The Campaign For Disability Employment

NEWS

adsputkin — Thu, 09 Dec 2010 20:05:03 +0000

News and Events

January 31, 2012 – Campaign for Disability Employment Announces Nationwide Video Contest

Can YOU promote positive change and challenge misconceptions about disability employment? Show us! The Campaign for Disability Employment (CDE) has launched a nationwide “What can YOU do?” Video Contest to promote the talent and skills that people with disabilities bring to America’s workforce and economy. This is your opportunity to produce a video that illustrates that at work, it’s what people CAN do that matters. The deadline for entry is March 30, 2012. Read the press release… For details and rules…

January 9, 2012 – Customs and Border Protection, Labor Department Sign Disability Hiring Alliance

Assistant Secretary of Labor for Disability Employment Policy Kathleen Martinez and U.S. Customs and Border Protection Acting Commissioner David Aguilar signed an alliance agreement aimed at increasing the hiring of people with disabilities by federal agencies. “Today’s alliance is an opportunity for ODEP and CBP to demonstrate disability employment practices that will not only result in increased hires at CBP but easily can be replicated by other federal agencies seeking to fulfill the requirements of their executive order plans,” said Martinez in a Jan. 6 statement. Read more…

December 12, 2011 – Labor Department Seeks to Improve Job Opportunities for Americans with Disabilities

The U.S. Department of Labor is proposing a new rule that would require federal contractors and subcontractors to set a hiring goal of having 7 percent of their workforces be people with disabilities, among other requirements. The department's Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) invites public comment on this proposal, which will be published in the Dec. 9 edition of the Federal Register. To read the notice of proposed rulemaking or submit a comment, visit the federal e-rulemaking portal at http://www.regulations.gov. Read more…

November 17, 2011 – Campaign for Disability Employment “I Can” PSA Wins International MarCom Award

The Campaign for Disability Employment (CDE) today announced that its “I Can” public service announcement (PSA) has been recognized with a 2011 MarCom Award. The PSA, which challenges common misconceptions about disability and employment, was recognized in the Gold category for “exceeding the high standards of the industry norm.” This marks the fourth industry honor for “I Can,” which was previously recognized by PRWeek, the Public Relations Society of America and PR News. Read more…

September 22, 2011 – Everyday Health TV Series to Feature Sparkle Effect Founder, Sarah Cronk, and Superstar Cheerio Cheerleader from GLEE, Lauren Potter

Everyday Health has a new TV series that profiles ordinary people who overcome extraordinary obstacles and who are helping others lead healthier, happier lives. Episode 4 airs this Saturday, September, 24th on local ABC stations, and features Sarah Cronk, the inspirational teenager who founded The Sparkle Effect as well as Lauren Potter, the superstar Cheerio cheerleader on the hit show Glee. The Sparkle Effect is an innovative, student-run program that helps high school students across the country create cheerleading squads that include students with disabilities. For more details on the show, recap episodes, and other information, check out: http://www.everydayhealth.com/tv.

September 15, 2011 – Don't Miss the US Business Leadership Network's 14th Annual Conference & Expo

The US Business Leadership Network (USBLN) will host its 14th Annual Conference & Expo, “Unlocking Key Business Drivers: Disability in the Workplace, Marketplace, and Supply Chain – Strategies for Business Success” on October 16 -19, 2011 at the Louisville Marriott Downtown hotel in Louisville, Kentucky. This is the preeminent national business-to-business event that brings corporate, government, disability-owned businesses, and BLN Affiliates together to create workplaces, marketplaces, and supply chains where people with disabilities are fully included as professionals, customers, and entrepreneurs. Don't miss the camaraderie, solution-sharing, enhanced networking, and all-star line-up of speakers! For full conference details and to register today, visit www.usblnannualconference.org.

August 8, 2011 – 2011 National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) Posters Now Available

Held each October, National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) is a national campaign that raises awareness about disability employment issues and celebrates the many and varied contributions of America’s workers with disabilities. The theme for NDEAM 2011 is Profit by Investing in Workers with Disabilities, which promotes the valuable contributions people with disabilities make to America’s workplaces and economy. 2011 NDEAM posters are now available to download or order.

July 11, 2011 – Campaign for Disability Employment “I Can” PSA Wins Second National Award

The Campaign for Disability Employment’s (CDE) “I Can” public service announcement (PSA) was recently recognized by the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), the world’s largest and foremost organization of public relations professionals. The PSA, which challenges common misconceptions about disability and employment, was awarded a PRSA Bronze Anvil Award of Commendation (AOC). This marks the second national honor for “I Can,” which was previously recognized by PRWeek in March 2011. Read more…

June 7, 2011 – Registration Open for Universal Design and Workforce Development Professional Competencies

This webinar will be hosted by the NTAR Leadership Center on Tuesday, June 28th at 2:00 PM EDT and will explore the skills, habits, and knowledge required by staff to serve a diverse range of businesses and career seekers. Within the field, Universal Design means ensuring the service structure of the nation’s One-Stop Career Centers is designed to better meet the needs of a wide variety of customers, from diverse backgrounds and with numerous potential barriers to employment. At its most basic level, this means providing services and programs that are inherently accessible to the greatest number of customers without the need for separate or disparate basic services. Register for this webinar with the NTAR Leadership Center.

