Tony Evers, Governor
Amy Pechacek, Secretary

Department of Workforce Development
Secretary's Office
201 E. Washington Avenue
P.O. Box 7946
Madison, WI 53707-7946
Telephone: (608) 266-3131
Fax: (608) 266-1784
Email: sec@dwd.wisconsin.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Oct. 24, 2023
CONTACT: DWD Communications
CommunicationsOffice@dwd.wisconsin.gov

Milaeger's Recognized for Diverse and Inclusive Hiring Practices

STURTEVANT – Milaeger's General Manager Paul Sikorski says hiring people with disabilities has had a positive impact on the store's staff and shoppers, adding, "It's a value for everybody in this store to realize they're just people like us. All they want is a chance. Once we give them that chance, they thrive."

Because of its diverse and inclusive hiring practices that welcome individuals with disabilities into its workforce, Milaeger's was recognized as an Exemplary Employer by the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development's Division of Vocational rehabilitation (DWD/DVR) at an event at the store on Oct 23.

“More employers are learning that hiring people with disabilities is not only the right thing to do, but it's good for their business, and we congratulate Milaeger's for being honored for their diverse and inclusive hiring practices," DWD Secretary Amy Pechacek said. “We want to help all Wisconsin employers create a workforce that reflects the diversity of our state. We believe that when we all work together, we can create a more inclusive and equitable Wisconsin for everyone.”

The award was presented as Gov. Tony Evers proclaimed October National Disability Employment Awareness Month in Wisconsin to highlight businesses that recruit and hire people with disabilities. Last year, more than 2,000 employers created more inclusive workplaces in Wisconsin. Milaeger's is one of more than 20 employers being recognized throughout the month for leading the way to building a more diverse workforce in the state.

Milaeger's relationship with DVR began when Shepherds College, a post-secondary school created with the needs of students with intellectual and developmental disabilities in mind, approached the store for help with its horticulture program. It wasn't long before former horticulture students were ready to start applying for jobs. Milaeger's answered the call.

"Soon we had coaches in and asking me if we had internships that we could potentially place some people in," Sikorski said. "We brought on two or three people, and we have hired two of them, so they are permanently on our staff."

All Wisconsin employers are encouraged to reach out to DVR and to meet with a local Business Services Consultant who can connect them with a variety of free resources to help recruit and hire people with disabilities, build staff diversity, and retain well-trained employees.

DVR helped over 3,350 Wisconsin residents with disabilities find work over the past year. Individuals with a disability looking for ways to find a job, keep a job, or get a better job are encouraged to contact DVR at 800-262-0050, visit a local DVR office, or visit the DVR website.

New Job Accommodations Training

To help provide employers with educational resources to diversify their workplace and create work environments that help retain employees, and to give employees information about their rights and responsibilities in the workforce, the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development's Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) has created new online accommodation trainings for employers, workers, and job seekers.

The Accommodation Training Library consists of brief, informational videos that cover topics, including hiring people with disabilities, the reasonable accommodation process, disclosing a disability, disability discrimination, and other topics related to employment law. The new accommodation training videos can be found on the DWD Career Pathways website.

The videos were created as part of a U.S. Department of Education Career Pathways Advancement (CPA) Initiative grant awarded to DVR in 2021. The CPA Initiative is allowing DVR to create resources and opportunities to support DVR consumers as they advance in their careers.

Milaeger's General Manager Paul Sikorski is surrounded by his Milaeger's team members and their family, along with local DVR representatives and local service providers.

ABOUT DWD

Wisconsin's Department of Workforce Development efficiently delivers effective and inclusive services to meet Wisconsin's diverse workforce needs now and for the future. The department advocates for and invests in the protection and economic advancement of all Wisconsin workers, employers, and job seekers through six divisions – Employment and Training, Vocational Rehabilitation, Unemployment Insurance, Equal Rights, Worker's Compensation, and Administrative Services. To keep up with DWD announcements and information, sign up for news releases and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube.