A growing number of local employers are recognizing that workplace diversity allows them to do more than just survive.

"Employee diversity can translate into greater productivity and a competitive edge in the marketplace, as well as offering a fruitful career for persons with disabilities," said Debra Sinkovich, an employment specialist with AHEDD, Pottsville, an organization serving the community as a catalyst in the employment and development of persons with a disability. She explained the group's mission during a recent Tamaqua Chamber of Commerce breakfast at the ABC High Rise.A shining example of the group's success in the community is Justin Moll, 22, of Tamaqua, who has worked as a pet care helper at the Companion Animal Hospital in Tamaqua, after receiving job placement assistance from AHEDD."Justin has been a wonderful employee. He is reliable, hardworking and easy to get along with," said veterinarian Katie Kropp,

V.M.D. "He loves the animals and enjoys talking with the owners. He is a big help here."We treat him like anyone else. We look forward to working with him at the hospital for many years to come," Kropp said.A private nonprofit organization, AHEDD was founded in 1977 and headquartered in Pennsylvania and Delaware."Our agency is outcome focused and serves as an influential advocate to promote the culture of employment for persons with disabilities," said David Langley, a longtime member and an employment specialist, during the breakfast."It was really exciting for me to see how well Justin is doing and how he has grown in his career," said Karen Fay, another employment specialist, during a recent visit to the Companion Animal Hospital. "It has been three years since AHEDD helped him find employment and during that time he has stayed at his job, increased the number of hours he works, learned to drive and is now taking his dad to a Steeler's game with his own money."Fay said Justin has proved to be a steady and reliable worker for Dr. Kropp, who is an outstanding example of a supportive employer."They are a wonderful example of what AHEDD helps to do in the community," Fay added.In addition to helping younger individuals transition from school to career opportunities, AHEDD also serves as a private partner with the Social Security Administration in helping beneficiaries understand the links between work and critical benefits related to disabilities.According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, a recent National Federation of Independent Business survey of small businesses found that about 27 percent of employers announced difficulty in filling open positions.To survive, some businesses are opting to expand their recruitment efforts to find news resources for qualified job candidates and find ways to retain their skilled workers who develop disabilities.The Pennsylvania Business Leadership Network (PA BLN), which started in 2000 and is coordinated by AHEDD.In addition to helping disabled persons succeed in the workplace, PA BLN seeks to create opportunities where employers can communicate, peer-to-peer, to provide candid and simple assessments in regards to hiring practices and challenges."Our simple goal is to work in the community to meet the business needs of employers and the employment needs of individuals with a disability," Fay said.For more information about AHEDD and PA BLN or to make a donation, visit their websites at

www.ahedd.org and

www.blnofpa.org or call (866) 902-4333 or the Pottsville office at (866) 288-5184.If you are a disabled veteran, you can also call the Veterans Affairs hot line for assistance at (800) 827-1000.