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December 2007 Issue:Managing
the Stress of Unemployment
Submitted by Sheila Cuomo The "How to Manage the Stress of Being Unemployed" pilot training program was launched at MontgomeryWorks by their DPN. This one day training was targeted to unemployed customers who may be experiencing stress as a result of their circumstances and the strain of conducting job search activities on a daily basis. The training consisted of providing knowledge on the signs and causes of stress, the physical and mental repercussions and practical solutions on how to manage it. The training provided opportunitiy for the:
Participants stated they felt better equipped to handle their current stress and developed the skills, knowledge and tools to manage future stress. Due to the success of the pilot training, it will be offered on a monthly basis. For information on how to receive this training in your workforce area, contact Maggie Leedy. Putting Ability to WorkSubmitted by Jackie Gast Things are not always as we assume. Assume. That word can get us into trouble. Just ask my husband. Many people assume people with disabilities cannot do the same work as someone without a disability; after all they have a disability which means "can't". Or does it mean to do equal work but differently or more creatively? Last fall, I had a conversation with Robin Hall, Senior Human Resource manager at K & L Microwave, who is a great believer in recruiting and hiring job seekers with disabilities. Robin talked about the frequent demand among the six or so companies in the Salisbury area for assemblers/solderers. Although, the work is different from company to company, the skills transfer. Those transferable skills include assembling elctronic boards, working under a microscope, work with small parts and soldering. Having an idea of what the job of soldering/assembly entailed, I asked Maria Waller, President of Quality Staffing Services (QSS) in Salisbury, if she would host a group of local job coaches/counselors who work to find job seekerswith disabilities employment observe the process. When the need arises, QSS will recuit, interview and train selected individuals for employment with their clients. Although these individuals begin as QSS temporary employees, the goal is always permanent placement. This, by the way, is a great way for companies to try out an employee, as well as for an employee to see if they like the company. Without hesitation, Maria agreed to host our group. Following the demonstration, the counselors were asked to identify job seekers from their case loads. Those job seekers were assessed for having an aptitude for this type of work by the Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS). The testing resulted in the recommendation of three job seekers. Usually, job candidates recruited by QSS for their clients are interviewed and then recommended for training, but under the Ability Matters - Soldering Program, the individuals were pre-assessed by DORS and were placed into the training without a prior interview. The staff then decides if the work is satisfactory and if the person can handle the job. The training typically takes three days, but since we were not sure what accommodations the job seekers may need, it was decided to allow an extra day. As it turned out, the job seekers learned so quickly, the training lasted two days with one person finishing in one and half. The trainer said this was the best group of students she had worked with in a long time and is looking forward to training the next group. As of this writing, two of the three candidiates were recommended for employment and have been hired. Soon after the training, one of the students arrived at his DORS counselor's office with two friends who wanted to be trained. Think about high demand jobs in your area where training can be developed and call us to help get the ball rolling. January 2008 Issue:Employment Awareness ToursSubmitted by Leigh Jones On October 19, 2007, Frederick County Workforce Services (FCWS) and the Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS) hosted a Mentoring Day for seven transitioning age students. The goal of the day was to provide the students with insight as to what the skills and abilities were are needed to work in specific industries in Frederick County. Tours were arranged at three businesses, Courtyard by Marriott, Roy Rogers and Sandy Spring Bank. In the morning the students broke up into two groups and toured either Roy Rogers or Sandy Spring Bank. The two groups met and received a tour of the Courtyard by Marriott. When the students returned to the Business and Employment Center (BEC), a volunteer from each group reported out about what had been observed and learned. After lunch, the students listened to a panel discussion on what needed to be done now to better prepare for the world of work after school. The members of the panel were representatives from DORS, FCWS Youth Team, and Frederick County Public Schools. Each panel member explained what services the students could take advantage of, gave suggestions on activities students could be engaging in to better prepare for work (i.e. volunteering, obtaining a part-time job, etc.). The day was a huge success and staff are looking forward to doing the activity again in 2008! Some of the comments received by participants were: I also enjoyed learning more about the “next course of action” – shadowing sounds absolutely AMAZING and something I’ve never considered. I liked how the people at these places explained each job and the peoples’ expectations for the job. I learned that there was a lot of career opportunity in banking and all other types of jobs. Although I’ve heard things today that I’ve known for a long time, I appreciate hearing them again. Sometimes it’s nice to hear something again because occasionally we so often forget. I wouldn’t have changed anything about today! Thank you! Partnership in ActionSubmitted by Shelia Little Jason Smith (not his real name) graduated college with a degree in computer science. He loved working with computers and as with most college graduates, he expected his degree to be the key to a new job and bright future. After all, his degree was in demand. After searching on and off for ten years, he was frustrated by unsuccessful attempts to find a "good" job. Sometimes it seemed that his mother was the only person who believed that he could do more than his current janitorial job required. The "good" job he had dreamed of was still a dream. He put in applications, submitted resumes and on occasion landed an interview. But, the results were always the same and he knew why. He had struggled for many years to overcome the label and stigma that had been attached to him. He is a person with a disability. Jason has Asberger's Disorder. Upon a suggestion from his mother, he visited one of the Mid-Maryland One-Stop Career Centers to ask for assistance with his job search. He met with the Core services staff and discussed ways to increase his employment opportunities. His skills were outdated. He worked part-time as a janitor and most of his work experience has been in maintenance or food service. It was determined that Jason needed more intensive service based on his goals and lack of significant work history. He met with an Intensive services counselor, disclosed that he had a disability and that he had worked with the Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS) in the past. He brought a copy of his DORS evaluation with him and shared the findings with his counselor. Jason and his counselor discussed all the services available to him including the possibility of partnering with DORS. Jason indicated that he would talk with DORS, but did not want that to be his only option. The counselor scheduled a joint meeting with a DORS counselor and Jason to discuss his employment goals, and how they might partner to help Jason achieve his goal of working in the computer field. Jason and his counselors