Our Employer Services
Support Minnesota Businesses with Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard-of-Hearing employees to…

  • Retain Their Employees
  • Boost Morale Company-Wide
  • Create Inclusive Workplace Cultures
  • Meet Other Business Needs as Applicable through Consulting and Advising
Contact Us

Employer Services

We help businesses support their Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard-of-hearing employees in a variety of ways, including:

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Find interpreters

support

Set up accommodations

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Create an accessible work environment

Increase your Awareness

This educational video was created for individuals who are hiring or working with someone with hearing loss. Watch to learn about the types of hearing loss and proper terminology, tips for communicating with individuals with hearing loss, and examples of how differences in language and culture might appear in the workplace.

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MEC’s Employer Services Process

  • 1

    Get In Touch

    Our Program Manager will match you with an Occupational Communications Specialist.

  • 2

    Make a Plan

    Your Occupational Communications Specialist will help you create a personalized plan based on your organization’s needs and goals.

  • 3

    Meet Your Goals

    From setting up accommodations to creating an inclusive company culture, we help you accomplish your accessibility goals. 

Get Started

Success Stories

After years of seeking a job with limited support from providers who were not fluent in ASL, Bill grew frustrated and hopeless with his job search. His situation changed when he connected with MEC and began working with an Occupational Communications Specialist (OCS).

With support from his OCS, Bill was able to find a job as a dishwasher at Moose Lake's Redneck Meats BBQ, where he works daily from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., focusing on adjusting to a daily work schedule, building confidence in himself and his abilities, and communicating with managers and staff who are hearing.

After having an affirming, accessible, and constructive experience at Redneck Meats BBQ, Bill now has the confidence and optimism needed to keep moving forward on his employment journey. Because MEC's supports don't end when someone finds a job Bill's OCS continues working with him as he plans to advance in his career, explore changing industries, and seek out additional training. With ongoing support, Bill has set a goal to operate machinery, like a forklift, and may pursue a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) in the future.

Bill

Dishwasher - Duluth

Looking for a career change, Ellen sought out MEC career guidance and job placement services. Her MEC Occupational Communication Specialist (OCS) coordinated a job try-out at Home Goods and they were very impressed with her job performance, which led to her hire. MEC helped the Home Goods’ managers with Ellen’s on-the-job training and continued to follow-up once a week to make sure that things were going well. Given her success on the job, MEC now only visits twice a month.

Ellen

Home Goods

Ade, a native of Nigeria, loves his chef job at Hilton Garden Inn, where the menu features a pasta dish named after him. Despite the language and communication challenges, he is an award-winning member of the Hilton staff. Ade was even featured in an article in the Minneapolis Star Tribune, which highlighted his great work and the support he receives from MEC. He uses a system of notes, gestures, and lip-reading to communicate with his coworkers. Guests especially enjoy his made-to-order omelets, which Ade likes to deliver to the table in person.

Ade

Hilton Garden Inn

About MEC

For over 30 years, Minnesota Employment Center (MEC) has been providing career solutions and customized support for the Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard-of-Hearing communities in MN. MEC is a collaboration between Rise Incorporated and ThinkSelf, with support from the State of Minnesota.

Meet Our Team