February 8, 2017 Newsletter

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Talking to Managers about Disability

Managers and supervisors are the front line when it comes to implementing policies and practices designed to support disability inclusion in the workplace. To help employers communicate this critical role to managers and supervisors, the Northeast Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Center developed Communication Tools to Support Disability Inclusion. This guide can assist workplace leaders, including HR professionals, diversity and inclusion managers, business owners and corporate executives, in sending the right messages about disability inclusion. Topics include how disability inclusion benefits businesses, strategies for creating a workplace culture welcoming of people with disabilities, and recruiting and hiring tips. Access Communication Tools to Support Disability Inclusion.

#DSWorks Campaign

Every day, people with disabilities – including people with Down syndrome and other intellectual and developmental disabilities – add value to America’s workplaces and economy in numerous ways. To help highlight the contributions of people with Down syndrome, the National Down Syndrome Society recently launched the #DSWORKS campaign, which encourages businesses to hire employees with Down syndrome and increase opportunities for them to engage in meaningful and competitive employment. The campaign features a range of resources, including a guide for employers with tips such as setting goals and providing a routine. Self-advocates, family members, employers and job coaches are also encouraged to share success stories on social media using the hashtag #DSWORKS. Read more about #DSWORKS.

Age-Related Macular Degeneration/Low Vision Month

February is Age-Related Macular Degeneration/Low Vision Month, which raises awareness about vision impairments that affect a large number of workers across the U.S., given the “graying” of the American workforce. As such, employers may want to use the month to learn about and educate supervisors and employees about workplace accommodation ideas for employees who have vision impairments. As part of its Accommodation and Compliance Series, the Job Accommodation Network (JAN) offers a wealth of information to assist. Like EARN, JAN is funded by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy. Read about accommodations for people with vision impairments.

Guidance on Section 508 “Refresh” 

The Partnership on Employment and Accessible Technology recently published two resources, a fact sheet and policy brief, to help stakeholders, including federal employers, understand recent updates to Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, which applies to federal agencies and the technology providers that sell to them. Specifically, Section 508 requires that all information and communications technology the federal government develops, procures, maintains and uses be accessible to people with disabilities, including in the workplace context. This means that federal employees with disabilities must have comparable access to and use of information and data relative to other federal workers. Read the Section 508 resources.

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February 16, 2017, 2:00-3:30 p.m. ET

Webinar:  Federal Government as a Model Employer: Understanding Changes to Section 501 of the Rehabilitation Act

This EARN webinar will provide an in-depth look at the final rule recently published by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission updating Section 501 of the Rehabilitation Act, which requires affirmative action and nondiscrimination in employment of people with disabilities by federal agencies.  Topics will include the importance of self-identification in achieving hiring goals, how the new rule impacts the federal job application process and reasonable accommodation procedures, and the use of personal assistance services in the workplace. Disability program managers, selective placement program coordinators, HR professionals, managers and hiring officials across the Federal Government are encouraged to attend. Participation is free, but registration is required and space is limited. Register for the February 16 webinar.

February 21, 2017, 2:00-3:30 p.m. ET

Webinar:  Employer Practices to Improve Employment Outcomes: Considerations Across the Employment Process

Many businesses are realizing the tremendous value employees with disabilities bring to the workplace, but want to know more about the best ways to recruit, hire and retain them.  This webinar hosted by the Great Lakes ADA Center and ADA National Network will provide an overview of proven workplace disability inclusive practices across the employment process – from recruitment and hiring to advancement and retention. Topics will include accessibility, accommodations and diversity and inclusion.  Register for the February 21 webcast.

February 22, 2017, 1:00-4:00 p.m. ET

Webcast:  JAN Binge-a-thon

Federal government employees are invited to join experts from the Job Accommodation Network (JAN) for an in-depth discussion on topics such as reasonable accommodations and the Rehabilitation Act. Attendees will receive a certificate of completion. Register for the February 22 webcast.

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