developed a joint plan that included the provision of computer training that would lead to an entry level position as a Help Desk Support Specialist. In addition, he would receive additional aid with his speech, interviewing skills and job development assistance. Job coaching would be made available, if needed. Training costs were shared by both organizations. To accommodate Jason’s learning style, a training vendor that provided one-on-one training and training in a small group setting was selected. The counselors worked together to provide seamless service to insure a positive outcome for Jason. After completing his classes he tested and received his A+ certification. His instructor was so impressed with Jason’s knowledge and dedication that he offered him a position working as a paid intern at the training institute with a possibility of the position becoming permanent in the future. Jason’s story illustrates how One-Stop staff focused on an individual’s employment goals instead of his disability. Jason benefited from the expertise of One-Stop staff and the One-Stop’s partnership with DORS. He received the training that was necessary to update his skills and to land a paid internship in his dream profession. February 2008 Issue:Success for YouthSubmitted by Jackie Angerhofer Sara (name has been changed) is a recent high school graduate who received transitioning services through the Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS). She was referred to the Susquehanna Workforce Network for help with her job search and for WIA training. After meeting with her WIA counselor she was referred to the Vocational Foundations (VFT) program at Harford Community College. This program is a joint effort between the Susquehanna Workforce Network, Harford Community College and DORS to provide job readiness, career exploration, job search and basic skills remediation to individuals with disabilities. While in high school, Sara had completed the 90 hour child care certification program but was still unable to get a job. After completing the VFT program, she became employed at a day care center and loves her job. She also met the WIA youth goal of increasing her math functioning level from beginning literacy grade 3 to beginning basic skill level grade 5. Business Interview: Overcoming Perceived BarriersSubmitted by Jackie Gast As Director of the Eastern Shore Business Leadership Network (ESBLN), I am frequently asked by supported employment agencies how to find businesses that are willing to hire people with disabilities. Some arguments that have been offered to explain why it is difficult to find placements for their job candidates are the pool of job candidates are not job-ready, adequate supports are not in place, and/or employers are hesitant to hire people with disabilities. Since ESBLN is an employer network, we decided to invite employers to a Business Roundtable to discuss the latter. The Business Roundtable included companies in manufacturing, bottling, staffing, recycling, engineering and architecture, and government representing both large and small business. In addition to employing adults, many of these companies hire students with disabilities as interns both paid and unpaid. Exploring corporate culture and company motivation, we asked, Why do you hire students? A long time manufacturing entrepreneur began by saying that his companies have always tried to help people with disabilities. They began contracting assembly work with a sheltered workshop in the 1970’s and found working with this agency had proven results. In working with students in his current company, he said he had a good working relationship with their teacher because her follow-up after the placement was effective in ensuring success. Employers found the work experience is a maturing process for the students as well. Other questions were as follows: Will I get stuck with the employee if it doesn’t work out? The employers agreed that this was not an issue. While extra help and training may be necessary, the employees who do not work out must go. The teacher, also at the meeting, said, she has had to “fire” students and pull them from the job on occasion. She said they must learn that their behavior effects their employment and that they are accountable for their behavior. The teacher is very aware that the image of the program is at stake so troubled students must be pulled back if necessary. Have you ever resisted having a job coach on the job site? The answer was no. Actually, it is reassuring to have a job coach and is very helpful in the communication process. Will my insurance rates increase? None of the employers experienced insurance rate increases due to hiring an individual with a disability. One employer said he had received the available tax breaks. He also said he wished his employee could work more hours but he is limited by his disability benefits. It was noted that most people with disabilities are afraid to lose medical benefits. Although, since April 2006 Maryland has had the Employed Individuals with Disabilities (EID) program, which allows eligible Maryland citizens with disabilities who are employed to pay a small fee and receive health care coverage, not many individuals with disabilities and/or employers know about this work incentive. Should job candidates disclose their disability? The employers were unsure. One employer with a disability noted it was difficult for her to find a job because she disclosed her disability in each interview. The overall consensus was “It depends…” Part-time/flex-time is a problem for some employers. One employer felt that managers might use that as an excuse not to hire. Others felt part-time was less of a problem than flextime. Some companies working on strict schedules outside their control felt flextime would be unrealistic for them. It really depends upon the business as to whether part-time/flextime would work. Accommodations are costly. None of the employers present had costs associated with making accommodations. People with disabilities make me uncomfortable. One employer said it is important to prepare and educate other employees. He shared that one employee asked the employee with a disability a how-to question, jokingly. The employee with the disability took him literally and began to explain every step in minute detail to the long time employee. The non-disabled employee did not know about the disability and became irritated. Once he learned the co-worker had a disability, all was fine. Other employers described situations where they had been in similar situations but through having an open mind and education, the results ended positively. Productivity will go down When students with disabilities are first hired, the manufacturer said they slow down the line for learning purposes. The employer is able to pick up the time later on in the manufacturing process. Another employer said there is a learning curve for everyone whether you have a disability or not. Will hiring people with disabilities hurt my company’s reputation? The answer was “no” and that, if anything, it is a plus. Another employer said it shows the company has heart. While this roundtable represents a small number of employers, we believe their responses were representative of many businesses who hire people with disabilities. It would be great to have a roundtable to ask the same questions to businesses who do not actively recruit people with disabilities. It is our job to seek the latter type businesses and share with them these results. Ask the NavigatorQ: I have had few instances when I thought the jobseeker I was working with could benefit from disability services or some type of accommodation. I am reluctant to ask, because I know it is against the law. Any suggestions? A: Actually, as a service provider, One-Stops are allowed to ask disability-related questions. The following are some guidelines in doing so.
Be aware that if you are going to ask questions about disability to one customer, you must ask all of your customers.
