Disability Business News
You Need to Know
July 2019
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To DC Metro BLN Members and Friends:
As you may know, the DC Metro BLN will rebrand this year resulting from the brand change from USBLN to Disability:IN. While this will take some time to rebrand locally, C5 Consulting, LLC which has staffed the local affiliate for eight years will continue to create and distribute the “Disability Business News You Need to Know” newsletter and it will also be posted on the
C5 Website.
Effective July 1, The DC Metro BLN website will redirect visitors to the C5 website where we will continue to provide you with information and events. Once rebranded, the former DC Metro BLN Website will be updated and the rebrand announced.
Additionally, we will remove our DC Metro BLN social media temporarily. To stay up on disability inclusion information, visit us on
LinkedIn.
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Andrea Hall,
Chair
Diversity & Inclusion Sr. Manager
- General Dynamics Mission Systems
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The Hon. Katherine McCary
President
C5 Consulting, LLC
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Board Members:
- Jennifer Bassett, JBG SMITH Companies
- Michelle Crabtree, Hyatt
- Ellen DeBremond
- Anjali Desai-Margolin, Gallaudet University
- Tom Downs, Gartner
- Dan Ellerman, Accenture
- Charlesiah Mclean, Leidos
- Eduardo Meza-Etienne, eSSENTIAL Accessibility
- Chrisonna Palmer, EY
- Carrie Schroeder, PwC
- Jamel Walker, Northrop Grumman
- Myra Wilder, Marriott
- Emily Yee, Deloitte
Advisory Board Members:
- Meghan Cadigan, KPMG
- Ron Drach, Drach Consulting, LLC
- Rikki Epstein, The Arc of Northern VA
- Sylvia Henri-Wonasue, Lockheed Martin
- Karen Herson, Concepts Communication
- Bryan Moseley, TCS Associates
- Rick Rodgers, The Resource Network
- Kia Silver-Hodge, C5 Consulting, LLC
- Bob Vetere, C5 Consulting, LLC
- Sue Werber, C5 Consulting, LLC
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IN THE NEWS - Articles of Interest
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U.S. Department of Labor Announces
"The Right Talent, Right Now"
Theme for 2019 National Disability Employment Awareness Month
The U.S. Department of Labor has announced "The Right Talent, Right Now" as the theme for the 2019 National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM).
The 2019 theme emphasizes the essential role that people with disabilities play in America's economic success, especially in an era when historically low unemployment and global competition are creating a high demand for skilled talent. The Department's Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) administers NDEAM.
"Every day, individuals with disabilities add significant value and talent to our workforce and economy," said U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta. "Individuals with disabilities offer employers diverse perspectives on how to tackle challenges and achieve success. Individuals with disabilities have the right talent, right now."
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Workplace Mental Health: A Review of the Literature
EARN recently published a literature review it conducted as part of its research on mental health and employment. Now available online in EARN’s online
Mental Health Toolkit
, this review helps illustrate what workplace-based mental health interventions are most effective and how different companies have implemented mental health-related policies and programs. It was conducted for EARN via its partner the Global Social Enterprise Initiative at Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business.
Access the literature review
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Ideas for Celebrating the 29th ADA Anniversary
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Below are some ideas and suggestions to celebrate throughout the year the ADA and the ADA Anniversary - July 26 in your workplaces.
Accessibility and Accommodations
• Survey your internal and external websites for accessibility • Create a disability-focused Employee Resource Group to provide feedback on your organization’s accessibility and craft a strategy for inclusion • Create a centralized accommodation process and budget to maximize productivity and employee engagement
Training/Education
• C5’S Disability Inclusion IQ ™provides “just in time” learning to employees across your organization • Cost-effective, enterprise-wide learning solution • 15-minute modules • Supports corporate culture change • Increases the employment, engagement and retention of individuals with disabilities • • (Demo: https://www.consultc5.com)
Disability Awareness Events
• Exhibit works by artists with disabilities. • Demonstrate assistive devices at an event.
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NPR Spotlight on Disability Employment
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National Public Radio’s (NPR) “All Things Considered” segment shined a light on disability employment, with a focus on the increasing numbers of people joining or rejoining the workforce after time receiving disability benefits. The segment chronicles the experiences of several workers and the accommodations and employment supports that enabled them to successfully transition from disability benefits to work, which more than 51,000 people did in 2017, representing a significant increase from about 32,000 four years earlier.
