January 9, 2015 EARN Newsletter

WRP Helps Employers Source Qualified Students and Recent Graduates with Disabilities The 2015 Workforce Recruitment Program (WRP) database has been released! Whether you?re a public or private employer, the WRP can help you fill short- and long-term staffing needs with highly qualified, pre-screened students and recent graduates with disabilities. If you?re a federal employer, learn more at WRP.gov. If you?re a private employer, learn more at WRP.jobs!

Report on Federal Employment of People with Disabilities Released The U.S. Office of Personnel Management recently released the Fiscal Year 2013 Employment of People with Disabilities in the Federal Executive Branch Report. Among the key findings are that the Federal Government hired people with disabilities at a higher rate than at any time in the past 33 years. Learn more by reading the OPM director?s blog post or the report itself.

Corporate Leaders Share Insight on Effective Practices for Disability Inclusion A recent Huffington Post blog post co-authored by Assistant Secretary of Labor for Disability Employment Policy Kathy Martinez and Ernst & Young (EY) Global Diversity and Inclusiveness Officer Karyn Twaronite shared strategies for leading on disability inclusion explored at the Diverse Abilities Leadership Summit hosted by EY on Dec. 3. Read the blog post.

Blog Post Shares Insight from Corporate Leaders on Disability Employment A recently released report by the LEAD Center provides an in-depth look at employee retention and return-to-work strategies at one large American corporation that have potential for replication across industry sectors. The LEAD Center is funded by the U.S. Department of Labor?s Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP). Read the LEAD Center report.

Return to Work and the ADA

Many legal issues arise when people with disabilities seek to return to work after being on leave. This webinar, coordinated by the Great Lakes ADA Center, will address how the courts have interpreted a number of these issues, including the interplay between the ADA and the Family & Medical Leave Act; reasonable accommodations when returning from leave; and medical exams and inquiries. .

Developing and Implementing an Accessibility Strategy: One Organization’s Lessons (So Far)

Employers large and small are learning that accessibility must be part of an organization?s overall approach to information technology. This webinar, coordinated by the Great Lakes ADA Center, will examine Ohio State University?s experience implementing an institution-wide accessible technology strategy. Register for the Accessible Technology webinar.

Creating Resilient Workplaces: Safe Space Leads to Engaged, Productive Workers

A productive workplace is an inclusive workplace, one in which employees feel supported and safe to disclose a health condition or disability or to request a work-life balance need, without fear, stigma or worry. This webinar, co-hosted by the Employer TA Center/EARN, in coordination with the Federal Partners Committee on Women and Trauma, will help employers learn strategies for fostering such an environment. Register for the Creating Resilient Workplaces webinar.

International technology firm SAP has discovered a strong match between its staffing needs and the skills and talents of individuals with Autism. According to Jose Velasco, who oversees the company?s Autism at Work program, ?It?s not a disability play; it?s a skills play.? Learn more in this article from Disability Scoop.

States as Model Employers Infographic This infographic illustrates the powerful impact that states can have on the employment of people with disabilities. In addition to being among the largest employers nationwide, states are poised to implement human resources policies and programs to remove barriers to work and increase employment opportunities for populations that have been under-represented.