Although the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) permits One-Stops to ask disability-related questions*, answering the questions is purely voluntary on the part of the customer. *Note that this is quite different from employers, who are not allowed to ask prior to an employment offer. Title I of the ADA covers employment provisions.Title II Part A covers public entities, state and local government programs and activities. As a provider of services, where your customers are concerned, One-Stops fall under Title II Part A. You are not allowed to share disability-related information with businesses without prior consent from your customer. March 2008 Issue:Renewing ResourcesSubmitted by Jackie Gast I am not sure what we hear more about in the news lately, the 2008 presidential race or the need to be “green". In the whole scheme of life, one is much more long term than the other. So that is why I have been thinking a lot lately about being “greener.” Our family has been recycling for years but recently I have gone a little farther by replacing most (not just one or two) of our light bulbs with fluorescent and started to use reusable bags at the grocery store. We have gone green with some of our major appliances, too. All this “green” thinking is about Renewing Resources. Then I had a big thought! Employing people with disabilities is about renewing resources! People with cognitive disabilities are thought to be very limited in their abilities. Project SEARCH, a program that trains individuals with cognitive disabilities for work in financial and hospital settings, has transformed perceptions about the extent of the abilities of these individuals. The renewal happens within the individual as the result of being challenged and also within the employers and co-workers through positively changed perceptions. People who have been in accidents are renewed through rehabilitation and retraining programs. How many of us know co-workers whose jobs have been revamped after an accident. Or maybe, they lost their jobs but are now working somewhere else doing something else. They’re the same people, transformed but still productive. Maybe because of their traumatic experience, the renewing process has changed them for the better giving them a more focused purpose in life and in the workplace. People with mental disabilities go through a process that involves diagnosis and treatment. There are hundreds of employees, professionals, and entrepreneurs in our area who are leading very productive and successful lives that are also taking medication to control their mental disability. By the way, despite what we see in the news, did you know statistics show overwhelmingly that people with mental disabilities are more likely to be victims than to be the aggressor? By altering or “recycling” the way the chemicals in the brain work via medication and therapy, we have valuable people in our community that make our world a better place. People who are deaf/hard of hearing or blind can do so much more than many people might realize. There are so many technological advances in the workplace with more being developed everyday that enable these individuals to complete job assignments. Their jobs may be accessed or processed slightly differently but the outcomes are the same. Renewing existing resources is not only the right thing to do but it is the smart thing to do. Employing a person with a disability brings a different and most times, a refreshing perspective to the workplace. I challenge you to think greener when working with jobseekers with disabilities! Transitioning Youth ExpoSubmitted by Jackie Angerhofer More than 200 transitioning youth with special needs and their family members attended the Expo for Transitioning Youth held Saturday, March 8 in Joppa. “We were overwhelmed by the response to the Expo”, said Debbie Braam, chair of the planning committee. “We planned workshops and invited exhibitors to provide information on transition and the attendance indicates how important the information is to young people with special needs moving from high school to the adult world.” Students and their parents had the opportunity to meet face-to-face with representatives of thirty-eight service provider agencies. An inter-agency summer jobs project for teens with disabilities took 82 applications. “Now we are looking for area employers to provide opportunities for these young people,” added Braam. Interested employers are invited to call Jan Stauffer, Job Developer with the Arc Northern Chesapeake Region, at 410-836-7177, extension 374 to discuss employment opportunities for youth with special needs. Workshops were presented on topics including the Developmental Disabilities Administration’s New Directions Waiver, disability support services at Harford Community College, Social Security benefits and work incentives, and recreation and leisure opportunities after high school. Harford County Public Schools alumni shared their experiences as they made the transition to higher education, employment and independent living and Division of Rehabilitation Services staff discussed the Workforce Technology Center and programs and services for job seekers with disabilities. The Expo was sponsored by the Harford County Commission on Disabilities, the Harford County Public Schools Office of Special Education, the Arc Northern Chesapeake Region, the Maryland State Department of Education, Division of Rehabilitation Services, Abilities Network, the Office of Mental Health, and the Harford County Local Management Board. Ask the NavigatorQ: I work with businesses and want to be able to talk to them about jobseekers and employees with disabilities. Do you have any quick tips for me? A: First off, become knowledgeable about this untapped workforce. According to Worksupport.com:
If your business customer has questions about the interview process, offer these tips:
Share these tips regarding reasonable accommodations:
There are many resources out there for you and your business customer. Here are a few of our favorites:
April/May 2008 Issue:Perseverance has no age limitSubmitted by: Sheila Cuomo In October 2007, a 60 year old woman came to Montgomery Works because she had been terminated from her job. For the past 4 years she had been working in a medical office as a medical assistant. She was told she was being let go based on her inability to learn a new computer software program and the inability to speak Spanish. As a result she was very anxious and fearful that she would not be able to get another job because of her age and the fact that she was not bilingual. She became depressed due to the extreme financial hardship she may face in the future. Her self-esteem was also compromised and therefore lacked the confidence to find another job. She was referred to the Intensive Service Division because she was looking to upgrade her skills in the area of medical assistance. Her ISU counselor and the Disability Program Navigator (DPN) worked together to provide the customer with access to interventions to help her cope with the stress of being unemployed. She was also referred to a phlebotomy program and was able to learn and practice her new skills in a hospital setting. She continued to call and come into the One-Stop for support and encouragement. Once her certification was completed, she diligently looked for a position and applied to several job leads provided by her ISU counselor and the DPN. As a result she secured a full-time position as a medical assistant working for a weight management program. One evening this customer came into the One-Stop to inform the DPN of her new job and to express how much she liked it. It was apparent that she was no longer experiencing depression or anxiety and actually waltzed to the door saying: “Well I’m off to Bally’s to make sure I keep my girlish figure and uh, oh let me know if your interested in signing up for the program.” Autism Awareness Mental Health Month Ask the NavigatorQ: I understand that people learn differently. How can I accommodate different learning styles when I provide trainings at my One-Stop? A: You are correct; everyone has a learning-style preference. I read a good example of this in Info-Line “How to Accommodate Different Learning Styles” (Issue 9604, a publication of the American Society for Training and Development). The article started with this: “Ask a group of people how to spell a difficult word. Watch what they do: some close their eyes and whisper to themselves; some appear to be writing with an invisible pen; some hunt around for paper so they can write with a real pen or pencil.” Isn’t that interesting? These actions demonstrate different learning styles, as the individuals hear, feel, or see the word they are trying to spell. People don’t necessarily think about learning styles and which suits them, but they are aware of what types of learning activities they enjoy. That’s a good indicator of learning style preference. You can accommodate all learners by providing written handouts and instructions, incorporating colorful graphics in your presentations, offering hands on / interactive lessons, and giving detailed verbal descriptions. The University of South Dakota provides the following identifiers for the three most common learning styles: visual, auditory and kinesthetic. Visual Learners
Auditory Learners
Kinesthetic Learners
You can assess your own learning style preference at http://www.usd.edu/trio/tut/ts/stylest.html. June 2008 Issue:Diversity at Work SummitSubmitted by Jackie Gast The Eastern Shore Business Leadership Network, along with the Eastern Shore Society for Human Resource Management and the Maryland Department of Disabilities recently held a Regional Summit in Ocean City on April 18th, called Diversity at Work, Gaining the Competitive advantage. Although diversity was discussed as a whole in a couple of the breakout sessions, the Summit primarily focused on employment of people with disabilities. Even though people with disabilities are a protected class under the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), many times when companies list their diversity efforts or statistics, they do not mention people with disabilities. One of the goals of the Summit was to raise awareness that people with disabilities are people who can, do and want to work. No event is complete without evaluations, and this summit was no exception. In addition to asking the usual session, presenter and facility questions, all of which were rated quite high by the way, we asked our participants questions about their general employment practices. When asked if the participants’ companies had a diversity policy that included people with disabilities, we were pleased that 54% responded Yes but disappointed that 46% responded No. Without a policy, how does a company handle the requirements of the American’s with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the EEOC with consistency? It is important to note that the ADA applies to companies with 15 or more employees. As a good employer realizes, no matter what their size, being consistent and fair with all employees is good business practice. When asked if participants currently recruit qualified job candidates with disabilities, 64% responded, No, with 36% responding Yes. When participants were asked that in the future, how likely were they to specifically recruit qualified job candidates with disabilities, 93% responded that they were Likely to recruit from this pool of labor. However, when asked about their hiring experience, 74% indicated they had limited experience in hiring people with disabilities. Two of the breakout sessions were about non-traditional recruitment strategies and accommodations. I am hoping most of the above 74% attended those sessions. Many participants felt the biggest barriers to employing people with disabilities included management, business’ poor understanding of people with disabilities, educating hiring supervisors, making accommodations and old facilities and mindsets. In a nutshell, most responses were about education and awareness. The ESBLN is not asking companies for preferential treatment for this group, but for equal opportunity. In my experience, it seems the companies that are more likely to include recruitment of qualified job candidates with disabilities in their overall recruitment strategies, tend to be successful companies that experience low overall employee turnover. The successful companies tend to withhold judging the ability of a candidate and also allow the candidate to be part of the solution to successful placement. Keep in mind, people with disabilities live with their disability every day. They have most likely gotten quite good at accomplishing life’s challenges long before they came knocking on your door looking for work. Regional TrainingsIn April and May, in response to a survey completed by One-Stop Career Center staff, the State Disability Program Navigator Team held two regional trainings: Community Connections and Assistive Technology and Accommodations. Both trainings were well attended and received positive feedback. Raising the Bar 2008The State Disability Program Navigator presented at two of the breakout session during the 2008 Raising the Bar conference. Community Connections: Strategies for Building Relationships with Employers, Service Providers, Schools and Other Local Organizations - With the advances in technology, the way businesses recruit has changed drastically. By developing and maintaining relationships with local employers you will be able to facilitate important connections for candidates who have barriers to employment. Ask the NavigatorQ: During the Access & Accommodation workshop, the speaker mentioned website accessibility. Do you have some tips to ensure our site meets accessibility standards? A: When is comes to websites, there are a host of accessibility barriers for individuals with disabilities. The good news is that planning and logical consideration allows for easy implementation of many accessibility features. Here are a few steps you can take to start you on your way to providing equal access to all customers.
