October 5, 2016
In this Issue
WHAT'S NEW
Meet the New AskEARN.org!
In honor of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), EARN is proud to unveil the newly redesigned AskEARN.org! Featuring updated content, an enhanced look and feel, and a streamlined navigational structure, the new site is a centralized gateway to employer-focused tools, resources and training on disability diversity and inclusion. It also features a new Primer on Disability Inclusion for employers who may need general guidance and background. Employers and human resource and diversity and inclusion professionals are encouraged to take a look around to see what’s new – and share feedback on topics and resources they would like to see added in the future. Visit AskEARN.org.
NDEAM 2016: #InclusionWorks
National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) is now in full swing, with organizations across the country hosting events and activities to help spread the spirit. With this year’s hashtag theme, it is hoped that individuals and groups will also post images on social media illustrating the many ways “#InclusionWorks.” To help contribute to the dialogue, the Campaign for Disability Employment (CDE) is running daily posts on both Twitter and Facebook with compelling quotes and helpful resources for employees and employers. Follow along to get your daily does of NDEAM spirit! Subscribe to the CDE on Twitter and Facebook or learn more about NDEAM.
Cincinnati Chamber and Macy’s Partner with EARN
Last week, EARN was pleased to present as part of a half-day disability inclusion workshop sponsored by the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber of Commerce at the headquarters of national department store chain Macy’s. In addition to welcome remarks by a Macy’s executive and EARN’s presentation, the event featured a series of speakers, including from Cincinnati businesses of varying sizes. The event was sponsored by the chamber as part of its participation in the ODEP-funded Getting Down to Business pilot project, a technical assistance effort that provided three small business associations with customized assistance to develop disability inclusion initiatives and engage their members in the issue. Read more about the event.
Companies “Circle” to Discuss Disability Inclusion
Last month, the “Circle,” a group of companies recognized for their leadership on disability inclusion, met in conjunction with the U.S. Business Leadership Network (USBLN) 2016 National Conference in Orlando, FL. In addition to sharing recent developments within their companies’ disability employment initiatives, they had the opportunity to speak with Deputy Assistant Secretary of Labor for Disability Employment Policy Jennifer Sheehy, State Department Special Advisor for International Disability Rights Judy Heumann and USBLN Chair and Walgreens Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion Steve Pemberton. EARN manages the Circle through its consortium partner, USBLN. Learn more about USBLN.
ASKEARN.ORG SPOTLIGHT
Primer on Disability Inclusion
If you’re new to the world of disability diversity and inclusion, you may need some general guidance and background on the what, why and how. The new AskEARN.org’s “Primer on Disability Inclusion” provides a starting point, reviewing fundamentals and how EARN can help you tap the benefits of a disability-inclusive workplace
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
October 27, 2016, 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. ET
Webinar: Hot Topics in Reasonable Accommodation
In this webinar, presented by TransCen, Inc. and the Mid-Atlantic ADA Center, Jeanne Goldberg, Senior Attorney Advisor in the Office of Legal Counsel at the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, will review recent court decisions raising new reasonable accommodation issues and highlighting examples of both pitfalls and best practices for ADA compliance. Participation is free, but registration is required, so reserve your spot today. Register for the October 27 webinar.
November 17, 2016, 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. ET
Webinar: Tapping the Talents of Veterans with Disabilities: Steps to Success
Ask any employer the skills they seek and any veteran what they learned in the military, and you’ll likely hear the same things – the ability to adapt, learn quickly and get the job done. But, when it comes to recruiting and onboarding veterans, including disabled veterans, not all businesses know where to start. This webinar will lay a path, addressing proactive steps employers can take to attract veterans with disabilities and how to facilitate their success once on the job. Register for the November 17 webinar.
EMPLOYER SPOTLIGHT
Helpfull All Around Town
Kevin Nyberg of Nyberg’s Ace in Sioux Falls was recently honored for his commitment to disability inclusion with an award from South Dakota Governor Dennis Daugaard. In addition to demonstrating inclusive practices at his own hardware stores, Nyberg is helping spread the word about the value of a disability diverse workforce to other retail establishments in the Mount Rushmore state by chairing the South Dakota Retailers Association’s Disability Business Advisory Group. Read more about Nyberg’s 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 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.