May 31, 2011 – US Labor Department Announces About $20 million to Fund State-Run Programs Aimed at Improving Employment Outcomes for People with Disabilities

The Department of Labor’s (DOL’s) Employment and Training Administration (ETA), in coordination with DOL’s Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) announces the availability of approximately $20 million for a second round of cooperative agreements to state agencies that administer the Workforce Investment Act (WIA). These funds provide an opportunity for states to develop and implement a plan for improving effective and meaningful participation of persons with disabilities in the workforce. Read more…

May 24, 2011 – “I Can” PSA Participant Appointed to U.S. Access Board

“I Can” public service announcement (PSA) participant, Mathew McCollough, was recently appointed by President Obama as a new member of the U.S. Access Board. As a member of the Board, Mat will put his communications talents and skills to work to improve accessibility and compliance with laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act. By working hard and using his abilities to succeed, Mat demonstrates that at work, it’s what people CAN do that matters.

Mat currently serves as Executive Director of the District of Columbia (DC) Developmental Disabilities Council, which promotes independence and equal opportunity for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Read more…

May 12, 2011 – US Labor Department’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance (OFCCP) Publishes Proposed VEVRAA Regulation Revisions to Strengthen Employment Protections for Veterans

Increasing numbers of veterans, with and without disabilities, are returning from duty in Iraq, Afghanistan and other places around the world only to face substantial obstacles in finding employment. In the spirit of ensuring that all Americans have equal access to good jobs and that America’s workplaces are equitable, OFCCP published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM). The NPRM recommends revisions that strengthen Federal regulations implementing the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974 (Section 4212), as amended, commonly referred to as VEVRAA. Comments on the notice of proposed rulemaking must be submitted by June 27, 2011. Visit the federal e-rulemaking portal, http://www.regulations.gov, to submit comments. Read more…

May 3, 2011 – Office of Disability Employment Policy Announces 2011 Theme for National Disability Employment Awareness Month

The Office of Disability Employment Policy has announced the official theme for October’s National Disability Employment Awareness Month: “Profit by Investing in Workers with Disabilities.” The theme honors the contributions of workers with disabilities and serves to inform the public that they represent a highly skilled talent pool that can help employers compete in today’s global economy. Read more…

April 26, 2011 – White House Monthly Disability Call Scheduled for Thursday, April 28

In order to keep the public more informed, the White House hosts monthly conference calls to provide updates on various disability issues and to introduce persons who work on disability issues in the federal government. The next call will begin at 2:00 PM Eastern on Thursday, April 28. To participate, dial (888) 428-4479 and use “White House Disability Call” as the entry code. Live captioning will be available at the start time of the event. Please dial into the conference call 5 minutes early.

March 17, 2011 – Work Without Limits Supports the Campaign for Disability Employment by Launching Local Disability Awareness Initiative

A partnership agreement with the Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) allows Work Without Limits to customize the existing national CDE campaign materials and build upon the strong “What can YOU do?” brand for a Massachusetts-specific public awareness disability employment campaign. Read more…

March 15, 2011 – Campaign for Disability Employment “I Can” PSA Honored at National Awards Ceremony

The Campaign for Disability Employment (CDE) received Honorable Mention in the category of Best Use of Audio/Video for the “I Can” video public service announcement (PSA) at the 2010 PRWeek Awards held in New York City, March 10, 2011. Each year, PRWeek awards corporate, nonprofit, agency and educational institutions in recognition of excellence in public relations activities. Read more…

March 8, 2011 – US Department of Labor makes available Web-based toolkit for federal agencies to increase employment of people with disabilities.

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy today posted an online toolkit comprised of resources to assist federal agencies in recruiting, employing and retaining individuals with disabilities. The kit is available at http://www.dol.gov/odep/federal-hire.

ODEP, in collaboration with the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, designed a five-step process that agencies can readily follow to ensure an inclusive workplace for employees with disabilities. The steps are: employer training, creating a welcoming environment, recruitment, hiring and retention. Topics include "do’s and don’ts" for interviewing, accessibility and accommodations, how to find technical assistance and creating a pipeline of candidates.

