On May 8 , the same day that the Labor Department reported that the national unemployment rate had risen to 8 . 9 percent – the highest percentage since 1983 – the Connecticut Business Leadership Network held an Employment Conference and Career Fair specifically for those with disabilities looking for employment .

“ Our goal is to help people with disabilities get jobs and to educate [ them ] about the possibilities that are out there , ” said Melissa Marshall , executive director of CTBLN .

Marshall said that although the unemployment rate for those with disabilities is high ( a February Department of Labor survey put the national statistic above 14 percent ) , there are many corporations , including those in Connecticut , who are looking to hire them .

“ It is the best of times , and the worst of times , ” Marshall said .

The Career Fair brought nearly 30 companies from all across the state to Manchester Community College and attracted between 150 and 200 job-seekers . It was also open to those without disabilities . The day included an employment conference with workshop sessions designed to foster the CTBLN mission of empowering people with disabilities in the workplace .

Keynote speaker Barbara Reinhold , author of “ Toxic Work , ” and an internationally-known career coach , provided inspiration and encouragement to jobseekers with her remarks .

“ You have permission to follow yourdreams – to tell people that they can do all they want , even though the world is telling youthat youcan’t , ” Reinhold said .

The importance of leveraging a specific skill set was emphasized as being a major factor in improving chances at employment . “ We all know how difficult it is to find the right jobs , especially in a tough economy , so it is important that youknow what skills youhave in this economy , ” said Margarita Torres , project coordinator of Connnect-ability , a state organization charged with removing barriers to employment faced by the disabled .

Although the general climate in which the conference and career fair were held was bleak , CTBLN Secretary Sandy Lavoy saw glimmers of hope in the turn-out .

“ I am hopeful that we’ve reached bottom . The fact that we have 30 employers here today is a good sign , ” Lavoy said .