Here is today's KCDC Disability News message.  I hope you have a wonderful day and weekend. 

Martha

Martha K. Gabehart | Executive Director
Kansas Commission on Disability Concerns (KCDC)
Kansas Governor Laura Kelly
900 SW Jackson, Suite 100 | Topeka, Kansas 66612
(785) 296-6525 (direct) | (785) 260-4027 (cell)

[email protected] | www.kcdcinfo.ks.gov

*****

Job Vacancy Announcements

Kerrie Bacon, the KanCare Ombudsman, is retiring and the position has been posted on the state Jobs board.  Careers  Please share this information with those who may have an interest in applying.   For more information about the KanCare Ombudsman Office, go to KanCare, KanCare Ombudsman, Kansas Medicaid, KanCare Help, Medicaid Help (ks.gov).

 

*****

KANSAS YOUTH LEADERSHIP FORUM (KSYLF)
Seeking Volunteers for 2023 KSYLF

Would you like to spend a week empowering and supporting high school students with disabilities?

Then volunteer for the Kansas Youth Leadership Forum!

Applications due by MAY 6, 2023

Calling all former and potentially new volunteers! KSYLF is still accepting applications for volunteers for our 2023 KS Youth Leadership Forum. We are searching for committed, enthusiastic people who are willing to devote a week to this great program. Do you have the skills and passion to facilitate groups and motivate youth with disabilities? Then consider serving as a volunteer at the 2023 KSYLF to be held July 17-22 at Washburn University in Topeka.

The goal of all facilitators is to empower and support each delegate as they discover inner strengths and abilities as individuals and as members of a group. Volunteers are assigned to work with a small group throughout the week. They also interact with the large group during many activities. Volunteers must stay on campus for the duration of the week that KSYLF is taking place.

New volunteers, past volunteers, and KSYLF alumni are encouraged to apply! Volunteer applicants must fill out our application form, as well as two background checks, and send or fax to the KYEA office by May 6, 2023. Applications can be found on the KYEA website at www.kyea.org/upcomingksylf.

Print a volunteer application and background check forms

Give back to youth with disabilities... spend a week of your summer
at the KSYLF! We promise, you won't regret it!

Kansas Youth Empowerment Academy | 2220 SE 29th St., Suite B, Topeka, KS 66605

*****

Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) News Brief. Driving Change - Creating Opportunity

March 24, 2023

Assistant Secretary Williams Delivers Keynote at National Black Caucus of State Legislators Executive Board Meeting

ODEP Assistant Secretary Taryn Williams recently delivered a keynote speech at the National Black Caucus of State Legislators Executive Board Meeting in Montgomery, AL. Assistant Secretary Williams’ remarks highlighted NBCSL’s partnership with the State Exchange on Employment & Disability and discussed efforts underway at DOL to enhance diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility.

Learn more about NBCSL

Employment of Women with Disabilities in Skilled Trade Professions

As part of its Women’s History Month observance, ODEP published a blog this week analyzing data on the employment of women with disabilities in skilled trade professions, which are a key component of the Biden Administration’s Good Jobs Initiative. Among the key findings is that among disabled women in the workforce, about 455,000 (10.2%) work in the skilled trades, with the largest representation in transportation and production (47% and 43%, respectively).

Read the ODEP blog

How AI Hiring Technologies Impacts Applicants

If you use artificial intelligence in any stage of the hiring process, you need to make sure the technology increases inclusion and reduces bias against all candidates, including those with disabilities. The Partnership on Employment & Accessible Technology just released a new article covering some ways AI can positively or negatively impact applicants, depending on how it is used. The article also includes links to other PEAT resources on inclusive AI to help you learn more about this trending topic.

Read the PEAT article

Join the Conversation Today! Mental Health Matters: Targeting Underserved Rural, Racial and Ethnic Communities

Now through April 3, the public is invited to share ideas on how states and cities can ensure equity in mental and behavioral health policies and reduce barriers to care for underserved communities. Then, comment and vote on other ideas on topics such as equity impact statements, behavioral health diversion programs, broadband and telemental health, and more.

Learn more about the dialogue series and participate

Spotlighting Accessibility in the New NIST AI Risk Management Framework

Earlier this year, the National Institute of Standards and Technology published the highly anticipated Artificial Intelligence Risk Management Framework and companion NIST AI RMF Playbook. In their new blog post, the Partnership on Employment & Accessible Technology shares some critical ways the Framework and Playbook promote inclusive and equitable AI, especially for people with disabilities.

Read the AI Risk Management blog

U.S. Department of Labor Office of Disability Employment Policy
DRIVING CHANGE • CREATING OPPORTUNITY

View this newsletter on our website.

 


This email was sent to [email protected] using govDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of: Kansas Office of the Governor · Capitol, 300 SW 10th Ave., Ste. 241S · Topeka, KS 66612-1590 GovDelivery logo