April 14, 2023
Last Day! Mental Health Matters: A Series of National Online Dialogues
Today, April 14, is the last day to participate in DOL’s Mental Health Matters Dialogue Series! Share your thoughts and experiences on priority topic areas, such as benefits and employment policies that meet the needs of those with mental health conditions; access to workplace care and support; mental health provider and service disparities in underserved communities; and behavioral health workforce shortages. Post ideas, comment and vote on ideas submitted by others to inform efforts to support workers’ mental health needs and bolster the behavioral health care workforce.
Advancing Financial Mobility within Native Communities
ODEP, along with the Department of Education and the White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence and Economic Opportunity for Native Americans and Strengthening Tribal Colleges and Universities, is hosting a virtual four-part dialogue series that addresses multiple topics that impact employment for Americans Indians and Alaska Natives. Join us on Wednesday, May 3 from 12:00 – 1:30 PM ET for the series’ third dialogue “Advancing Financial Mobility within Native Communities.” Speakers will share strategies for supporting Native individuals, including those with disabilities, with resources for economic self-sufficiency, the importance of banking and financial education. You will also hear personal stories from Native speakers with disabilities on their financial journey to economic advancement and self-sufficiency.
Indiana Leverages ARPA Funding to Advance Competitive Integrated Employment Opportunities for People with Disabilities
The Council of State Governments and State Exchange on Employment & Disability published a new blog highlighting Indiana’s unique approach in leveraging American Rescue Plan Act dollars to transition employers away from sheltered workshops and towards integrated competitive employment for individuals with disabilities. The blog also features examples of other states that have eliminated the subminimum wage and sheltered workshops through legislation, regulations and executive orders.
Workforce Recruitment Program – College and University Registration Now Open
Colleges and universities are invited to participate in the Workforce Recruitment Program. The WRP is a recruitment and referral program that connects college students, graduate students and recent graduates with disabilities to federal internships and permanent jobs. College career services, disability services, and other staff can register their schools for the WRP this spring to enable their students to apply to the program this fall.
In Case You Missed It: Join EARN in promoting the importance of Workplace Accessibility
Accessibility is the foundation of a workplace culture that embraces all employees, including those with disabilities. Throughout April, the Employer Assistance and Resource Network on Disability Inclusion is highlighting the many ways to create and increase accessibility across your entire organization, and how employees at every level can play a role. Follow EARN on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter this month for strategies, resources and information about the benefits of creating accessible workplaces.