Maine's CHOICES CEO Project
Welcome!
To remain competitive, Maine's employers need reliable and skilled workers. Many Maine residents with disabilities seek the improved quality of life that comes from obtaining and building a career.
The CHOICES CEO (Comprehensive Employment Opportunities) project is working to create more opportunities for people with disabilities who want to enter the workplace, and enhance the experience of those who are part of the workforce.
What We Are Doing
- Employer Outreach and Education
- Maine State Government as a Model Employer
- Youth Transitioning from School to Work
- Vocational Rehabilitation Services
- Work Incentives Planning and Assistance
- Data Collection
- MaineCare (Medicaid) Option for Workers with Disabilities
About this Web Site
We have endeavored to create a web site that is usable by people regardless of ability or technology. Read our Accessibility Statement to learn more.
What's New
September 23-24, 2008 - The Power of Work Conferences. On September 23 and 24, The Power of Work! Disability and Employment Conferences will be held at the Augusta Civic Center, offering two days of information exchange and networking about disability and employment in Maine.
September 23rd is intended for people who work in the agencies and organizations that provide employment support services for workers with disabilities. The day will emphasize tools and resources that these agencies can use to help people with disabilities find and keep good jobs.
September 24th is primarily for job seekers and workers with disabilities. The day will provide information on where to find good jobs, what employers are looking for, and programs and services for job searches and career development.
Working Together News: July 2008. Check out the most recent edition of our newsletter!
- See photographs from October 2007 Disability Employment Awareness
Events
Geri Jewell Event
Working Together Symposium
Governor Baldacci signs the 'pledge' - Final
Report of Maine State Employee Survey on Disability,
June 2007 released. Go here to
view the video footage of Governor Baldacci discussing
the survey.
A total of 3,446 employees participated in the survey, of which 10% (339 people) reported that they had a disability. - Read more about What's New.
Disability Mentoring Day is Oct. 15, 2008! Disability Mentoring Day promotes career development for students and job-seekers with disabilities through job shadowing and hands-on career exploration.
MOVIES! - Go here to view short video clips of Governor Baldacci at an October 2007 event at the State House.
Maine Resources for Employment and Disability (RED) List - Check out the first version of a directory compiled to help people with disabilities, funders, service providers and employers.
Spotlight
Starting Her Own Business
Lisa McLeod is well on her way to operating her own business raising goats and making goat cheese. McLeod, who has a disability, took a moment to share her experiences starting a business.
McLeod said the inspiration for her business came from her rural Maine setting and her infant daughter's dairy allergy. The benefits of running her own business include being her own boss, staying home with her daughter, and the pride of saying, "I made that cheese and people like it." Thinking about this last point, McLeod added, "I love to feed people."