Here are some non-technical tips:
The Web Accessibility Initiative "develops guidelines widely regarded as the international standard for Web accessibility, as well as support materials to help understand and implement Web accessibility.” Visit this site, or direct your webmaster to it, for more detailed information regarding website accessibility. July 2008 Issue:Accommodations and BlindnessSubmitted by Jackie Gast I was talking to a business woman recently who works for Bank of America. She is a customer service auditor in their credit card division. She is the one who may listen in on your conversations when you have to call your credit card company for whatever reason. You know the drill, “This call may be monitored or recorded for customer service purposes.” She actually does listen in. Anyway, as you can imagine, she’s on her computer a lot. One day she was having computer problems so she called her information technology support person. He proceeded to try to fix the problem over the phone. She was frustrated, tried to answer the questions but finally said, “Look, you will just have to come over and see for yourself.” Again, the IT person wanted to try to resolve the problem over the phone with a few more questions to which she responded, “I really cannot tell you anymore. Can you just come over and look at it? You really need to see what it is doing.” The IT person, realizing her frustration, agreed to go to her office. After about 15 minutes or so, the IT person shows up at my acquaintance’s station. He arrives using a walking stick that is used by people who are blind. Yes, the IT guy was blind. You can imagine my acquaintance’s surprise and embarrassment, especially after using all those sight words. After a good laugh, I asked if he solved her problem. With a big smile, she said, “Yes, he did!” How is it that a person who is blind can utilize a computer? Thanks to screen readers or text-to-speech voice synthesizers, software programs, screen magnifiers (there are different degrees of blindness) and internet based software, those who are blind or have low vision can use computers at work and home. Quoting WebAnywhere, it is “possible for people who are blind to access information over the Internet from almost any computer. All they have to do is visit www.webanywhere.cs.washington.edu, which provides a screen-reader interface that translates Web-based text to speech and reads the content aloud.” Another friend, who works for Blue Cross Blue Shield in Texas, and I were discussing a lawyer who I have been emailing. The lawyer happens to be blind. She was very surprised that he could use a computer. This friend has been in the insurance business for about 25 years and has approximately 100 people who work for her. Although she is not in human resources (she actually is a customer service auditor), she was unaware a person who is blind was capable of using the computer, internet, etc. I told her about the above resources and about the One-Stop Career Centers located around the country from which to recruit employees. Even though there are at least five One-Stop Career Centers in her area, she was not aware of them. I mentioned that One-Stops typically have or have access to the following resources for individuals who have low vision or are blind:
Remember when assisting job seekers with disabilities to focus on their skills, talents and abilities and not on what you think the person can and can not do. As the above conversations reveal, we are not always aware of the available technology or what accommodations the individual uses. Rite Aid Reaches Out!Submitted by Maggie Leedy For years, organizations providing employment services have been reaching out to businesses about the benefits of hiring candidates with disabilities. Last month the tables turned. Rite Aid hosted a meeting focused on the benefits of hiring people with disabilities. The speakers weren’t from vocational rehabilitation, a disability advocacy group, the special education department or any of the usual cast of “hire from this incredible talent pool” characters. The speakers included the Vice President of Logistic Services, the General Manager, and the Senior Operations Manager of Rite Aid Distribution Center, the Vice President of Acadia Mfg., a Window and Door Company, and a representative from Harford County Libraries. The Employment Summit conceived and hosted by Rite Aid was their initial attempt at getting businesses who have not hired qualified people with disabilities to realize the benefits of doing so. The purpose of the meeting was to “link businesses and agencies to help facilitate processes that will increase the number of employed people with disabilities in our community.” There were approximately 9 companies and more than 20 disability service provider organizations represented at the meeting. The VP of Logistics began the meeting by describing an early experience he’d had with hiring a woman who had one arm for a “picker” job in a distribution center. He took a lot of heat from other managers, but over time she became the best picker in the plant and he proved that his style of hiring, which is based on “commitment to work” not physical characteristics, was the way to hire the best. That experience sparked his interest in hiring people with disabilities. The speakers all began by sharing their initial hesitation of hiring people who had disabilities. Some of their concerns were:
Rite Aid has had no injuries, equal quality, no drop in production, transportation is provided by an agency (the ARC of Harford Co.) Discussion of these concerns was important for getting in the door, but only experience was able to completely alleviate them. All the speakers acknowledged having these concerns, agreed that they were soon abated and focused on the unanticipated benefits. These included:
There were two messages from Rite Aid management, one intended for business and the other for service providers. The business message was: This is a catalyst meeting and Harford County can become a national model in hiring people with disabilities. “Corporate leadership needs to take the lead, this will not only give your company an economic advantage, it also makes you a community citizen.” The message to service providers was: When you meet with companies about hiring from your applicant pool, sell only the economic advantages, do not tug on heart strings. Get your candidate in the door. Companies will realize the other benefits later. The overall message from this Employment Summit is that businesses should be ready to recruit, hire and accommodate qualified job seekers who also happen to have a disability. This is coming from businesses that are successfully employing candidates with disabilities and want to share their good fortune and experiences. Finally the tables have turned. New ResourcesDisability specific fact sheets have been developed to serve as quick reference guides on the following disabilities: Alcoholism and Drug Addicition, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Deaf/Hard of Hearing, Down Syndrome, Learning Disabilities, and Mental Illness. Each fact sheet gives a brief description of the disability, accommodations, and resources. Ask the NavigatorQ: I think we have the physical access down (automatic door opener, accessible work stations, parking spaces, 36” wide paths of travel…). Now I want to look at how things are done – what do you recommend? A: Yes, accessibility at our One-Stops means more than getting in and out of the building, or being able to use the computer lab. We also need to look at the way we do things – how we provide our services, how we deliver our programs. I am borrowing the following suggestions from “Access for All”, developed by the National Center on Workforce and Disability. You can access the complete manual at www.onestops.info.
