The Highland Park City Council on Oct. 20 read a proclamation from Mayor Nancy Rotering recognizing October as National Disability Employment Awareness Month and pledged continued efforts to recruit and advance workers with disabilities.

Don Minor, an employment specialist with the Center for Enriched Living (CEL), told the council CEL has provided employment services ‘‘since 2016’’ and served 27 Highland Park residents in the past fiscal year. ‘‘We always start with an assessment of skills and interest, then work to build those skills, develop a resume, help them search for a job, prepare for interviews, and continue through job placement, onboarding support, and any necessary job coaching throughout,’’ Minor said.

Minor described CEL’s funding sources and employer partnerships: participants come through contracts with the Illinois Department of Rehabilitative Services or by paying out of pocket for job coaching, and the organization has received grants from the Highland Park Community Foundation and the Highland Park Human Relations Commission. He said CEL matches members to jobs ‘‘that align with their skills and interests,’’ citing placements that range from farm work to assisting in a law firm. Minor noted two Highland Park residents have found paid work through CEL, including a 22-year-old named Thomas who ‘‘landed his first ever paid job.’’

Council members and staff thanked Minor and encouraged local employers to consider partnership opportunities. Minor asked local businesses to take brochures and to visit experiencecel.org for more information.

The proclamation and presentation were part of the mayoral and staff reports; no formal council action beyond recognition was recorded on the item.