Oct. 23, 2023 10:15p
(WGTD)---Two businesses in the WGTD listening area are among 22 across the state that are receiving awards for hiring people with disabilities. This is Disability Employment Awareness Month in Wisconsin.
Short ceremonies were held Monday at Culver’s in Burlington and Milaeger’s in Sturtevant.
Milaeger’s general manager Paul Sikorski says the Sturtevant store currently has on the payroll two employees who were initially placed as interns by the state Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. "Initially while they are on their internships, (the placements) are paid by the state then at the end of the internship we decide if they're a good fit," Sikorski told WGTD. "And in most cases they are. So we hire them on."
Milaeger’s also works with Shepherds College in Union Grove, which describes itself as a school for people with intellectual or developmental disabilities.
Sikorski says hiring people with disabilities can be a win-win situation. "All of the people I've worked with...all they want is a chance," he said., "And if we give them that chance--an opportunity--not only is it beneficial for the people that we're hiring but its beneficial to the staff."
"To welcome these people in..they're no different than we are. We all have our quirks. it just makes for a very fun atmosphere."
The family-owned business has been around for some 60 years and has about 150 employees.
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