EARN Newsletter: June 2023

EARN in Action

Promoting Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) in the Workplace

A diverse workforce brings new perspectives, experiences, and ideas to an organization. In today’s economy, well planned and executed workplace DEIA initiatives are a business imperative. However, organizational DEIA efforts are incomplete and ineffective if they overlook people with disabilities, as one in 10 working-age adults has a disability according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Throughout the month of June, EARN is promoting the importance of including disabled workers in DEIA efforts and sharing actionable ways employers can advance their DEIA initiatives. Follow EARN on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter for DEIA-related strategies, resources, and information.

Celebrating Pride Month

June is Pride Month, an annual celebration of the LGBTQI+ community’s many contributions to history, society, and cultures worldwide. EARN’s fact sheet, “Disability Inclusion: Exploring the Intersections,” shares information about the connection between inclusion of LGBTQI+ employees and disabled workers. The resource also details best practices for creating inclusive workplace cultures that enable all employees to feel supported and accepted.

Mental Health Webinar Learning Guide

Research shows that physically demanding jobs can put workers at a higher risk for developing mental health conditions, with the construction industry experiencing the second-highest suicide rate of all industries in the United States. To accompany the webinar “Navigating Mental Health in Skilled Trade and Industrial Occupations” held last month, EARN created a learning guide to help employers support the well-being of workers in these industries. The guide includes statistics about the prevalence of mental health conditions, advice to help employers understand and address stigma, and resources for creating mental health-friendly workplaces.

EARN Wins Muse Creative Award

EARN recently won a 2023 MUSE Creative Silver Award in the Website–Diversity & Inclusion category. The MUSE Creative Awards is an international competition for creative professionals who inspire others with their concepts, ideas, or designs. The awards are hosted by the International Awards Associate and include a series of competitions that honor excellence in various fields. EARN’s website was recognized as a standout among more than 6,300 entries from around the world.

Disability Employment in the News

Department of Labor (DOL) Announces National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) Theme

DOL’s Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) recently announced that this year’s NDEAM theme is “Advancing Access and Equity.” NDEAM is observed each October to celebrate the contributions of America’s workers with disabilities and showcase inclusive workplace policies that benefit both employers and employees. A similar theme, “Advancing Access and Equity: Then, Now and Next,” honors the 50^th anniversary of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Rehab Act) this year, which prohibits discrimination based on disability by federal agencies, federal contractors, and programs that receive federal funding.

Mental Health at Work Public Service Announcement (PSA)

One in five American adults experiences a mental health condition each year. To help support worker well-being, DOL released a new video PSA as part of its Mental Health at Work initiative. Launched in May in celebration of Mental Health Awareness Month, the initiative provides information and resources to promote workplace wellness. The PSA features Acting Secretary of Labor Julie A. Su, as well as employers, workers, and organizational leaders who share their lived experience with mental health conditions.

Governors Focus on Workplace Mental Health

A blog post recently published by the National Governors Association (NGA) details governors’ efforts to advance workplace mental health. The article includes an overview of a panel discussion held during NGA’s Winter 2023 Workforce Symposium on strategies to support workers with mental and behavioral health conditions. The panel featured Assistant Secretary of Labor for Disability Employment Policy Taryn Williams and other public and private sector leaders. The blog also provides resources for creating mental health-friendly workplaces from EARN and ODEP’s State Exchange on Employment & Disability (SEED).

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Employer Spotlight

Harnessing the Power of Inclusive Apprenticeships at Helix Opportunity

Inclusive apprenticeship programs are an effective way to meet employers’ talent needs and train workers with disabilities for careers in high-growth industries. On a recent episode of the Partnership on Inclusive Apprenticeship’s (PIA) “Apprenticeship for All” podcast, Helix Opportunity Founder David Fazio discussed how the consulting company’s Registered Apprenticeship Program is training apprentices with disabilities in digital accessibility to address this critical workforce need and create career pathways for disabled workers in an in-demand field.

The content in this newsletter does not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the U.S. Department of Labor, nor does mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.