These are but a few examples of how to improve programmatic access for your customers with disabilities. Read “Access for All” at www.onestops.info for more recommendations. August 2008 Issue:Accessibility Features on Your Own ComputerSubmitted by Margaret Mulligan At a recent training event, staff from the Maryland Technology Assistance Program (www.mdtap.org) quoted IBM’s 1991 training manual: “For people without disabilities, As we grow older, many of us will find size 8 or 10 font just too small to read and will find ourselves saying, “Now, where did I put my reading glasses?” Zooming in on a document or increasing the text size on a webpage sure has made it easier for us and reduces stress on our aging eyes. For people with a wide array of disabilities (including cognitive, hearing, vision, and physical), assistive technology means more than making life easier, it provides life opportunities. IT companies are well aware of this and are constantly improving the accessibility of their products. Listed below are but a few of the many built-in accessibility features in the Windows XP operating system. Most folks are probably not aware that these features are readily available and are quite easy to use. Microsoft’s Accessibility page (www.microsoft.com/enable/), from which the following information was garnered, is a great place to learn more, as it provides demos, tutorials, case studies, and business resources. The page also provides information on the accessibility features for the Vista operating system, Internet Explorer, Microsoft Office, and Outlook. Display and Readability
Sounds and Speech
Mouse
Keyboard
From the Accessibility Wizard, Windows users can configure groups of accessibility options that address visual, hearing and dexterity needs all in one place. Some of these options are:
Of course, Microsoft is not the only company to incorporate accessibility features in their operating systems – it’s just the one I am most familiar with. According to the Apple website (www.apple.com/accessibility/), accessibility features in the Mac OS X operating system include zoom, full keyboard navigation, sticky keys and slow keys, mouse keys, closed-captioning in QuickTime, visual alert, spoken items, talking alerts, speech recognition, display adjustment. From this webpage, you can also link to information on Section 508 and additional accessibility solutions at the Mac Products Guide. The results of a 2003 study by Microsoft indicate “the growing use of computers for work, information, and communication”, and “…future computer users will demand and expect greater accessibility in computers – regardless of their abilities.”(2) What should we expect in the future? It’s a given that what we have now will be replaced by even greater technology that evens out the playing field for all users. “In the next decade, the lines between mainstream expectations for technology and what we now call ‘accessible technology’ will continue to blur significantly. More and more, computers will adjust to a person rather than the person adjusting to the computer.” (3) 1 Windows XP Accessibility Tutorials. Retrieved August 4, 2008, from Microsoft Corporation website: http://www.microsoft.com/enable/training/windowsxp/default.aspx. 2008 Presidential Election Voter ForumsThe Maryland Disability Law Center is sponsoring four voter forums for individuals with disabilities. The forums will be held in Salisbury, Frederick, Greenbelt and Baltimore City. At the forums individuals will have the opportunity to:
The forums will be held on: Salisbury ~ Thursday, September 18, 2008 from 1:00 - 3:00 at Dove Pointe (1225 Mt. Hermon Rd. Salisbury, MD 21801). Frederick ~ Monday, September 22, 2008 from 1:30 - 3:30 in the Community Room at C. Burr Artz Public Library (110 East Patrick Street Frederick, MD 21701). Greenbelt ~ Tuesday, September 23, 2008 from 4:00 - 6:00 in the Multipurpose Room at Greenbelt Community Center (15 Crescent Rd. Greenbelt, MD 20770). Baltimore City ~ Wednesday, October 1, 2008 from 1:00 - 3:00 in the Meyerhoff Multipurpose Room at The League for People with Disabilities (1111 E. Cold Spring Lane Baltimore, MD 21239). Sign Language Interpreters will be available at all locations. Questions or requests for reasonable accommodations should be directed to Kim Berney, 410-727-6352 ext. 2492, or KimB@mdlclaw.org. TTY: 410-727-6387. Download Voter Forum Flyer and Directions. The Employed Individuals with Disabilities (EID) Program: Work and Get Low-Cost Health InsuranceSubmitted by Michael Dalto The EID program allows eligible Maryland citizens with disabilities to pay a small fee and get or keep Medicaid health benefits. EID provides full fee-for-service Medicaid for employed individuals with disabilities who have no other insurance, and wrap-around services for those individuals with employer-sponsored health insurance or Medicare. Current regulations require an individual to meet the following criteria to be eligible:
To apply and/or for more information contact the EID Intern Coordinator at the Maryland Department of Disabilities: Phone: (443) 514-5034 New regulations pending, stay tuned to Work Matters: Navigator News for updates. LD OnLineSubmitted by Sara Meumpfer
Ask the NavigatorQ: I know there are some health issues that often go with being a little person, but is the condition itself considered a disability? A: FAQs at www.lpaonline.org confirmed my initial thoughts – it depends upon the person and the circumstances. Here’s what they have to say: A: Opinions vary within the dwarf community about whether or not this term applies to us. Certainly many short-statured people could be considered disabled as a result of conditions, mainly orthopedic, related to their type of dwarfism. In addition, access issues and problems exist even for healthy LPs. Consider, for example, the simple fact that most achondroplastic adults cannot reach an automated teller machine. LPA is working to make common activities easily reachable by people with dwarfism - including gas pumps, pay phones, and ATM's. Dwarfism is a recognized condition under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Information on the ADA is also available directly from the US Department of Justice, which administers the law." September 2008 Issue:The Maryland Department of Disabilities (MDOD), with the assistance of DLLR, is hosting a series of four no-cost, one day workshops to job seekers with disabilities around the State. The first workshop will be held at the Washington County One-Stop Job Center on October 20, 2008, the second at the Eastside Career Center on December 10, 2008. Two more will be scheduled in the Spring of 2009. The No Spare Marylander workshops will provide information related to employment and disability. Activities that will be covered include resume and cover letter review, benefits counseling, and mock interviews. For registration information, visit our What's New page. Labor Month CelebrationSubmitted by Jackie Angerhofer On September 25, 2008, in celebration of Labor Month the Aberdeen Workforce Center will conduct a workshop for teachers who work with transitioning youth with disabilities. The workshop will demonstrate internet tools that can be used to assist students with career exploration, job search and resume preparation. This workshop was developed in response to a teacher asking "How can you help someone with very limited language skills prepare a resume and learn about jobs?" The workshop will take a hands on approach and will be conducted in the Workforce Center computer lab. Websites that will be demonstrated include CareerOneStop, Maryland Workforce Exchange, Career Voyages and Maryland WorkFORCE Promise. The teachers will be encouraged to share the career videos (which are captioned) on the website with students as well as using the job description KSAs and task lists to assist with resume development and interview preparation skills. At a future date, the students will visit the Workforce Center in small groups for an orientation and hands on assistance with using the Maryland Workforce Exchange. For more information on this workshop, contact Jackie Angerhofer at (410) 272-5400. October is National Disability Employment Awareness MonthU.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao announced that "America's People, America's Talent... America's Strength!" will be the official 2008 theme for National Disability Employment Awareness Month. The Labor Department's Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) leads the nation's activities and produces materials to increase the public's awareness of the contributions and skills of American workers with disabilities. Typically, private sector; federal, state and local government; and advocacy organizations piggyback on the same theme to plan events and programs that showcase the abilities of employees and job candidates with disabilities.
