10 Ways to Think about How #InclusionWorks

Disability Connection Newsletter — October 2016

Having trouble reading this email?  |  View as a webpage Visit Disability.gov  |  Read Disability.Blog Disability Connection Newsletter October 2016 10 Ways to Think about How #InclusionWorks Celebrating NDEAM. National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) takes place every October to celebrate the accomplishments of people with disabilities in the workplace. It's also a time to reflect on ways that employers, workers, people with disabilities and others can build on that success and strengthen workplace inclusion. NDEAM began as a week-long observance in 1945; since then, it has evolved into a month-long celebration. This year's theme is #InclusionWorks, which focuses on the key role disability plays in workplace inclusion. The U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) offers ideas for ways to celebrate NDEAM, including posting a photo, quote or article on your personal or organization's social media account with the #InclusionWorks hashtag. If you work in an office, consider hosting a brown bag lunch to discuss ways your workplace can be more welcoming and inclusive to people with disabilities. ODEP is a Champion for Diversity and Inclusion. ODEP is the only non-regulatory Federal agency that promotes policies and coordinates with employers and all levels of government to increase workplace success for people with disabilities. The office supports a number of disability employment initiatives and offers resources on topics related to diversity and inclusion, like this guide to building an inclusive workforce. In addition, ODEP provides policy and technical assistance resources that can help you develop inclusive workplace practices. Employers can also find free resources through the Employer Assistance and Resource Network on Disability Inclusion (EARN). Learn more about disability inclusion and implementing inclusive policies and practices. "Business Strategies that Work:  A Framework for Disability Inclusion" is a valuable tool that identifies promising employment policies and practices for recruiting, hiring, retaining and advancing workers with disabilities. What's the Buzz(word)? You've likely heard the terms "diversity" and "inclusion" tossed around when companies talk about their hiring practices, but what do these terms really mean? Diversity is the recognition that there are people of different races, cultural backgrounds, genders, ages, abilities, classes and more that make up this world and, subsequently, the workplace. Inclusion is the idea that all people, especially those in marginalized groups, should be able to participate equally in social, civic and educational activities. Companies benefit significantly from diverse and inclusive practices – they even makes us smarter. These terms are not just buzzwords: diverse and inclusive practices better serve communities, increase innovation and improve workplace culture. Disability = Diversity. What do you think of when you hear about "diversity?" Is it race? Gender? Age? Disability is a part of diversity, too. A diverse economy is a strong economy. People with disabilities are an important part of the makeup of a diverse workforce, but they are often underrepresented in employment rates. A diverse workforce that includes people with disabilities gives employers a wider pool of talent to hire from and contributes to the overall success of a company. Disability as a part of diversity matters. There are many ways to encourage diversity through disability inclusion, like taking proactive steps to recruit workers with disabilities and providing workplace accommodations. A Partnership for Inclusion. The Campaign for Disability Employment (CDE) is an initiative funded by the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy that encourages employers and others to recognize the value and talent people with disabilities bring to the workplace. Through video public service announcements (PSAs), the CDE highlights the message that, "At work, it's what you CAN do that matters." The CDE also plays a leading role in NDEAM, helping to promote the important role people with disabilities play in the American workplace. Recently, the CDE partnered with the Professional Baseball Athletic Trainers Society to host an NDEAM-themed Twitter chat with former Major League Baseball player and current Gallaudet University Head Baseball Coach Curtis Pride. Several of the CDE's partners and supporters have also helped spread the word about NDEAM, including the US Business Leadership Network (USBLN) and the National Business and Disability Council at the Viscardi Center. Both USBLN president and CEO Jill Houghton and Viscardi Center president and CEO John Kemp blogged for the U.S. Department of Labor about why "InclusionWorks" for employers and businesses. Don't forget to like Disability.gov on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and use #DisabilityConnection to talk to us about this newsletter. You can also read Disability.Blog for insightful tips and information from experts in the community.   Read past issues of the Disability Connection newsletter.

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