Putting Ability to Work.

The ESBLN would like to share with you the link to a new nation-wide campaign launched February 1, 2010 to encourage U.S. employers to re-think their attitudes toward hiring people with disabilities. Think Beyond the Label uses humor to dispel many of the mistaken notions that employers hold with respect to people with disabilities in the workforce. This campaign is a collaborative venture of 43 state governments. Click to view this 30 second message.

Please enjoy this letter from employee Dave Roberts, NSite, Inc. Jackie Gast, Director of the ESBLN, asked Dave to speak to a group of job seekers with disabilities at a 2009 No Spare Marylander Workshop. The ESBLN assisted in bringing job seeker and employer together that resulted in Dave gaining employment with NSite, Inc.

Dear Jackie,
It was truly my pleasure to finally meet you as well as “pay it forward” at the workshop. The BLN and DORS (Division of Rehabilitation Services) have made such a huge difference in my quality of life that I would like to avail myself to your workshops in the future should you need someone to share a positive experience. Please call upon me at anytime!
I personally enjoyed learning more about the history of all the effort and legalities it has taken over the past 40 years or so for me to even be part of such a workshop. I cannot say enough about Bob Fairbank ( DORS counselor), he truly is a gem - he helped me start thinking positively about my own future instead of wallowing in self-pity. If I had my druthers I would nominate him for a recognition award to include a salary bonus!
My father used to teach me “Son you gotta want it” .... I remember those words when I was changing my first tire and he knew I could break those lug nuts loose if I really went after it with 110% effort, and he was right - that is one aspect I hope the attendees got from me.
Those of us coming through your wonderful system need to put forth at LEAST as much effort as those who have had the vision to create the BLN, DORS, LSE (a service provider)(et.al.) and those who currently make “The Network” the outstanding success that it is today.
You all make people's lives better - there's no greater good in this world!
Best regards,
David Roberts

Available Training

Learn More!

Legislative Alert:

Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act - Effective January 1, 2009

Watch Tony at work at Delmarva Recycling in this 30 second video!

Delmarva Recycling PSA Transcript PDF

2009 ESBLN “Putting Ability to Work” Award

The ESBLN recently honored Pepsi Bottling Ventures with the 2009 ESBLN Putting Ability to Work Award at the Salisbury Area of Commerce's Membership Luncheon. The award was accepted by Mike Langley, Pepsi's Vice President and General Manager. Also recognized was Kiya Safai, Owner of MiMir Marketing and long time ESBLN Board Member for his contributions and time commitment to the mission of the ESBLN. Also pictured is Jackie Gast, Director of the ESBLN.

Visit the Awards page for more info and nomination form.

Ability Matters Soldering Video Online

The Eastern Shore Business Leadership Network has produced a program of a local success story about employment of people with disabilities called ABILITY MATTERS. While there are many recruitment methods, this short program showcases an example of how and why businesses should recruit qualified workers from this often underestimated labor pool; people with disabilities. The results of recruiting from this population include finding employees who have equal to better attendance, higher retention rates, and lower recruitment costs.

ABILITY MATTERS was locally produced and edited by Jackie Gast and SU Intern communications major, Marc Gast and has been aired on PAC 14 (Public Access Channel Television in Wicomico County, MD). Visit www.pac14.org for programming schedule. Transcript available here.

Click Here to View Video - Running time: 14 minutes

(Left click on the link to open directly or right-click on file-name and choose “Save As” to to download to your computer.)
NOTE: File size is 11.5 MB and may take some time on dial-up connections. This video is currently available in Windows Media Video format (.WMV). If you do not have Windows Media Player already installed, you can download the FREE video player HERE.

Eastern Shore County News

Wicomico County

Ability Matters :: This is an ongoing series of programs designed to create and sustain relationships between service agencies that assist people with disabilities and employers looking to hire qualified individuals.
Ability Matters Soldering :: This is a program serving the microwave/electronics industry and has resulted in employment placements!
Ability Matters Connections :: This is a relationship building program where service agencies participate in company tours of local businesses learning job requirements first hand.
Accessible Guides :: We have three guides covering four counties available: Accessible Talbot, Wicomico, Worcester/Somerset (excludes Ocean City).
Both Wicomico and Worcester/Somerset has been checked for wireless. The Wicomico Guide was completed by high school students with disabilities. Salisbury University intern completed the Accessible Worcester/Somerset guide. The guide is also available in .pdf format on the Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce web site www.salisburyarea.com.

Cecil County

Demographic Changes :: Cecil County is preparing for major demographic changes in the next decade. Nearby Aberdeen Proving ground will be expanding due to the closure and reassignment of two Department of Defense bases. Influx of population is expected at around 10,000 residents not to mention the affect on supporting businesses of all types. The Chamber is in an exciting and challenging position. Tari Moore, executive director, is up to the challenge!

Queen Anne County

Queen Anne County Chamber of Commerce :: The ESBLN has joined with the Queen Anne County Chamber of Commerce to serve as a resource for its business members.

Talbot County

The disAbility Coalition of Talbot County :: Founded in 2004, The disAbility Coalition of Talbot County is dedicated to raising public awareness of disability issues and reducing the stigma that impedes recovery of persons with physical, developmental and mental disabilities, and slows their assimilation into the workplace and community. Funded chiefly by the Talbot County Council, with administrative assistance from the Talbot Health Department, Mid-Shore Mental Health Systems, Inc., and Talbot Chamber of Commerce, the disAbility Coalition emphasizes abilities, affirming that disabilities are not commensurate with handicaps. The disAbility Coalition maintains offices at the Talbot Chamber of Commerce.

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Website last updated 2/3/2010