Pennsylvania Governor Corbett Highlights Disability Employment Model at Lowe's Regional Distribution Center

PITTSTON, Pa., Oct. 10, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Governor Tom Corbett today highlighted Lowe's employment and training program for persons with disabilities while on a tour of Lowe's regional distribution center in Pittston, Luzerne County.

Corbett was joined on the tour by Lieutenant Governor Jim Cawley, Department of Public Welfare Secretary Gary D. Alexander, Lowe's management, and representatives of the Department of Labor & Industry and The Arc of Luzerne County. 

"At the recent Pennsylvania Disability Employment Summit I talked about employment opportunities in the private sector for persons with disabilities," Corbett said. "Seeing the successful program in action at Lowe's, I am encouraged that we can develop the right models to help those with special needs find permanent, sustainable employment in Pennsylvania."

Lowe's is the second-largest home improvement retailer in the world. Its regional distribution center in Pittston is one of many locations in Pennsylvania with programs in place that train and employ persons with disabilities with the goal of maintaining an inclusive and diverse workforce. The intensive multi-week outreach program offers training and job coaching for citizens with physical and intellectual disabilities.

The Department of Labor & Industry's Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, along with The Arc of Luzerne County, helps recruit employees and provides funding for job coaching. Job coaches maintain contact and provide support throughout the employee's tenure with the company.

"The Lowe's model is a great example of what employers can do to diversify their workforce," Alexander said. "The results prove that individuals with disabilities are productive, hard-working, and have great attendance records – something that every business strives to find in its workforce."

Lowe's operates 81 stores and two distribution centers in Pennsylvania, employing more than 12,900 people.

Last week, the Department of Public Welfare and The Arc of Luzerne County held a three-day summit in Hershey focused on encouraging Pennsylvania employers of all sizes to work together with public and private partners to develop similar employment models statewide.

For more information, visit www.pa.gov.

Media contact:   
Christine Cronkright, Governor's Press Office, 717-783-1116
Carey Miller, DPW, 717-425-7606

SOURCE Pennsylvania Office of the Governor