Listen to the segment or read the article
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Giving Hiring Preference To People with Disabilities
Many employers are required by law to have affirmative action programs to hire people with disabilities, for example federal agencies and federal contractors. Other employers voluntarily have affirmative action programs. For these latter employers, one of the questions that comes up is whether they can give preference to applicants with disabilities without violating the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
There are two main ADA issues related to this question. The first issue is whether giving preference to people with disabilities is discrimination against people without disabilities under the ADA. The answer is no; there is no reverse discrimination under the ADA, meaning people without disabilities cannot claim discrimination under the ADA if an employer gives preference to a person with a disability. The following is an excerpt from a
guidance letter
from the
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)
:
Favoring an individual with a disability over a non-disabled individual for purposes of affirmative action in hiring or advancement is not unlawful disparate treatment based on disability, and therefore does not violate Title I of the ADA.(1) Both the text of the ADA itself, as clarified by the ADA Amendments Act of 2008, and the EEOC’s implementing regulations explicitly state that an individual without a disability cannot bring a claim of discrimination under the ADA. See 42 U.S.C. Section 12201(g).
The second main issue related to giving preference to applicants with disabilities is whether employers can ask applicants to disclose a disability; if employers are going to give preference to applicants with disabilities, they will need to know that an applicant has a disability. However, the general rule under the ADA is that employers cannot ask job applicants whether they have a disability. There is an exception for affirmative action hiring, but employers must adhere to certain rules. The following information is from formal EEOC
guidance
:
Where an employer seeks self-identification of disability status, it must do the following:
- State clearly and conspicuously on any written questionnaire, or state clearly orally (if no written questionnaire is used), that the information requested is used solely in connection with its affirmative action obligations or efforts (or how disclosing will benefit the person with the disability); and
- State clearly that the information is being requested on a voluntary basis, that it will be kept confidential in accordance with the ADA, that refusal to provide it will not subject the person to any adverse treatment, and that it will be used only in accordance with the ADA.
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Thanks To Assistive Technology, TV Now Eye Controlled
By Stacey Burling, The Philadelphia Inquirer/TNS
Comcast Corp. this week expanded its efforts to make it easier for people with disabilities to watch its television programming. It launched new technology that allows people with physical disabilities that impede hand control and voice, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), to control their television with eye movement.
The company is linking its web-based remote with consumers’ own eye-gaze or sip-and-puff assistive technology. Customers will be able to change the channel, and record and search for shows with their eyes. There’s also the potential to use it for Comcast products that can control home temperature, lighting and security.
Eye-gaze control is free, but customers must have their own equipment. Typically insurers provide that technology only to people who are not able to use their hands or voices. It can cost up to $15,000, although it is possible to create a system for $5,000 to $6,000, said Alisa Brownlee, a clinical manager with the ALS Association Greater Philadelphia Chapter.
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Comcast is working to make television more accessible for people with disabilities, with a new offering that allows individuals to control their remote using eye-gaze or sip-and-puff assistive technology. (Cindy Ord/Getty Images for Comcast/TNS)
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M-Enabling Summit 2019 - Promoting Accessible Technologies and Environments
By Eduardo Meza-Etienne, Director of Compliance at eSSENTIAL Accessibility
The eight edition of the M-Enabling Summit Global Conference and Showcase was held June 17th through the 19th at the Renaissance Arlington Capital View Hotel in Washington, DC and integrates the International Association of Accessibility Professionals (IAAP) Annual Conference.
The event is dedicated to promoting accessible and assistive technology for senior citizens and users of all abilities. It is an annual meeting place for all who create and contribute accessible ICT products, services, connected devices and consumer technologies. With its theme of “Accessibility: Transforming Users’ Experience”, the 2019 M-Enabling Summit provided a platform for empowering technologies and focus on next-generation innovations and breakthroughs for users of all abilities.
With new accessible technologies rapidly transforming and the way users interact with digital interface the Summit is the ideal venue to support independent living in an interconnected world for seniors and persons with disabilities.
The Summit brought together professionals, corporations, service organizations, and key thought leaders, showcasing innovative technology, mobile applications, connected devices, and services for more than one-billion users worldwide.
Some of the key topics included:
- Smart Cities for All “Last Mile” Solutions
- Artificial Intelligence for User Interfaces
- IoT and Robots for Smart Homes
- Real World End User Experience
- Accessible Media Platforms Entertainment
- Self-Driving and Autonomous Mobility
- Augmented Reality
- International Trends in Digital Accessibility
- IAAP & W3C: Artificial Intelligence for Web Accessibility
- Baby Boomer Strategies
- Procuring Accessible Products in Higher Education
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e-Learning for College Students, Colleges and Employers
As we shared in a previous newsletter, we have now officially launched two free cloud-based educational modules developed by The Millennial Employer Collaborative, made up of employers, educators, students as well as graduates with disabilities. This project was conceived of and delivered by BroadFutures and C5 Consulting, LLC, which staffs an employer led non-profit (formerly DC Metro BLN) that uses a business-to business model to provide education, training programs and resources for employers to learn how to proactively include people with disabilities in the workforce, marketplace and supplier diversity. BroadFutures is a training, mentoring and paid internship program that serves young people with learning and related disabilities. C5 is a disability inclusion strategy consultancy.