What's Age Got To Do With It?Submitted by Sheila Cuomo Discrimination against someone with a disability is tragic enough but how about when an employer refuses to hire someone for both their physical disability and age? We’ve heard of age discrimination of course and we advocate for customers with disabilities often. This was a double whammy for Walter, an elderly gentleman who came to my office to receive counseling on how to address the issue of age and disability when he interviews with employers. Walter was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at birth and does have some difficulty with his speech. He looks older then his stated age and walks with a limp. However, Walter has worked for the federal government for years and has acquired very marketable skills that make him qualified for several jobs. Walter expressed a strong desire to continue working instead of being forced to retire. A year ago, he was laid-off from his last job and has been actively pursuing employment since. When I first met him, it was apparent that Walter was depressed about his circumstances and needed support to continue his job search. He discussed the age issue quite often. So one day I said: “Walter, what’s age got to do with it, if I were an employer I’d hire you in a minute based on your experience and your level of motivation to work”. I encouraged him to continue looking for a job and provided some assistance with interviewing, cover letters and resume development. I coached him on what to say in his interviews especially when age became an issue. He had several interviews and finally secured a full-time job. He was very happy and I was very proud of him and made sure he knew it. Now I have to make sure I practice what I preach when I grow up to be 65. Focus on Anne ArundelSubmitted by Sara Muempfer In order to highlight best practices occurring in One-Stop Career Centers around the State of Maryland, we are adding a new monthly feature, called Focus On. This month we are focusing on Anne Arundel Workforce Development Corporation. Anne Arundel One-Stop Career Centers: Available Assistive Technology Annapolis and Arundel Mills One-Stop Career Centers
Glen Burnie One-Stop Career Center
For more information about the Anne Arundel One-Stop Career Centers, visit www.aawdc.org or www.dllr.state.md.us. Spotlight on the Step Up To Success Program! The Step Up To Success Program, a Workforce Investment Act (WIA) youth program, is funded by the Anne Arundel Workforce Development Corporation and operated by the Anne Arundel Community College. Since FY06, Step Up to Success has served over 80 Anne Arundel County eligible residents, between the ages of 16-21, who need GED preparation, career preparation and career exploration. Program staff recently enrolled an additional 18 students for their first cycle in FY09. Each year, the program serves at least 30 students. At no cost to the student, GED Preparation and Career Preparation/Exploration classes are held at the Arundel Mills campus of Anne Arundel Community College. Step Up To Success students benefit from the program’s unique design that includes a small classroom setting (15-18 students), individualized case management, learning and general disability support, and a motivational and supportive environment. Within the GED Preparation portion of the program, students receive customized GED instruction, assistance with the GED application process (including assistance with completion of GED special accommodations request forms), payment of the GED testing fee, GED tutoring, and online instructional components. Within the Career Preparation and Exploration portion of the program, students receive customer service training (to include National Retail Federation Customer Service Testing and testing fee payment), career development, resume writing, interviewing and job search assistance, job readiness skills, transition guidance and assistance (further education, external diploma program information, apprenticeships, military, etc.), educational fieldtrip opportunities, and a “Day of Health” component. During the “Day of Health” component, representatives from a variety of community organizations (i.e. Anne Arundel County’s Healthy Start and General Teen Health Programs, Mediation and Anger Management, National Alliance on Mental Illness, Young Fathers & Responsible Parents, Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault, Drug & Alcohol Prevention, and Healthcare Resources) present a multitude of information and resources. Subsequently, Step Up to Success staff assist students with navigating and connecting to the resources that they need. Program staff is co-located in the Arundel Mills One-Stop Career Center. Students use the Center to not only go through the program eligibility, assessment, testing, orientation, and case management processes; but, to access information about job fairs, job opportunities, and One-Stop Career Center workshops. In addition, students use the One-Stop Career Center computer lab, register in the Maryland Workforce Exchange, and get hot job leads from the business resource representative on staff. Since FY06, the program has accomplished many successes including:
Over the past few years, due to the customized nature and design of the Step Up To Success Program as well as the program’s proven track record of successes, the number of students with disabilities participating in the program has increased from 46% in FY06 to 84% in FY09. In order to assist with the growing number of students with disabilities, Step Up To Success staff have proactively developed strong partnerships with the Division of Rehabilitation Services, Anne Arundel County’s Special Education Department, and other disability-focused organizations to bring in more resources, staff training, and helpful information. Staff receives many referrals, each year, from these resources. Additionally, students who complete the program often tell other students about Step Up To Success, and how much they gained from the program. For more information about Step Up To Success, contact Jules Johnson at jajohnson10@aacc.edu or 410-777-1830. Veteran with Disability Success Story In 2005, Anne Arundel County Local Veterans' Employment and Training Representative (LVER) worked with a 40 year-old disabled military retiree to find a job that matched her skills as well as her degree. Due to the LVER's connection to the Social Security Administration (SSA), he was able to assist her with obtaining employment as a Human Resources Assistant. In addition, she was able to obtain this position due to the Veterans Recruitment Act, an Act that allows federal agencies, if they wish, to appoint eligible veterans without competition. Because she met the basic qualification requirements of the position, the SSA hired her to be a Human Resources Assistant with a starting salary of $48,000. Now, she has been promoted to a Human Resources Lead Team position making $60,000. United States Postal Service Recruitment Program for Veterans with Disabilities Anne Arundel County's Local Veterans' Employment and Training Representative (LVER) is Maryland's Coordinator for the United States Postal Service (USPS) recruitment of veterans with disabilities and those returning from active duty. Since 2004, quarterly recruitment workshops have been held to assist the USPS with recruiting for several different jobs, set-aside for veterans based on transferrable skills from the military. Jobs include carriers, a variety of clerk positions, mail handlers, motor vehicle/tractor trailer operators, auto mechanics, garage men, custodial laborers, mail processing equipment mechanics, electronic technicians, and building equipment/maintenance mechanics. During the workshops, interested veterans are thoroughly briefed by the Anne Arundel County LVER about the different jobs. Veterans can access these jobs up to 120 days post active duty however, these jobs remain open to disabled veterans after the 120 days post active duty are up. The next Veterans’ Recruitment for Maryland is December 5, 2008, at 8:30 am in Baltimore, MD. For more information, contact Jay McLeod, LVER at gmcleod@dllr.state.md.us. Ask the NavigatorQ: I would like to develop some trainings that are specific for our customers with disabilities. Is