Here is today's KCDC Disability News message. I hope you have a wonderful day.? Martha Martha K. Gabehart | Executive Director [email protected] | www.kcdcinfo.ks.gov ***** This message is from Joe Scarlet.? Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) There are many benefits to having a fulfilling job ? and when we have the supports we need, disabled people can succeed at jobs that pay well and bolster our self-confidence. There are policies in place to help disabled people find and keep good jobs, like Employment First. But there are also policies that have kept us stuck in low-paying jobs away from our communities. It?s important for self-advocates to understand employment policy and how things could be different?so that we can effectively advocate for an end to policies that hurt us, and for the adoption of policies that help us. That?s why we?re pleased to announce our latest plain language toolkit, Real Work For Real Pay: A Self-Advocate?s Guide to Employment Policy. This toolkit will explain: What Employment First is The Employment toolkit is available in two versions: Our Easy Read Edition. The Easy Read version is split into seven parts. Each part has its own glossary, and there is also a separate glossary with all of the terms from every section. The Easy Read version uses pictures along with larger text, and has more white space.? It is attached below. A Plain Language Version for either those with vision-related disabilities or those who would prefer a version without accompanying graphics. It is attached below.?? Easy Read Edition The Easy Read Edition is split into parts. Each part has its own glossary, and there is also a separate glossary with all of the terms from every section.? Part 2: Overview: Employment First Part 3: Why do we need Employment First? Part 4: Why do we still have sheltered workshops? Part 5: How can we solve these problems? Part 6: What to Know About Work Requirements Part 7: Glossary Plain Language Version The Plain Language version is available as one document below.? ***** This information is from the monthly AskEARN ((Employer Assistance and Resource Network on Disability Inclusion) newsletter.? View this email in your browser ? Ask EARN? EARN IN ACTION: A FOCUS ON MENTAL HEALTH Supporting Workplace Mental Health May is Mental Health Awareness Month! Check out EARN?s resources on creating mentally healthy workplaces and follow us on social media for more tools and information. Department of Labor (DOL) Mental Health at Work Initiative DOL launched the Mental Health at Work initiative to advance workplace wellness and increase awareness of employee mental health and well-being. Workplace Mental Health PSA Disability-Inclusive Recruitment and Outreach EARN presented at the DirectEmployers Association?s annual conference about ways to engage job candidates with disabilities. DISABILITY EMPLOYMENT IN THE NEWS Celebrating Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD) Learn about the importance of accessible workplace technologies and environments to ensure digital access and inclusion for disabled workers. A new DOL data spotlight explores employment of disabled AA and NHPI workers in skilled trades. Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) Launches Disability Inclusion Pledge A new initiative launched in collaboration with DOL?s Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) and ABLE today provides human resource (HR) professionals and business executives with tools and resources to support workplace disability inclusion. Job Accommodation Network (JAN) Report on Workplace Accommodations A new JAN report highlights the findings of employer surveys indicating that workplace accommodations are typically low cost, but highly beneficial for both employers and employees. DOL?s OFCCP updated its Voluntary Self-Identification of Disability Form to include preferred language related to disability and examples of types of disabilities. ASK EARN Q: My company is transitioning staff back to in-office work, but we want to strengthen our hybrid work policy to ensure telework remains an option for employees who request it, especially disabled employees. Does EARN have resources to help? MARK YOUR CALENDAR May 17, 2023, 1 p.m. ET May 17, 2023, 2 p.m. ET May 23, 2023, 1 p.m. ET June 2, 2023, 12 p.m. ET June 8, 2023, 2 p.m. ET EMPLOYER SPOTLIGHT Accessibility and Inclusion at Lincoln Park Zoo During a webinar held last month, Lincoln Park Zoo representatives discussed programs and policies that help ensure a fully accessible and inclusive experience for the zoo?s visitors, employees, and volunteers. Stay Up-to-Date on Disability Employment News & Information The Employer Assistance and Resource Network on Disability Inclusion (EARN) is a resource for employers seeking to recruit, hire, retain, and advance qualified employees with disabilities. This item is fully funded by the U.S. Department of Labor?s Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) under cooperative agreement No. OD-33975-19-75-4-36 with Cornell University's K. Lisa Yang and Hock E. Tan Institute on Disability and Employment. The total four-year cost of this agreement amounts to $10,000,000. This item does not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the U.S. Department of Labor, nor does mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government. For more information, visit AskEARN.org. ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
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