Dinsmore's paralegal and clerk support administrator Suzanne Mehl and office services aide April Meyers participated in the first employment networking event sponsored by the Down Syndrome Association of Greater Cincinnati. Attendees included representatives from regional businesses and young adults who recently completed the Down Syndrome Association's employment readiness classes.
Dinsmore, with help through Living Arrangements for the Developmentally Disabled (LADD), hired April in 2016. “Working at Dinsmore has been fun, I have met new friends and enjoy the work I am doing,” said April, who is currently working three days a week, assisting in the mail room. “My dad helped me get this job since it was close to my sister. Being close to my family is very important.”
As first time members of the panel, Suzanne and April shared ideas and experiences regarding the development of professional relationships, the advantages, rewards, and challenges of working with a co-worker with Down syndrome and thoughts on achieving an inclusive work environment.
“I have never done anything like this before. It was a fun new experience and cool to tell my story to others,” April said.
This wasn’t the first time April was able to show off her job. She and Patti Super, office services supervisor, represented Dinsmore before a Reds' game that featured businesses that employ individuals with disabilities. Dinsmore was one of the companies highlighted as an organization who leads in promoting this diversity in the workplace.