Building Inclusive Workplaces
Educating Employers, Cultivating Partnerships, and Empowering Businesses
Imagine the PossAbilities in a Changeable World! For the past 20 years, Virginia Ability has been improving employment outcomes for people with disabilities. Is your organization interested in setting the example for other businesses wishing to communicate the connection of disability to business results? Join Virginia Ability and make an investment in your workplace health today!
April is Autism Acceptance Month.
Join the Autism Society Central Virginia as they promote awareness, understanding, and acceptance throughout the month of April.
Autism is the fastest-growing developmental disability in the United States, with one in 36 children receiving a diagnosis, according to a newly-released report from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). In addition to 5.8 million Autistic adults, this prevalence means that Autism likely touches a vast majority of Americans either through relationships or direct experience, and the support needs across the Autism spectrum are vastly different.

Check out VCU Autism Center for Education for additional resources.
Welcome Our New Virginia Ability Board Members!
Strategic Account Manager

Director of Career Outreach Commonwealth Senior Living

Manager Corporate Service
AVP Hospital Operations
Upcoming Events and Happenings
Virginia Ability is Proud to be a Silver Sponsor

Richmond SHRM hosts an annual Diversity & Inclusion Symposium to help companies understand this concept and improve their D&I efforts, to help business and HR professionals develop a competency in D&I, and to bring together organizations from across the Commonwealth to discuss current critical topics.
Win a ticket
to the Richmond SHRM D&I Symposium!
Would you like to be our guest at the Richmond SHRM Symposium? Be the first 2023 Ability Leader Sponsor ($2000+) and get a ticket to the Symposium (up to $385 value).

Only one ticket available through this special sponsorship offer. Ticket will be awarded to the first Ability Leader level sponsor whose authorized payment has been properly processed. Offer ends midnight on May 5. Questions can be directed to info@virginiaability.org.
The Youth Leadership Academy (YLA) program seeks to empower young people with developmental and other disabilities to further develop their leadership skills.

The YLA application deadline is fast approaching. Apply by April 7, 2023.
In-Person Public Meeting:
Mark your calendars for the Virginia Department for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Advisory Board Meeting, scheduled for Wednesday, May 3rd, 9:30am-3:30pm. Visit the Commonwealth Calendar for more details.
Valuable Resources for Business
WHAT IS THE "WINDMILLS" TRAINING PROGRAM? “Windmills” is a high-impact, changing the perception of disability training curriculum. The program consists of 12 modules that use participation and discovery as learning vehicles.
HOW CAN THE "WINDMILLS" PROGRAM HELP MY ORGANIZATION? Many organizations would like to employ persons with disabilities but find that fears, biases and myths create barriers in the hiring process. The training focuses on attitudes and human factors, while addressing concerns including legal requirements and accommodation.
Pre-registration is required.To learn more contact your DARS Business Development Manager or click the link below to register for one or more of these training events:

Coming Up:
"Taking the Emotion Out of Emotional Disabilities" on April 27
"Profiles" on May 25
DISABILITY INCLUSION
IS A CHOICE
With over 40 years experience, the National Organization on Disability helps the world's leading companies become more disability-inclusive.
Organizational assessments provide a benchmark to inform quality improvement efforts and is an investment in your workplace health. Most organizations don’t even realize they have an inclusion gap. Interested in learning more about how to measure inclusion in the workplace and why it's important? Contact Virginia Ability.
Employer Insights: Stan Martz with The Kroger Company
These interviews discuss important topics for Human Resource Professionals, Hiring Managers, Business Owners, and Directors of Workplace Diversity. In these interviews, business experts and owners discuss the business case for disability inclusion, explain why it is important, and provide helpful tips on how it can be implemented.
People with disabilities can save money without impacting benefits!
ABLEnow is an important financial tool for Virginians with disabilities and their families. Too many people don’t know about these tax-advantaged accounts. It’s easy to share information about ABLEnow with your organization. Invite ABLEnow to present to your group or participate in a benefit fair.
Job Seekers Looking for Employment Opportunities?
Employers Looking for Talent?
Our Ability is recognized by International Organization for work on Jobs Ability, one of 12 Awardees in the US!
Check out the Jobs Ability Testimonial with Performance Food Group
Jobs Ability uses AI technology to lower the unemployment rate for individuals with disabilities and inclusive digital support to meet Section 508 Accessibility Compliance Standards. Join us for portal demonstrations for both job seekers and businesses.
Join us every third Thursday from 3-4 pm ET to chat with employers and learn about the careers they offer in Registered Apprenticeships, Government, and STEM Healthcare.
April 20 - Registered Apprenticeships
May 18- Registered Apprenticeships
We Greatly Appreciate the Support of Our Sponsors!
ABILITY LEADERS
ABILITY PARTNERS
ABILITY ADVOCATES
DARS Logo
Southern States logo
VALUE IN-KIND SPONSORS
Virginia Ability is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization | EIN: 80-0080776