August 2020
In this Issue: eRecruiting Checklist, COVID-19 Spotlights, and More
EARN IN ACTION
eRecruiting Checklist
Today, companies increasingly use eRecruiting systems, including artificial intelligence (AI), to screen candidates, streamline the application process, and train and communicate with employees. It is important for companies to ensure such systems do not impede the hiring of qualified people with disabilities. To help, EARN collaborated with the Partnership on Employment & Accessible Technology to develop a new resource, the Checklist for Employers: Facilitating the Hiring of People with Disabilities Through the Use of eRecruiting Screening Systems, Including AI. Access the checklist.
COVID-19 Employer Response Profiles
EARN recently published profiles highlighting innovative approaches three companies—CVS Health, EY, and Merck—are taking to ensure their response to COVID-19 takes into consideration the needs of employees with disabilities. Examples include activities and special efforts spearheaded by disability-focused employee resource groups and employee assistance programs to help employees, including those with mental health conditions, manage challenges brought on or impacted by the pandemic. Read the CVS Health, EY, and Merck COVID-19 response profiles.
WRP Success Stories
Two new profiles on the EARN website share the experiences of individuals who participated in the Workforce Recruitment Program (WRP). Managed by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Defense, the WRP is a recruitment and referral program that connects federal employers with highly qualified, pre-screened college students and recent graduates seeking internships or permanent employment. Read the success stories (Daniel Hernandez and Heath Huggins) to learn more about the WRP.
Celebrating ADA30: A Discussion on Youth Employment from the ADA Generation
In honor of the 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) last month, EARN hosted a webinar featuring a panel discussion with young adults with disabilities sharing their experiences in the workplace. In addition, a representative from the Institute on Disability at the University of New Hampshire explored key findings from the new Kessler Foundation survey report, Experiences of the “Americans with ADA Generation” in the Workplace. This webinar is now archived for anyone unable to participate on the day. Watch the archived webinar.
DISABILITY EMPLOYMENT IN THE NEWS
White House, DOL ADA30 Commemorations
July 26, 2020 marked the 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The White House, U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), and other federal agencies commemorated the date with a variety of events and communiqués. A few examples include a proclamation issued by the President; an op-ed by U.S. Secretary of Labor Eugene Scalia; a joint statement by DOL, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and U.S. Department of Justice; and a blog post by Jennifer Sheehy, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Labor for Disability Employment Policy.
Advancing Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace
In honor of the Americans with Disabilities Act 30th anniversary, the U.S. Conference of Mayors’ Workforce Development Council issued a new guide, Advancing Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace, to help municipal policymakers understand how to ensure their cities effectively serve students, job seekers, and workers with disabilities in a rapidly changing economy. The U.S. Conference of Mayors collaborates with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy’s State Exchange on Employment and Disability (SEED). Read the guide.
Wellbeing in the Workplace: A Practical Guide for Business
A new resource from Hiring Our Heroes and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation provides data and case studies related to mental health in the workplace. The resource, Wellbeing in the Workplace: A Practical Guide for Business, also shares key actions employers can implement to support the mental health of employees, including veterans, and their families. EARN is pleased to be included among the guide’s list of resources available to assist employers in creating a mental health-friendly workplace. Access the guide.
Capitol Ideas
The July issue of the Council of State Governments’ (CSG) Capitol Ideas magazine focused on the 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. In addition to history and summary of the law, the special issue profiles 30 state leaders who have had a significant impact on disability employment policy. It also includes an article exploring the ADA in the context of America’s changing economy and environment. CSG collaborates with the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Disability Employment Policy’s State Exchange on Employment and Disability (SEED). Access the magazine.
AskEARN
Q: We are a federal contractor and, per guidelines, recently incorporated the U.S. Department of Labor’s updated Voluntary Self-Identification of Disability Form into our human resources processes. Doing so spurred us to consider ways we can encourage employees and applicants to self-identify. Can you help?
A: Smart thinking, and yes, we can help! Last year, we published a toolkit focused on strategies companies can use to encourage employees with disabilities to self-identify. Developed in collaboration with the National Industry Liaison Group, this guide also includes examples of innovative approaches some businesses have used to increase self-identification rates and track progress.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
August 26, 2020, 2:00 p.m. ET
Webinar: ODEP Inclusion at Work in Practice
Hosted by the National Industry Liaison Group, this webinar will explore Inclusion@Work, a framework developed by EARN and the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) to help employers foster disability-inclusive workplaces. Speakers include representatives from ODEP as well as Excellence in Disability Inclusion awardees, PepsiCo and CVS Health. Register for the NILG webinar.
September 15, 2020, 2:00 p.m. ET
Audio Conference: Moving the Needle on Disability Employment
Sponsored by the Mid-Atlantic Americans with Disabilities Act Center, this audio conference will explore practical strategies and innovative approaches that employers, disability advocates, job seekers with disabilities, and workforce professionals can use to increase the hiring and retention of individuals with disabilities. Register for the audio conference.
September 18, 2020
Deadline: Henry Viscardi Achievement Award Nominations
The Viscardi Center is currently accepting nominations for the 2020 Henry Viscardi Achievement Awards. Named for the Center’s founder and a leading disability advocate, Dr. Henry Viscardi, Jr., these awards honor leaders who carry on his legacy by improving quality of life for people with disabilities, including through employment. The deadline for nominations is September 18, 2020. Learn more about the awards.
EMPLOYER SPOTLIGHT
Starbucks
In January of 2020, Starbucks issued a statement declaring its commitment to supporting employees’ mental health through a variety of company-wide initiatives. Since then, thousands of its employees, referred to internally as “partners,” have participated in an online forum to share their ideas and experiences, and hundreds of thousands have participated in training on the issue. EARN recently updated its Mental Health Toolkit with a profile about Starbucks’ efforts.
The Employer Assistance and Resource Network on Disability Inclusion (EARN) is a resource for employers seeking to recruit, hire, retain, and advance qualified employees with disabilities. It is funded by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy under a cooperative agreement with the K. Lisa Yang and Hock E. Tan Institute on Disability and Employment. For more information, visit AskEARN.org.
Preparation of this item was fully funded by the United States Department of Labor, Office of Disability Employment Policy in the amount of $8,000,000 (four-year total grant amount) under Cooperative Agreement No. OD-33975-19-75-4-36. This document does not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Office of Disability Employment Policy, U.S. Department of Labor, nor does the mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.