The Arc of Monroe County held an annual event that celebrates people with developmental disabilities and their willingness and ability to get jobs within the community.
Around 100 business leaders and hiring managers attended the event, which is designed to cultivate a diverse workforce.
The Arc of Monroe's Job Path program is the region's oldest and largest training and placement service for individuals with disabilities, according to Arc CEO Barbara Wale.
"It makes good business sense because our employees are great employees. They go to work every day. They work hard, and they make sure they can do the job and really want to be there for the people with whom they are working for," she said.
The Arc's Job Path program helped Laquonna Mosely get a job with the West Irondequoit School District.
"I feel amazing about my situation. It gives me a chance to be independent, and it gives me a chance to really just live like a person, and not be labeled," she said.
Vice President of Touchstone Technology David Meisenzahl says Job Path continues to find employment for people with disabilities who are perfectly capable of filling those jobs.
"They are great workers. They are the model citizens when it comes to workers. They are on time, their attendance is good. They follow the routine," he said.
The Arc also has the Project SEARCH program, offering yearlong internships for 18- to 21-year-olds.
Rochester Chamber of Commerce President Bob Duffy was the keynote speaker at the event.
He talked about how it makes good business sense to employ individuals with disabilities.
This story was produced by WXXI’s Inclusion Desk, focusing on disabilities and inclusion.