Chicago: Mayor Brandon Johnson, Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities Host Summer Jobs Hiring Fair for Students and Young Adults with Disabilities
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CHICAGO ~ Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities (MOPD) are teaming up with the Chicago Department of Family & Support Services (DFSS) to host the Inclusive Summer Jobs Expo. This event aims to empower youth with disabilities by providing them with job and career opportunities through Chicago Youth Works.

Mayor Johnson emphasized the importance of supporting all of Chicago's young people, including those with disabilities, in order to secure a bright future for the city. He praised the MOPD for being a valuable partner in their efforts to empower young people with disabilities and help them gain real-world experience while making a positive impact in their communities.

The Inclusive Summer Jobs Expo will take place at Central West Community Center on April 11 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event will feature a resource fair where participants can learn about education, transportation, and healthcare resources that can support their career goals. Several organizations will be present at the fair, including RTA Chicago, the Illinois Department of Human Services Division of Rehabilitation Services, and the Chicago Park District.

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MOPD is encouraging all youth and young adults with disabilities to apply for opportunities through Chicago Youth Works. According to a recent report by MOPD and the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH), almost a quarter of Chicago residents aged 18-29 have a disability. This highlights the importance of empowering young people with disabilities and providing them with equitable access to employment opportunities.

MOPD Commissioner Rachel Arfa expressed her commitment to expanding access to opportunities through Chicago Youth Works for youth across the city. She shared her personal experience as a teenager participating in a City summer program, which not only had a positive impact on her future endeavors but also inspired her to pursue a career in public service. Commissioner Arfa wants all youth, including those with disabilities, to know that this same opportunity is possible in Chicago.

Formerly known as One Summer Chicago, Chicago Youth Works is a collaborative youth employment program for Chicago residents between the ages of 14 and 24. The program partners with local businesses, nonprofits, and City agencies to provide paid work experiences. Opportunities include paid career exploration programming for 14- and 15-year-olds, as well as summer and year-round employment.

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To guide youth and their families through the application process for Chicago Youth Works, MOPD and Chicago Youth Works hosted a webinar on April 7. The webinar included ASL interpretation, live captioning, and Spanish interpretation to ensure accessibility for all participants.

The Inclusive Summer Jobs Expo is just one aspect of the Johnson administration's efforts to expand youth employment opportunities. Since Mayor Johnson took office, there has been a 55% increase in employment opportunities for young people.

At the Expo, Career Placement Counselors from the MOPD Career Center will be available to conduct mock interviews for participants who are preparing for their summer job search. The MOPD Career Center provides support to Chicago residents with disabilities between the ages of 16 and 59 in finding and maintaining meaningful employment. This includes job search assistance, resume review, interview practice, and other resources.

The Inclusive Summer Jobs Expo is an important event that highlights the commitment of Mayor Johnson's administration to empower young people with disabilities in Chicago. Through programs like Chicago Youth Works and the support of organizations like MOPD, these young individuals can gain valuable skills and experiences that will benefit them in their future careers.

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