Boone Center, Inc. (BCI) invites the community to attend two upcoming seminars.
The first, a virtual presentation entitled “Competitive Employment: Is It Right for Me?”, will be held on Monday, January 23 at 6:30 p.m. Competitive employment occurs when people with disabilities work alongside non-disabled individuals at local businesses and earn the same pay, benefits, responsibilities and opportunities. Attendees will learn how to overcome the most common barriers, hear from individuals who have successfully joined the competitive workforce, and meet local firms that currently employ adults with disabilities. The presentation is free. However, advance registration is required at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/competitive-employment-is-it-right-for-me-tickets-502603309027.
The second presentation, entitled “Three Steps for Stronger Self-Advocacy Skills”, will be held on Wednesday, February 1 at 7:00 p.m. at the St. Charles City-County Library Middendorf Kredel Branch at 2750 Highway K in O’Fallon. Led by BCI Benefits Case Manager Sandy Weitkamp, attendees will learn how to build skills that help individuals be more authentic, make informed decisions, feel more empowered, and have more self-confidence. This free presentation also requires advance registration at https://stcharles.librarycalendar.com/event/three-steps-stronger-self-advocacy-skills-people-disabilities.
“These are two very different and important topics for individuals who want to challenge themselves and grow,” said BCI Social Mission Director Katie Jones. “The seminars are great resources for individuals preparing to graduate high school and transition into adulthood and independence. And while the presentations are designed for individuals and families, disability service providers as well as companies looking to build an inclusive hiring program may also benefit from participating.”