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October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). In honor of the talents and contributions of employees with disabilities, TCDD is sharing employment-related information throughout the month. Want to get involved? Check out the resources and upcoming events below!
Disability Employment Awareness Series
Join TCDD and the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service for a series of Disability Employment Awareness panels to discuss the latest resources and best practices for inclusive hiring and workplace culture.
People with disabilities make up one of the largest diversified groups in the workplace. In 2018, approximately 34.9% of adults with disabilities in the U.S. were employed. For many adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in Texas, seeking employment can be difficult. As labor shortages increase due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this untapped labor pool can serve as a valuable recruitment resource for employers. There is a need to address the significant challenges and barriers and move toward IDD employment awareness and preparedness.
The webinars are free to attend and will be held on Zoom.
Family Supports and the Roles for the Job Search, Self-Advocate Perspective
Oct. 19 | 11 AM – 12:15 PM, CT
Registration link expired/ event occurred in the past.
Practical Skills for Workplace Preparation, Part One: Resume Writinge
Oct. 20 | 11 AM – 12:15 PM, CT
Registration link expired/ event occurred in the past.
Disability & Employment Q&A with Lauren Gerken
Join TCDD next Thursday for a social media takeover and Q&A with Lauren Gerken, TCDD Public Policy Analyst. Lauren Gerken is proud to be the point person for employment-related policy at TCDD. Since her time as a Policy Fellow at The Arc of Texas, Lauren has been committed to expanding competitive, integrated employment opportunities for Texans with disabilities. In addition to her work at TCDD, Lauren sits on the Board of Directors for the Texas chapter of The Association of People Supporting Employment First (APSE) where she serves as their Public Policy Committee Chair.
TCDD Facebook Live: Disability and Employment Q&A
Oct. 21 | Noon, CT
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America’s Recovery: Powered by Inclusion
NDEAM is held by the National Department of Labor (DOL) annually. This year’s theme is “America’s Recovery: Powered by Inclusion.”
NDEAM is held each October to commemorate the many and varied contributions of people with disabilities to America’s workplaces and economy. On the DOL website, you can find ideas and resources for employers, community organizations, state and local governments, advocacy groups and schools to participate in celebrating NDEAM through events and activities centered around the theme of “America’s Recovery: Powered by Inclusion.” To learn more about NDEAM, you can also read the Presidential Proclamation here.
Employment Resources from the Texas Workforce Commission
Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) is the state agency that provides workforce development services to employers and job seekers in Texas. The mission of TWC is to to promote and support a workforce system that creates value and offers employers, individuals, and communities the opportunity to achieve and sustain economic prosperity.
TWC offers a variety of programs for Texans with disabilities seeking employment. Learn more about these programs on the TWC website.
The Organization Making Waves in Employment First
In honor of NDEAM, TCDD is highlighting the work of APSE. APSE is the only national organization that works exclusively on developing and implementing Employment First. Employment First is a policy that enforces the full inclusion of people with disabilities with competitive integrated employment.
APSE members “recognize that everyone has abilities to contribute and their work should be recognized and rewarded with fair pay, creating inclusive workplaces. Employment enriches and adds meaning to every life, and workplaces and communities are enhanced when they embrace differences.” APSE achieves its mission by bringing together individuals from different backgrounds such as policy specialists, service providers, and self-advocates to educate others and inspire change. Learn more about APSE.