it OK to do that? A: Were you thinking along the lines of a workshop on disclosure? Or perhaps, interviewing techniques for handling inappropriate questions? Or, maybe, addressing physical or attitudinal barriers in the workplace? These are all good examples of workshops or trainings that would provide helpful information to your customers with disabilities. Certainly, these are fine to develop and provide. What you cannot do is exclude or segregate your customers with disabilities, say, by having a “regular” MS Word Basics class and another, separate one for your jobseekers with disabilities. It is best to incorporate disability-related content into all workshops, and to accommodate all learners by using the tips shared in the April/May 2008 Work Matters issue that talked about different learning styles. I applaud your thinking and desire to reach out to your customers with disabilities. A word of caution, though. Make sure that you do not steer them to these workshops; advertise these offerings as you would all workshops, letting each individual decide for him or herself whether to attend. Do not “insist that qualified people with disabilities receive aid, benefits, services, or training through these separate programs or activities. Rather, give people with disabilities the option of participating in the same programs or activities that are offered to people without disabilities.” WIA’s nondiscrimination regulations “preclude recipients of Federal financial assistance under WIA from providing ‘different, segregated, or separate aid, benefits, services, or training’ to people with disabilities, or to any group(s) of people with disabilities… Instead, the regulations place upon recipients the specific obligation to administer programs and activities in the most integrated setting appropriate to the needs of people with disabilities.” (Strategies and Practices for Effectively Serving All One-Stop Customers: A Framework for Systems Change) October 2008 Issue:The Maryland Department of Disabilities (MDOD), with the assistance of DLLR, is hosting a series of four no-cost, one day workshops to job seekers with disabilities around the State. The first workshop was held on October 20, 2008 at the Washington County One-Stop Job Center. The next workshop will be held at the Eastside Career Center on December 10, 2008. Two more will be scheduled in the Spring of 2009. The No Spare Marylander workshops will provide information related to employment and disability. Activities that will be covered include resume and cover letter review, benefits counseling, and mock interviews. For registration information, visit our What's New page. Summer Youth Programs on the ShoreSubmitted by Jackie Gast This summer, thirty-four students went to work for seventeen different employers in Wicomico County through summer youth programs coordinated by Salisbury University intern, Andrea Coughlin. The programs were funded by grants awarded to The Wicomico County Board of Education focusing on students with disabilities in Career and Technology Education, to Telamon Corporation focusing on out-of-school youth and to The Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce. Since October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month, and since nine of the thirty-four students had disabilities, highlighting this program was a must. Summer youth employment programs are not new in our area, however, when Bryan Ashby, Supervisor of Career and Technology Education (CTE), wrote this grant, he was very specific about the population he felt may have a tougher time getting on-the-job training opportunities. The students had to be in a CTE program and had to have a disability. The student’s selected had disabilities such as autism, deaf/hard of hearing and various learning disabilities. Shortly before Andrea Coughlin met the students, she was told that one quarter of the group had disabilities therefore qualifying them as having barriers to employment. She admitted that, inwardly, she pre-judged the group as many of us would tend to do. What she found by the end of the program was that the students with disabilities had better attitudes than their counterparts, wanted to learn and were interested in the job, not just the paycheck. Andrea also found she had developed a close bond to those same individuals by summer’s end. Andrea talked about one student who had a low score on a standardized test for math and reading. The student was interested in accounting so Andrea placed him with an employer who needed someone with office skills. Although the student may have been pre-judged to not do very well, he actually excelled with his employer. He was able to prepare spreadsheets as well as other work requiring computer skills in a timely manner. His employer loved him. Another employer hired two individuals with disabilities and never knew the students had disabilities. The disability did not matter. The work from the individuals was very good and the employer had two successful placements. Out of the thirty-four students hired, ten had difficulty at the job site. Of those ten, only one had a disability. In other words, eight out of the nine students with disabilities in the program were successful, a much higher rate than those without disabilities. As an employer, be sure to watch for this opportunity next summer! Resources for BusinessesJob Accommodation Network (JAN) Webcast Series Don't miss the chance to have JAN training delivered to your computer. These one-hour training opportunities bring expertise from JAN staff and other national experts to your computer for no charge! Space is limited, so register early. The webcasts are on the following days:
All webcast begin at 2:00 pm EST. For more information and/or to register, visit JAN's website. Employer’s Guide to Asperger’s Syndrome, from Forward Motion Coaching. Today the prevalence of Asperger’s Syndrome is estimated to be as high as 1 in every 250 people in the United States. Chances are you’re working with or have worked with people who have Asperger’s Syndrome. This guide is divided into three parts. The first explains what Asperger’s Syndrome is and the specific strengths of “the Asperger mind.” The second explores common challenges that these individuals face in the workplace, while the third section explains what employers can do to create work environments that are conducive to success. www.forwardmotion.info. Focus On Baltimore CountySubmitted by Sara Muempfer In order to highlight best practices occurring in One-Stop Career Centers around the State of Maryland, we are adding a new monthly feature, called Focus On. This month we are focusing on Baltimore County. Veteran Success Stories Networking with other staff members of the Baltimore County Workforce Development System, the Veterans staff assisted and provided training and employment information to a male veteran with a disability. This assistance ultimately resulted in him applying for a position with the Baltimore County Workforce Development System as a Business Services Specialist. He was referred for additional advanced training through the Community College of Baltimore County where he obtained a training certificate. Veterans staff remained in constant communication with him to keep him well informed about the job market. A strong relationship was developed during his employment search that culminated in the application to a county position as a Business Services Specialist. After the application process and two thorough interviews, he was selected for the position. On behalf of our Baltimore County office of Workforce Development Team, we filled another position with a strong professional disabled veteran. A male veteran with a disability separated from the United States Marine Corps in 1970. Despite his disability, he was able to retire from Local Union 486 as a pipe fitter in September of 2007. He visited a Baltimore County Office of Workforce Development One-Stop Career Center seeking employment the same month. Despite the fact that he had a good work history and excellent skills, suitable opportunities in the local area were slim. Therefore, his job search extended outside of Baltimore County and found a potential opportunity in Montgomery County. Working with him on a targeted resume, he forwarded