Pathways to Careers Expands Program for Utahns with Disabilities

SALT LAKE CITY – SourceAmerica and the Department of Workforce Services' Utah State Office of Rehabilitation announced today an expansion of the SourceAmerica Pathways to Careers initiative, a customized employment program that matches job candidates with disabilities to internships and jobs that support the needs of both the candidate and the employer.

"Customized employment programs like Pathways benefit both the employer and the employee," said SourceAmerica President and CEO Steve Soroka. "When we consider the talents and potential of people with disabilities and the needs of the business community, we're creating meaningful opportunities and building an 'Inclusion Economy™'."

"By engaging with community partners like SourceAmerica, we are able to spread our footprint in the state and better reach our common goal of helping individuals with disabilities thrive in the workplace," said Jon Pierpont, executive director of the Department of Workforce Services. "We look forward to working with SourceAmerica to strengthen Utah's quality of workforce through individuals with disabilities."

The partnership aims to help Utah better support individuals with the most significant disabilities who are living in underserved areas.

The agencies are announcing their partnership Friday, April 20, at the Varsity Reception Room at the University of Utah. Pathways to Careers alums who have transitioned from interns to employees at their Pathways placements were recognized at the kickoff event. Alumni in attendance include Ethan Sandbeck, a university sports fan who was recognized for reaching his five-year anniversary working in the Olympic Sports and Equipment Room Operations for theUniversity of Utah. Jessica Smith whose love of musical theater led to a job at Hale Centre Theatre in Sandy, also attended. Another successful alum recognized was Ty Ross, whose affinity for technology led him to a job creating assistive technology for people with disabilities.

For more information, go to sourceamerica.org or jobs.utah.gov/usor.