Designed for College and University Career Services and Disability Services offices,
these two modules; “Striving” to support current students and “Thriving” to support those entering their career journey, were created based on three perspectives: “If I only knew then what I know now, what do I need to know” (Working graduates and students), “What more can I share with students about the world of work?” (Career/Disability Services offices) and “How can we support successful transition from school to work?” (Business community).
View the Modules:
Promote to students and graduates with disabilities through links shared on your college disability services and career services website.
The modules are designed with accessibility in mind and each includes a PowerPoint deck, a written transcript, Audio, Resources, Glossary of Terms and short quiz to test for knowledge.
Our goal is to have more than 1,000 learners within the first year of distribution.
Employers-Purchase a Module
: Because the e-learning sits on the cloud for easy access to students/schools we have learned that employers are often unable to download the modules. Employers can purchase a license for either or both modules that would be customized/branded for Corporate Mentoring and Intern Programs. This enables your organization to place the e-learning within your Learning Management System and provide access to your entire organization. Contact
Martha.Artiles@Consultc5.com
for pricing, customization and delivery.
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Concerning the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): What’s New?
J
uly 18, 2019, 8:00 – 10:00 a.m.
Williams Mullen
The VABLN is pleased to present its annual ADA legal update program – Concerning the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): What’s New and how does it affect and influence your workplace policies and practices? Our featured legal expert will discuss new case law, trends in accommodation, ADA-related developments under the Trump administration, and ADA considerations and accommodations in wellness programs. ADA standards have gone through changes over the years since the original 1991 ADA Accessibility Guidelines (1991 Standards). More recently, Congress enacted the ADA Amendments Act in 2016 to clarify the meaning and interpretation of the ADA definition of “disability” to ensure that the definition of disability would be broadly construed and applied without extensive analysis, and clarified a public accommodations obligation to provide appropriate auxiliary aids and services for people with disabilities. Come join us to deepen your understanding of ADA and expect our speaker to answer your questions from her legal and practical experience perspective.
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AAPD Annual ADA Celebration
Celebrating 29 Years of the ADA
Tuesday, July 23 6:00 to 8:30 PM ET
Hyatt Regency on Capitol Hill
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Webinar: Top Challenges Veteran Employees and Jobseekers Face
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Wednesday, July 24th, 2019 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. EST
Do you want to learn how to effectively recruit and hire veteran talent? Come learn from our panel of veteran professionals as they share best practices and answer your questions. You will learn:
- Truths surrounding the veteran turn over rate
- Best practices on supporting reservists on your staff
- Ways your company can assist veterans in the transition process
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Save the Date:
Thursday, October 10, 2019
Where and When
: The Forum will take place on Georgetown University’s main campus in Washington, D.C. at the McDonough School of Business (Hariri Building) on October 10, 2019.
Offered annually during National Disability Employment Awareness Month, the Forum has highlighted leading businesses and service providers including Walgreens, Bank of America, EY, Starbucks and Marriott Foundation for People with Disabilities.
In 2019, the program includes expanded content for business leaders who are new to employing PWDs and who want to learn best practices and develop relationships with key leaders in the PWD employment community. Award-winning social entrepreneur Caroline Casey will keynote the event this year.
Sessions run from 9.00 AM – 5.30 PM followed by a reception. To reserve your spot, contact GSEI Project Manager Lauren Gilbert (
lauren.gilbert@georgetown.edu
).
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Save the Date:
Wednesday, October 16, 2019
As you make your employee recruitment plans for 2019, the NTID Center on Employment (NCE) invites you to join us for the 19
th
annual Career Fair, Wednesday, October 16.
Registration opens in the spring and NCE will reach out with more information as the registration date approaches.
If you’re looking to:
- Diversify your workforce.
- Learn how to become an advocate for accessibility
- Meet like-minded professionals in a new and exciting environment
The RIT/NTID career fair will help you meet your goals.
A record 54 companies, including Lockheed Martin, Caterpillar, Merck, NAVSEA, Texas Instruments, the CIA and Prudential Financial participated in the 2018 fair.
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2019 ANNUAL MID-ATLANTIC ADA UPDATE CONFERENCE
November 13 - 15, 2019
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
The 2019 Mid-Atlantic ADA Update will provide a wide range of up-to-date information on ADA regulations and guidelines, as well as strategies and best practices for successful implementation of the law. Conference speakers will include subject-matter experts from federal, state, and local government agencies, businesses, non-profit organizations, and universities. The ADA Update will offer opportunities to network with other professionals with similar interests and concerns. Professional development hours from several accreditation organizations will also be available.
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C5 Consulting, LLC was created by two former senior business executives steeped in global diversity and disability leadership. They saw the need for collaboration of all those engaged in inclusion strategies to move the employment opportunities forward for individuals with disabilities and gain a return on investment for talent and shareholder value.
The C5 leadership team worked together collaboratively for many years while employed in prior corporate positions. They founded C5 to offer their unique talent, skills, and experience to all segments of the disability spectrum believing that there are many stakeholders needed to address and support solutions to disability inclusion.
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