his resume to John C Grimberg Co Inc, in Rockville, MD. The resume resulted in an interview and he was hired for a pipe fitter position in October of 2007 with starting wages of $20/hour. Disability and Disclosure Training On September 30th and October 3rd, over 30 One-Stop Career Center staff in Baltimore County received “Disability and Disclosure” training. Two members of the Disability Program Navigator team provided the training that covered many different aspects of disability and disclosure in a One-Stop Career Center setting. The training began with a general overview of disability facts and statistics as well as an awareness activity about the presence of disability in our own lives; not only professionally but personally. The training continued with discussions about what disability-related information can be asked dependent upon what service they are receiving (Core, Intensive, Training or Business Services) and what One-Stop Center staff can and cannot do with this information. Finally, the training ended with a disclosure discussion regarding the many different considerations when deciding to disclose or not disclose disability to an employer. Attendees of this training also received a variety of helpful resources and tools. If you would like to have this training offered in your One-Stop Career Center, contact your local Disability Program Navigator. Baltimore Regional Employers Institute The Baltimore County Office of Workforce Development and the Baltimore Mayor's Office of Employment Development recognize that a well-qualified, stable workforce forms the foundation of a strong regional business community. The two agencies partnered in September 2007 to honor five regional employers for the innovative recruitment and retention programs they successfully developed and implemented within their organizations. Winners were selected from five categories, including “Looking Beyond Barriers and Hiring Smart.” In September of 2007, Acadia Windows and Doors, a manufacturing company in Baltimore County, was given the “Looking Beyond Barriers and Hiring Smart" for implementing safety modifications to hire individuals with developmental and physical disabilities, which resulted in a reliable workforce AND a much safer workplace for all employees. Acadia employs 63 manufacturing team members who produce over 35,000 windows and 5,000 doors each year. About 5 years ago, the Arc-Northern Chesapeake Region, a non-profit agency dedicated to supporting individuals with developmental disabilities, provided Acadia with a powerful workforce solution. The Arc worked with Acadia to analyze the different jobs within the company and suggested re-allocating specific job duties to Arc workers. By doing this, Acadia will be able to speed up productivity and efficiency. At first, Acadia was reluctant because of safety and management concerns. However, Acadia made their first hire from the Arc, which was a tremendous success. In fact, the employee thoroughly excelled in his job that he was soon promoted. As a result of this experience, Acadia continued to hire from the Arc. Five years later, Acadia has employed nine Arc workers and currently, employs five Arc workers who function as important contributors to the Acadia team. Neill Christopher, VP of Manufacturing, stated “Many employers pay Arc employees minimum wage, but at Acadia we pay them exactly the same as everyone else on the floor. The truth is, we don’t hire them to be altruistic: they are good, hardworking, and reliable employees. They have quotas just like everyone else, and they’re good at meeting those quotas.” For more information about Acadia’s success with hiring job seekers with disabilities, access the manual entitled, “Acadia Windows and Doors: New Opportunities”. Last September, The Baltimore County Workforce Development system nominated Software Decision Inc. (SDI) for the “Looking Beyond Barriers and Hiring Smart” category. SDI, a company headquartered in Houston, TX, provides software and professional services to commercial and government clients. Because of their significant investment in expansion and growth, the Maryland State Department of Public Safety and Correctional Service contracted SDI to digitize the fingerprinting system at the Maryland State Police barracks. SDI requested the assistance of the Baltimore County Workforce Development Systems Business Service Team to assist them in recruiting one hundred and twenty Baltimore County job seekers for their new location in Maryland. During this recruitment effort, staff at Baltimore County’s Hunt Valley Workforce Development Center identified two potential candidates who had excellent qualifications for the SDI job opportunities. Both of these candidates were deaf/hard of hearing. To ensure the best possible accommodations for the job candidates during the provision of One-Stop Career Center services and SDI job interviews, the business services team arranged for interpreter services. SDI made the decision to hire one of the two candidates in the position of Segmentation Operator. After he was hired, representatives from SDI shared that this employee is extremely productive and has become a valuable asset to their team.
Ask the NavigatorQ: I am charged with reviewing our emergency plans. Tips, please! A: In planning for workplace emergency services, be sure to consider the needs of employees and customers who use mobility aids (wheelchairs, scooters, walkers, canes, crutches), or people who have limited stamina. Also consider people who are blind or who have low vision, people who are deaf or hard of hearing, people who have cognitive disabilities, people with mental illness, and those with other types of disabilities. Plans need to ensure that people with disabilities who use service animals are not separated from them during emergency evacuation. The Job Accommodation Network (JAN) recommends holding… “mock evacuation drills to help identify needs that employees are unaware of; conduct hazard analyses to help identify hazards specific to the workplace; develop a method to identify visitors with special needs; and contact local fire, police, and HazMat departments for guidance.” (Employers’ Guide to Including Employees with Disabilities in Emergency Evacuation Plans). JAN provides these additional tips for planning for emergency evacuation:
Mobility
Sensory Impairments
Cognitive/Psychiatric Impairments
If possible, involve a variety of people with disabilities in your planning and review. Each will have specific input regarding his or her disability, but remember that disability is not “one size fits all.” Other people with the same disabilities may not have the same needs. In the event of a real emergency, ask the person if he or she wants or needs your help. Listen for an answer / instructions, and then do as he or she asks. Visit Maryland’s Department of Disabilities website for additional resources and educational materials on emergency preparedness. Materials include American Sign Language videos, Emergency Preparedness Trainers Guide, Emergency Preparedness Path to Disaster Booklet, Family Emergency Communication Cards, Emergency and Disaster Preparedness for Individuals with Disabilities Brochure, Prepare Yourself: Disaster Readiness Tips for Owners of Pets or Service Animals. Have a question for the Navigator? Submit it to navigator@mdworkforcepromise.org. |
LD OnLine, one of WETA Learning Media's educational websites, provides accurate information about learning disabilities and ADHD to over 200,000 people each month. The site features hundreds of helpful articles, multimedia, products, resources, professionals and schools. Monthly advice columns by noted experts, active forums, a comprehensive resource directory, and a Yellow Pages referral directory help parents, teachers, and people with learning disabilities decide what to do. Visit 
Help spread the message! The U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy has copies of the 2008 National Disability Employment Awareness Month poster available depicting this year’s theme, America’s People…America’s Talent…America’s Strength!, which is emblazoned on an image of Mount Rushmore National Memorial. The print copy of this poster is available in either a 20" x 30" and/or a 10" x 15" size. Requests can be sent to