North Carolina Governor Bev Perdue Welcomes Enable America

Raleigh, NC, October 18, 2009 --(PR.com)-- North Carolina Gov. Bev Perdue is encouraged by Enable America’s expansion in North Carolina, as this month the non-profit organization is introducing new programs designed to increase employment opportunities in the state for people with disabilities.

“Enable America has a distinguished record of helping people with disabilities,” Gov. Perdue said. “Increasing North Carolina’s employment rate for all people, especially for those with disabilities, is vital to the economic future of our state. Enable America’s dedication and expertise in this area is needed and welcome.”

Enable America’s outreach in Raleigh and North Carolina comes in conjunction with the 10th anniversary of Disability Mentoring Day, an event founded by the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD), which is next Wednesday, October 21. Enable America will hold a public celebration of the day that morning at the Marriott City Center in Raleigh.

“It is a terrific endorsement of our efforts to have Governor Perdue in our corner,” said Richard Salem, founder and CEO of Enable America. “The governor understands the challenges of employment for people with disabilities, and we look forward to working with government leaders, community organizations, and businesses to improve job opportunities throughout the state.”

Salem is a native of North Carolina, born in New Bern and raised in Craven County. He lost his sight as a teenager, but not his drive to succeed. Salem went on to become the first blind person to graduate from Duke Law School, and for the past 30 years has been a successful attorney, businessman, and advocate for people with disabilities.

“Richard Salem has a passion for helping improve the lives of people with disabilities,” Governor Perdue said. “Through Enable America, he’s created an organization committed to bringing businesses and the disability community together, expanding employment opportunities for those with disabilities who want to work. We’re proud to have him as native son.”

As part of the programs it will offer in North Carolina, Enable America is organizing employee mentoring programs. Enable America matches people with disabilities including wounded veterans with local organizations and businesses that agree to mentor them for a day. There is value to both the mentees and the companies providing the opportunity.

“Mentor businesses are finding great benefit in participating,” said Enable America Executive Director Steve LaBour. “The program helps them tap into an employee pool that is eager to learn more about workplace opportunities while giving businesses valuable insight on the benefits of mentoring and hiring people with disabilities. It is truly a win-win for everyone involved.”

Progress Energy is joining Enable America as its local partner in the effort. In addition, a number of prominent Raleigh companies have already signed-up to participate in mentoring programs, including The Royal Bank of Canada, Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina, Rex HealthCare, SAS, the Carolina Hurricanes, and WRAL-TV.

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About Enable America: Enable America was established in 2002 by attorney Richard Salem as a non-profit organization dedicated to helping people with disabilities find employment and live independently. The organization’s Community Connections, Business Connections, and VetConnect programs unite members of the disability community and business community to raise awareness and increase employment opportunities for the 54 million Americans with disabilities, including our nation’s wounded warriors.