University of Michigan Business Fraternity Partners with Microsoft, Ford, and Local Business Community to Improve Employment Opportunities for Youth with Disabilities

ANN ARBOR, October 12, 2016:
Each year, more and more people are diagnosed with autism. Each year, more and more young people with autism graduate high school, usually left without a job or a plan for the future. These young people are denied the opportunity to have a meaningful work experience and be a member of the community, despite their ability to be reliable and efficient employees.

Members of Phi Chi Theta, a professional co-ed business fraternity at the University of Michigan, want to make equal employment opportunities a reality for people with disabilities in the Ann Arbor community by hosting an evening of conversation regarding this issue.

A panel led by Microsoft and Ford will show how global industry leaders have implemented programs to employ people with disabilities, and local companies like Zingerman’s and Bivouac will explain how employing people with disabilities has worked for them. This panel will inspire business owners, students, and educators to take an active role in creating a diverse and inclusive work force.

The panel will be concluded by roundtable discussion with all event participants over light refreshments. “This is a great way for PCT to use the skills we’ve developed in business to create change in our community. We’re so excited to bring the community together in a new way through this event.” says Abigail Flis, VP of External Relations of Phi Chi Theta and the main organizer of
the event. The conversation will work toward creating a more cohesive and understanding relationship between the schools, local businesses, and the Ann Arbor community.

The “Community Conversation” is scheduled for Thursday, October 20, 2016, from 7 to 8:30PM at The Ross School of Business. Anyone interested in improving the current state of employment among people with disabilities or who has ideas to share is welcome to join. In particular, business owners, community leaders, local policy makers, youth agencies, families, and young people are highly encouraged to attend as their opinions are impactful on this relevant issue. Please RSVP at tinyurl.com/CommunityConvoRSVP.
For more information, please contact Abigail Flis at (734) 306-3730 or aflis@umich.edu.

Contact: Abigail Flis
Phi Chi Theta
Phone: (734) 306-3730
Email: aflis@umich.edu
tinyurl.com/CommunityConvoRSVP
Phi Chi Theta Community Conversation: Employing People With Disabilities