How are persons with disabilities portrayed in the media? How are they viewed in our culture? How can this affect their prospects of being hired? Don’t miss our annual celebration of National Disabilities Employment Awareness Month as we explore these important questions. This event is presented by The SCV Mayor’s Committee and we are pleased to have as our emcee: KTLA Morning News co-anchor Chris Schauble. We are also very excited that our Keynote Speaker for this timely topic will be well-known advocate for performers with disabilities, Gail Williamson.

Mr. Schauble has earned a number of awards, including five Golden Mikes’ and two Emmys. Before working in Los Angeles, he covered national stories out of Denver, and was named “Television Journalist of the Year” by the Colorado Association of Black Journalists. He has instructed at Miles College (Birmingham, Ala.) in speech communications and media research analysis, and has been a guest instructor at the Poynter Institute (St. Petersburg, Fla.). He is a marathon runner and triathlete (competing in Ironman competitions) and has dedicated much of his free time to help needy children. Chris, his wife and children live in the Santa Clarita area.

Ms. Williamson is an advocate for people with disabilities, focusing especially on the performing arts. She is known as the “go to person” when a production in- cludes characters with Down Syndrome or other disabilities. Over the years, she has been involved in shows such as Touched By An Angel, CSI, The Guardian, and Law And Order: SVU, to name a few. Internationally known for her involvement in the entertainment industry in regards to people with developmental disabilities such as Down Syndrome, Ms. Williamson has provided talent to numerous productions. Attendees will find both our MC and Keynote to be entertaining and informative.

As part of the festivities, the Mayor’s Committee will also be recognizing and honoring local employers who have hired or trained on-site, persons with disabilities. A delicious lunch provided by Chartwell’s will be available for $12.00, and as always there will be some “cool” opportunity prizes.

Come join the fun, network with other businesses and community members, and support efforts to assist those with disabilities. The event will be held Wednesday, Oct. 15, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the SCV Activities Center (20880 Centre Pointe Parkway, Santa Clarita, CA 91350). For more information, or to RSVP (which is suggested as there is limited seating), please call 661-259-0033 X500, or contact us at scvmcemploy@gmail.com, and leave your name, contact number, the number attending, and whether you will be purchasing lunch. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!