June 14, 2017
In this Issue: Increasing Inclusion in South Dakota, Sign Language Awareness and More
WHAT'S NEW
Increasing Inclusion in the Mount Rushmore State
In recent weeks, EARN travelled to South Dakota, where it had the pleasure of presenting in four cities as part of a series of events sponsored by the state’s Department of Human Services (DHS)/Division of Rehabilitation Services. The presentations explored steps employers in the Mount Rushmore state can take to recruit and retain people with disabilities. DHS is also the voice behind South Dakota’s “Ability for Hire” campaign and has worked with the South Dakota Retailers Association to increase the capacity of their members to employ people with disabilities. Learn more about South Dakota’s efforts.
Sign Language Video
Did you know that American Sign Language (ASL) has regional accents? Or that people who use sign language may sign in their sleep? A new brief video can help employers and employees better understand sign language and Deaf culture, as well as learn a few basic signs to assist when interacting with people who are deaf or hard of hearing and use ASL. Titled “A Few Things to Know About ASL,” the video was produced by National Public Radio with assistance from Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C. Access the sign language video.
PTSD Awareness Month
June is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness Month – an opportune time to learn how to best accommodate and support people with PTSD, including veterans with disabilities. The Job Accommodation Network (JAN) offers a range of resources to help employers learn more about PTSD and its symptoms, as well as find practical accommodation solutions for specific workplace situations. Learn about accommodation ideas for people with PTSD or get PTSD Awareness Month materials for use in the workplace.
Accessible Workplace Technology Updates
There is no doubting technology’s importance in the modern workplace. It is one of the central drivers of individual and organizational productivity – if it’s accessible, that is. The Partnership on Employment and Accessible Technology (PEAT) helps employers understand these issues, and its June newsletter is now available. Among the topics addressed in this edition is efforts to improve the accessibility of Taleo, a leading applicant tracking system used by human resources professionals worldwide to source and manage talent. Read the newsletter.
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ASKEARN.ORG SPOTLIGHT
Disabled Veterans
When military personnel transition to civilian employment, America’s businesses stand to benefit. Across all industries, veterans are a ready source of qualified, committed job candidates with transferable skills proven in real world situations. They grasp new concepts quickly and work well both independently and as part of a team – highly valued skills in any workplace. To help employers better understand how to tap this talent for their workplaces, EARN offers Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about disabled veterans.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
Tuesday, June 27, 12:30 – 1:00 p.m. ET
Webinar: What is Universal Design?
Sponsored by the Mid-Atlantic ADA Center, this webinar will address the basics of universal design (UD) in the context of the physical “built” environment, as well as products, communication methods and overall environments, including workplaces. It will also address the evolution of UD and how it differs in nature to accessible design. The featured speaker will be John Salmen, President of Universal Designers & Consultants, Inc. Register for the June 27 webinar.
Thursday, July 20, 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. ET
Webinar: Neurodiversity and Workplace Technology
Sponsored by the Partnership on Employment and Accessible Technology, this “virtual talk” will feature Shea Tanis, Associate Director of the Coleman Institute for Cognitive Disabilities, who will discuss why technology and information access is a critical right for everyone, and how technology solutions are changing employment opportunities for people with cognitive disabilities, including neurodiverse individuals. Learn more about the July 20 talk.
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EMPLOYER SPOTLIGHT
Pizza Ranch
With two recent hires, a Pizza Ranch restaurant in South Dakota has discovered the business benefits of a workplace inclusive of people with intellectual disabilities. A new video shares its story and provides advice for other businesses considering bringing someone with a disability onboard. “Don’t let the disability part scare you. Let their ability show you,” says the restaurant’s manager. “Break down the barrier of being nervous.”
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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.
