Most people recognize October as Breast Cancer Awareness month, but few are aware that October is also National Disability Employment Awareness Month.

“Gov. (Beverly) Perdue’s top priority is getting people back to work,” said Linda Harrington, director of the N.C. Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services, “and that’s our central mission, providing to all our consumers the needed counseling, training, education or other services to get them ready to work. We can then match them up with businesses’ needs, saving the employer time and money.”

The state division is credited with helping 6,303 people with disabilities realize their employment objectives in the last year through on-the-job training and internship programs.

Locally, the Beaufort County Developmental Center is committed to its mission to “empower citizens with developmental challenges through service alternatives which promote self-advocacy, self-reliance, self-direction, self-sufficiency and self-actualization.”

As Beaufort County’s largest nonprofit, BCDC has several successful programs that result in employment opportunities for people with disabilities.

National Disability Mentoring Day was held Wednesday with local Wal-Mart employees mentoring students and adults with disabilities.

When looking to fill positions within your organization, consult the BCDC or the state Division of Vocational Rehabilitation and provide employment opportunities to people with disabilities.