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EMPLOYER

SERVICES

Disability Inclusion Newsletter Vol. 1

Welcome to Maine Medical Center’s (MMC) Department of Vocational Services (DVS), Employer Services newsletter. This newsletter will be distributed quarterly and will provide resources and information pertaining to disability inclusion in Maine’s workforce.


Disability Employment has been a focus of Maine Medical Center’s Department of Vocational Services (DVS) for over 40 years. DVS serves both job seekers and businesses. Our mission is to bridge the gap between employment and people with disabilities. DVS partners with many businesses across Maine to ensure that people with disabilities are included in the Maine workforce.


The Employer Services team at MMC's Department of Vocational Services takes a business centric approach through educating employers on the value of disability inclusion. We provide free trainings, strategies, and tools to help businesses across Maine create an inclusive work culture that includes people with disabilities.


To learn more about the services Chris and Susan, our Employer Relations Specialists, can provide your organization and to get more involved, please click the link below and reach out to [email protected].

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Success Spotlight

Ian P.

Ian - finalsm.jpg

Ian was referred by the Maine Bureau of Rehabilitation Services to the Department of Vocational Services for assistance with vocational services. At the time, Ian was seeking his first professional work experience since graduating from the University of Southern Maine with a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science and Government. Ian was enthusiastic, motivated and collaborative during his job seeking activities. His Employment Specialist recognized Ian’s strengths in finance, customer service, and attention to detail and connected him to Northeast Division of Guild Mortgage Company (formally RMS). Ian interviewed competitively and was hired for an internship position and upon completion of the internship, Ian was offered a full-time permanent position as a Vendor Coordinator. Ian has entered his second year of employment at this organization and is now training new interns! Please click the link to read comments from Ian and his employer: Ian P.

People With Disabilities – An Untapped Labor Pool!

What is Disability?

Disability is a term that is often misunderstood, overlooked, or misused in society. The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) defines a person with a disability as someone who:

  • Has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities;
  • Has a record of such an impairment; or
  • Is regarded as having such an impairment.



Stats and Facts to Consider:

  • 90% of disabilities are invisible.
  • 26 % of Americans live with a disability. 
  • There are about 200,000 working aged Mainers with a disability, but 66% of this population is NOT employed.
  • People with disabilities make up the third largest market segment in the United States, but are the largest unemployed minority group.
  • Hiring people with disabilities has a direct correlation to positive return on investment.
  • Turnover of employees with disabilities is 20% to 30% lower than employees without disabilities.
  • A recent study determined that 87% of customers reported a preference to companies that employ people with disabilities.

Lunch & Learn Training


Intro To Disability Inclusion

When: March 3, 2022 @ 12pm


Interested in learning more about disability inclusion as a resource to workforce challenges? Then sign up for our free of charge, 1 hour interactive webinar below.


This interactive webinar is an opportunity for businesses to learn more about the value of disability inclusion. The Employer Services team will provide an overview of disability and practical suggestions for creating a diverse, inclusive and sustainable workforce.


If this time doesn't work for you, no worries! Please feel free to reach out and the Employer Services team is happy to customize a training for your specific organization.


Click Here to Register

Our Job Seekers are looking for...

MMC's Department of Vocational Services works with over 1000 job seekers a year, many of whom have a wide variety of skills, education, work histories and abilities. Currently our job seekers are looking for the following positions, among others. Please reach out to our Employer Services Team if you are actively hiring for any of these positions - [email protected].



  • Mortgage Loan Specialist & Billing Specialist
  • Scanning & Data Entry
  • Driving & Transport
  • Material handling & Stocking
  • Horticulture
  • Informational Technology (IT)
  • COBOL Programming
  • Customer Service/Reception - both remote and in-person
  • Production & Manufacturing
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