Erie's Tom Ridge was back home today pushing for more job opportunities for people with disabilities.

The former governor was the keynote speaker at a sold out luncheon sponsored by the Barber National Institute.

He is the longtime chairman of he National Organization on Disability.

Ridge told the crowd at the Bayfront Convention Center that while many people with disabilities have gotten jobs, many more are still waiting for an opportunity.

He said hiring the disabled helps the individuals and the companies.

Ridge said, "It is enormously personally satisfying for them, but the real benefit that is satisfying from a business point of view is they are really good employees."

Since 1986, the Barber National Institute, has placed about 600 individuals with disabilities in jobs at 400 area companies.