Sen. John Mannion in partnership with Syracuse University Thursday announced the launch of the Inclusive Entrepreneurship and Employment Program, a new pilot program to help individuals with disabilities earn the skills needed to enter the workforce or become entrepreneurs.

This public-private partnership, funded in part by $50,000 secured by Sen. Mannion in the state budget, will provide the initial cohort of twenty participants free instruction by Syracuse University professors and collaboration with the NYS Adult Career and Continuing Education Services, ARISE, Our Ability, Inc., InSourcing, The Business Incubator Association of NYS (BIANYS,) and The Small Business Development Center at Onondaga Community College.

The program will equip participants with information, education, skills training, and human support to help individuals with disabilities make informed choices about their careers and succeed in their chosen field.

“Central New York is on the rise with boundless opportunities for jobseekers and entrepreneurs. I’m committed to meeting the demand for new workers while removing obstacles that keep New Yorkers with disabilities from pursuing a career or launching a business. Syracuse University’s Center on Disability and Inclusiveness is the gold standard for supporting people with disabilities as they continue their education, and this pilot program builds on that pioneering work," Mannion said.

Sen. Mannion strongly encourages Central New Yorkers with disabilities and their families to attend his upcoming Disabilities Resources Fair on Tuesday, September 12 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the North Syracuse Community Center. This free event includes information about services, employment, and currently available state resources and programs.