July 19, 2018
In this Issue: ADA Anniversary, Disability:IN & More
WHAT'S NEW
ADA 28th Anniversary
Next week, July 26 to be exact, marks the 28th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Signed into law in 1990, the ADA works to open the doors of opportunity for people with disabilities in all sectors of society, including the workplace. As such, its anniversary is an opportune time for employers to refresh their understanding of the law, which prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals on the basis of disability and requires the provision of reasonable accommodations to enable them to apply for and/or perform the essential functions of a job. Read EARN’s ADA Webpage.
Disability:IN
At its annual conference last week, one of EARN’s partners unveiled a new name and brand: Disability:IN ™. Formerly known as the U.S. Business Leadership Network (USBLN), Disability:IN chose its new branding to reflect its commitment to promoting full inclusion of people with disabilities, inspiring accessible innovation, and fostering cultures of inclusion. At the conference, EARN was pleased to exhibit as well as host the quarterly meeting of the “Circle,” a group of companies recognized for their commitment to disability inclusion and equality. Learn more about Disability:IN.
Disability Employment Resources for Employers
The Campaign for Disability Employment (CDE), which like EARN is funded by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy, works to change attitudes through powerful media products, including public service announcements (PSAs), all focused around the core message that “at work, it’s what people can do that matters.” In addition to these products, the CDE’s website has a guide for employers, with links to a variety of resources that can assist in recruiting, hiring and advancing the employment success of people with disabilities. Access the CDE’s PSAs or Employer Resource Guide.
Nominate a Disability Champion
The Viscardi Center is now accepting nominations for the 2018 Henry Viscardi Achievement Awards. Named for the Center’s founder and a premier 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 selection committee is co-chaired by former U.S. Senator Robert Dole and Sherwood “Woody” Goldberg, Esq., retired U.S. Army Colonel and current Senior Advisor for Asian Affairs at the Center for Naval Analysis. The nomination deadline is October 10. Learn more about the awards.
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ASKEARN.ORG SPOTLIGHT
Meet EARN’s Partners
One of EARN’s partners recently changed its name; the U.S. Business Leadership Network is now Disability:IN. Disability:IN is just one of a diverse collaborative of partners that comprise EARN and assist in managing its various activities. This page of the AskEARN.org website tells more about each of EARN’s partners and their responsibilities.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
July 25, 2018, 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. ET
Webinar: Small Employers & the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
This webinar will share findings of a qualitative study conducted by the Northeast ADA Center to learn how much small businesses, especially those without a dedicated human resources function, understand about disability, the ADA and reasonable accommodations. It will also share resources available to assist small businesses on these matters. Register for the July 25 Small Employers webinar.
July 25, 2018, 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. ET
Webinar: Tips on Web Accessibility and Accommodations for Hiring Individuals with Disabilities
This webinar, sponsored by Microsoft, Getting Hired and PeopleFluent, will explore key strategies for web accessibility and accommodations for hiring people with disabilities. Participants will learn how Microsoft ensures its website is accessible for consumers and job seekers with disabilities and components of a successful disability recruiting initiative. Register for the July 25 Web Accessibility webinar.
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EMPLOYER SPOTLIGHT
2018 Disability Equality Index Results
Disability:IN and the American Association of People with Disabilities recently released the results of the 2018 Disability Equality Index (DEI), an annual effort to gather information about best practices for disability inclusion across industries. This year, 106 companies – among them 3M, HP and T-Mobile – received scores of 80 or above and thus are considered “DEI Best Places to Work for Disability Inclusion.” Registration for the 2019 DEI is now underway. To participate, companies must register by January 11, 2019.
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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 Viscardi Center. For more information, visit AskEARN.org
Preparation of this material was funded by the Office of Disability Employment Policy, U.S. Department of Labor, Grant No. [OD-26451-14-75-4-36]. 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.