Forum will help N. Idaho's employers find hidden gems

Good employees are hard to come by — just ask any of the employers in Bonner County. Those who look beyond a wheelchair or controllable mental disability may just find a jewel of an worker who helps their company shine.

Friday, North Idaho College and TESH are co-hosting a two-hour forum, "Tapping into the Hidden Labor Market," which begins at 1:30 p.m. Friday in the Lake Coeur d'Alene Room in the Student Union Building at North Idaho College. A reception in the Silver Beach Gallery will follow speaker presentations.

Just a few minutes into the forum and you'll learn what employers who are smart enough to hire a worker based on ability — regardless of any physical or mental challenges — already know: Many workers with disabilities belong on the job, not in an institution or collecting unemployment.

While the free event will provide valuable information for employers, we encourage attendance by anyone with an interest in better understanding what disabled people have to offer society. You'll find they offer a great deal.

Unemployment is virtually non-existent in North Idaho, which is good news for workers and a real dilemma for employers. Take a quick glance at today's help wanted ads and you'll see that there are far more jobs than there are people filling them.

Not every person is right for every job — but that's true regardless of who you are and what your talents happen to be. The trick is fitting prospective employees with the right job.

If you're looking for employees, don't assume that a person with disabilities would be unable to meet that job's needs. Prepare a brief job description, call TESH at 765-5105, and let them do their thing.

Even if you're not quite ready to take that step, consider attending Friday's forum. A number of dynamic, superbly informed speakers are lined up, and there will be refreshments and an opportunity to talk with the speakers after the forum.

? Caroline Lobsinger is the managing editor of the Daily Bee.