Building Inclusive Workplaces

Educating Employers, Cultivating Partnerships, and Empowering Businesses

Happy 34th Anniversary ADA!

34 years ago on July 26, 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law. This historic civil rights law protects the rights of people with disabilities. Click here to visit the ADA's website and check out their valuable resources.

Accommodating Invisible Disabilities in the Workplace

Guest speaker Steve Brown, discussed how employers should address invisible (or hidden) disabilities in the workplace. Participants can now:

• Better understand what is considered the invisible or hidden disabilities under the ADA
• Understand the responsibility of the employee in alerting the employer of the medical condition while participating in the conversation
• Recognize the responsibility of the employer in responding to the information about the medical condition

Access the presentation deck by clicking HERE.

Access the recording by clicking HERE.

We are thrilled to report that the 2024 Spring Inclusive Career Fair hosted by Richmond Times-Dispatch in partnership with Virginia Ability was a great success.

There was about 230 people in attendance, over 200 pre-registrations from job seekers, and 19 companies that were hiring present.

Job Accommodations Make a Difference:

Data Points and Implications

July 9, 2024

3:00pm - 4:00pm EST

During the month of July, we celebrate the 34th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). It is often said that good data provides indisputable evidence. A panel of researchers from the Rehabilitation Research and Training Center (RRTC) on Employment for People with Physical Disabilities will share insightful data on how providing job accommodations for people with disabilities does make a difference to perform their job duties and enjoy equal employment opportunities. Presenters will highlight their current research projects and latest observations that will support grantees, federal and state policymakers, job seekers with disabilities, and employers to improve employment outcomes for people with disabilities.

VCU-RRTC: ACRE Approved Supported Employment Online Course

Dates: August 19 - November 11, 2024

This 40-hour training is presented in six modules. Course content is delivered through an online course format with recorded audio and video presentations, required reading, practical activities, and online discussions. Below are the topics that will be covered:

Module 1: Overview and Introduction to Employment First

Module 2: Customer Profile and Discovery

Module 3: Marketing and Job Development

Module 4: Customized Employment

Module 5: Job Site Supports

Module 6: Social Security and Other Special Topics

The registration cut-off date for this course is August 12, 2024. 

Cost: Individual rate: $375 per person | Group rate: $1500 for 5 registrants, $300 for each additional registrant

VCU Student with Cerebral Palsy Connects Passion with Employment

Finding employment can be a challenge for anyone. Finding employment that matches one’s passion and career goals can be a greater challenge. But for one Virginia Commonwealth University student with Cerebral Palsy, combining his degree path and current work with his desire to help people with disabilities meets that challenge.

Meet Chad Lowery, an undergraduate student at VCU School of Education majoring in special education and a legal assistant at a local law firm specializing in disability rights and advocacy. 

Become An Information Access Champion

The Virginia Board for People with Disabilities (VBPD) launched a new initiative asking individuals and businesses to TAKE THE PLEDGE and become an information access champion.

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. Are you leaving impact on the table? Discover crucial data and uncover the hidden strengths and untapped opportunities awaiting your organization. Register Here for the NOD Employment Tracker™ and learn more about the The new free Employee Engagement Survey by Registering Here.

National Organization on Disability for Employer Insights hosted by:

In this interview, Howard Green with the National Organization on Disability, speaks with Shannon Offord with DirectEmployers Association. Shannon Offord, Manager Strategic Partnerships & Alliances at DirectEmployers Association, has over 15 years of experience in the HR/online recruitment industry working for companies such as Aerotek and Monster. Shannon is currently responsible for building and maintaining many of the Association’s partnerships. In addition to his duties at DirectEmployers, Shannon serves on the Board of Directors of teknetex, Inc, a Nashville, TN based recruitment agency.

Check out and register for the upcoming session:

July 25, 2024

ABLEnow is an important financial tool for Virginians with disabilities and their families. Many employers don’t know about these tax-advantaged accounts. It’s easy to share information about Virginia529 and ABLEnow with your organization. Invite ABLEnow to present to your group or participate in a benefit fair.

Know someone still looking for that perfect job? Jobs Ability can match their employment profile to any of their 50,000+ jobs from all around the US and across the world. If the individual has a profile, they can log in to check on their current recommended matches. If they don't have a profile, have them check out these new captioned videos for instructions on how to get started. 

Creating generative AI to build an accessible world for individuals with disabilities. Our Ability was recognized in 2023 by the International Organization Zero Project for work on Jobs Ability, one of 12 Awardees in the US! If you are interested in a demonstration or additional information contact MaryBeth Schneider, Community Outreach Director.

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