Lawmakers visit disabled employees, call for more hires

WARWICK – Six Rhode Island lawmakers and a pair of officials from the state recently visited Buffalo Wild Wings Restaurant at Warwick Mall, where they observed individuals with disabilities performing their jobs with skill.

The Ocean State has seen an increase in the number of disabled persons being hired since the landmark consent decree between Rhode Island and the United States Department of Justice. At the time, Rhode Island pledged to expand employment opportunities for persons with disabilities.

“I was touched by what I saw here today,” said Rep. Joseph Shekarchi of Warwick.

During an hour-long visit, the lawmakers and officials met Emily, an employee with a disability. Two years ago, Emily entered the Trudeau Center’s culinary program, which she completed while working at a housekeeping job. When the Buffalo Wild Wings Restaurant opened, Emily was able to beat out hundreds of other applicants.

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“My staff loves her,” said Buffalo Wild Wings manager Eric Shapiro.

Maria Montanaro, director of the Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities and Hospitals attended the event, along with Elizabeth Roberts, the secretary of Health and Human Services. Roberts said that the state’s economic recovery needed to include exactly the kind of hiring showcased by the day’s visit.

“Rhode Island’s comeback is focused on job creation,” Roberts said. “That means jobs and economic opportunity for all people.”

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