HONOLULU — The city’s Department of Community Services’ WorkHawaii Division has partnered with Abilities Unlimited, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities by building inclusive communities, announced Mayor Rick Blangiardi.

Abilities Unlimited will share offices with WorkHawaii at the latter’s Dole Cannery location. There will be an open house from 9 a.m. to noon Oct. 3 at the Dole Cannery office building, Suite 600, 680 Iwilei Road.

The public is invited to stop by and see the new space and available resources, meet with staff, and learn about the new Practical Assessment Exploration System at Abilities Unlimited. Through PAES, participants get hands on in various work-related tasks, building essential job skills while providing trainers with valuable insight into each individual’s strengths and areas for improvement. The system simulates real-world work environments, providing practical experience and preparing participants for future employment opportunities.

“With more than 40 years of employment training and job development experience, Abilities Unlimited is creating a holistic approach to employment for both youth and adults with disabilities,” said Melissa Gerber, Abilities Unlimited director of Workforce Development & Strategic Partners in a release. 

“We are excited about connecting with innovative partners, such as the WorkHawaii Division, to create a dynamic PAES Lab training center for a diverse population of individuals with work barriers,” Gerber said.

Call WorkHawaii at 808-768-5703 to learn about services, program eligibility, enrollment and other partners or fill out the online WorkHawaii Program interest form.