Laurel launches supported employment program for people with disabilities

The city of Laurel is promoting a newly launched supported employment program intended to create meaningful work opportunities for residents with disabilities. The segment, aired as part of Laurel Living in Focus's October edition, highlighted National Disability Employment Awareness Month and featured Malcolm Lee, a 31-year-old production assistant who has autism and who described volunteering before taking on paid duties with the city's communications team.

"Walking on a new job makes makes people earn money. Um, it makes people um to learn their skills and become the most respectful citizen they can be," Malcolm Lee said in the profile. Mayor Keith Sidnor said his administration seeks to increase inclusion in city hiring, adding that the program is meant to give individuals "a chance to participate and succeed" and to bring new skills to the local workforce.