Advancing Access and Equity to Employment for Individuals with Disabilities through debunking myths around disabilities in the workplace.
Pathways to Progress will inspire employers to evaluate and reimagine their disability employment programs, break down barriers to employment, and foster inclusive employment communities that recognize, engage, and value the contributions of workers with disabilities. We are proud to feature speakers discussing meaningful topics impacting disability employment and inclusion.
Join us on October 3 for a day of insightful conversation and networking as we celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month: “Disability: Advancing Access and Equity ”
• This event is provided FREE of charge to attendees through the generosity of our Partners; registration is required.
• A delicious lunch will be provided thanks to the generosity of The Arc Pikes Peak Region
Our impressive guest speakers include: The Arc Thrift Stores, Special Olympics, Rocky Mountain ADA, and the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment Division of Vocational Rehabilitation.
Register for the event here
Agenda
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Networking/Check-In
10:30 AM - 10:45 AM
Welcome and Introductions
10:45 AM - 11:15 AM
Elevating the Conversation Around DEI in the Workplace
Lloyd Lewis, President and CEO of The Arc Thrift Stores
When it comes to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), we don’t think of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Currently, there are over 6 million people in the U.S. with IDD. There is also an 80% unemployment rate among this population. With 11 million jobs open nationally that are proving difficult to fill, why can’t some of them be filled by someone with IDD? As the president and CEO of one of Colorado’s largest nonprofits and service organizations, The Arc Thrift Stores, and as the father of a young man with Down syndrome, I have seen firsthand how powerful inclusivity is. When I first came to arc in 2005, we had only 500 employees and 17 stores. Today we have 1,700 employees and 35 stores. When I started, we had 10 employees with IDD (our Ambassadors); today we have over 400. Join me for a discussion elevating DEI in the workplace and the positive impacts it has on the people, culture, and bottom line of any organization.
11:15 AM - 11:20 AM
Break
11:20 AM - 11:50 AM
Breaking Barriers: Employing People with Disabilities
Tiffany Garcia - Colorado Department of Labor & Employment
In this presentation, we will learn about five common barriers people with disabilities face when it comes to employment, and what you can do as an employer to reduce barriers in your company’s recruitment process. These barriers include Physical, Communication, Technology, Systemic, and Attitudinal Barriers. By reducing barriers to your company’s recruitment process, you will begin to attract more diverse talent, including those with disabilities, thus leading to more opportunities for you to find the best-qualified candidates for your positions, and increase workplace diversity, teamwork, motivation, and a positive workplace culture.
11:50 AM - 12:30 PM
Lunch
12:30 PM - 1:00 PM
Be the Change You Wish to See in the World
Kyle Kemper and Vincent Egan
Hear from Special Olympics Colorado gold medalist, advocate, and Athlete Leader, Vincent Egan, and Southeast Regional Manager, Kyle Kemper, on real-life experiences and inspiring knowledge to best be the change you want to be in the world. Vincent will share his personal stories throughout life to give his experiences and input during his work and professional life.
1:00 PM - 1:05 PM
Break
1:05 PM - 1:35 PM
Six Steps to Accommodation Success
Maggie Sims, Rocky Mountain ADA Center
The EEOC recommends that employers use an “interactive process” to determine reasonable accommodation when needed for an employee with a disability. This simply means that employers and employees with disabilities who request accommodations work together to come up with effective workplace adjustments. Here are six steps to help employers navigate the accommodation process in the workplace.
1:35 PM - 1:45 PM
Event Wrap-up