OUTREACH TOOLKIT

adsputkin — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 20:01:48 +0000

		Share the “I Can” Public Service Announcement (PSA) Everyone is encouraged to share the “I Can” PSA in support of the Campaign for Disability Employment and the "What can YOU do?" initiative. “I Can” features seven people with disabilities, not actors, demonstrating what they can do on the job when given the opportunity. We invite you to share “I Can” as a reminder that at work, it’s what people CAN do that matters. View "I Can" View "Yo Puedo" (Spanish) Download for TV/Radio Broadcast

		Link to the Campaign for Disability Employment Link to the Campaign for Disability Employment Web site and support the "What can YOU do?" initiative. Logos are available for posting on Web sites, Intranets and in publications.

		Facilitate a Discussion Using the Campaign for Disability Employment’s “I Can” PSA Discussion Guide: Fostering CAN-Do Attitudes at Work The Campaign for Disability Employment encourages the use of the “I Can” PSA and accompanying Workplace Discussion Guide as tools to start a conversation about the benefits of fostering a work environment that is flexible and open to the talents of all qualified individuals, including those with disabilities. Order Workplace Discussion Guide Download Workplace Discussion Guide (PDF) Workplace Discussion Guide (Large Print)

		Facilitate a Discussion Using the Campaign for Disability Employment’s “I Can” PSA Youth Discussion Guide: Fostering CAN-Do Attitudes Among Youth and Young Adults The Campaign for Disability Employment encourages the use of the “I Can” PSA and accompanying Youth Discussion Guide to start a conversation among youth, with and without disabilities, about the importance of focusing on ability and talent, not making assumptions about what people can and can’t do, and setting goals for employment. Order Youth Discussion Guide Download Youth Discussion Guide (PDF) Youth Discussion Guide (Large Print)

		Display the "What can YOU do?" Poster Series Create a disability employment display using the "What can YOU do?" Poster Series. The series is designed with many audiences in mind and includes posters that display positive messages about disability and employment. Freshen-up bulletin boards in workplaces, training centers, educational institutions, places of worship or anywhere! Each poster includes a message that speaks to a different audience, including employers/employees, youth, family and educators, people with disabilities and the general public. Order "What can YOU do?" Posters

		Publish Campaign for Disability Employment “Drop-in ” Articles or Web and Print Ads Feature the Campaign for Disability Employment in your newsletter, member outreach, employee newsletters, publications and Web sites. “Drop-in” articles are available for reproduction or consider featuring one or more "What can YOU do?" web and print ads in your publication. Each ad includes a message that speaks to a different audience. "What can YOU do?" Web and Print Ads

		Issue a Campaign for Disability Employment Press Release Organizations may wish to issue a press release to local media to announce their support of the "What can YOU do?" initiative. A “fill-in-the-blank” template is available that organizations can quickly customize and pitch to their local media. "What can YOU do?" Web and Prints Ads "I Can" PSA Download for TV/Radio Broadcast

		Host a "What can YOU do?" Celebration Hold an event celebrating the "What can YOU do?" initiative. A social event with food, fun and educational programming can help reinforce the importance of an inclusive workplace. Enlist a speaker to deliver disability employment talking points and play the “I Can” PSA at the event. Invite local employers and employees with disabilities to share their experiences and insights.

		“Like” the Campaign for Disability Employment on Facebook or Join Our Group on LinkedIn Receive timely information about disability employment issues, activities and events by staying connected to the Campaign for Disability Employment through Facebook or LinkedIn.

		Spanish-Language Web Site and Resources The Campaign for Disability Employment offers information, resources and tools in Spanish including, "Yo Puedo," the Spanish version of the “I Can” PSA. To learn more, visit ustedquepuedehacer.org.

Outreach Toolkit Redirect

adsputkin — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 15:52:22 +0000

		Share the “I Can” Public Service Announcement (PSA) Everyone is encouraged to share the “I Can” PSA in support of the Campaign for Disability Employment and the "What can YOU do?" initiative. “I Can” features seven people with disabilities, not actors, demonstrating what they can do on the job when given the opportunity. We invite you to share “I Can” as a reminder that at work, it’s what people CAN do that matters. View "I Can" View "Yo Puedo" (Spanish) Download for TV/Radio Broadcast

		Link to the Campaign for Disability Employment Link to the Campaign for Disability Employment Web site and support the "What can YOU do?" initiative. Logos are available for posting on Web sites, Intranets and in publications.

		Facilitate a Discussion Using the Campaign for Disability Employment’s “I Can” PSA Discussion Guide: Fostering CAN-Do Attitudes at Work The Campaign for Disability Employment encourages the use of the “I Can” PSA and accompanying Workplace Discussion Guide as tools to start a conversation about the benefits of fostering a work environment that is flexible and open to the talents of all qualified individuals, including those with disabilities. Order Workplace Discussion Guide Download Workplace Discussion Guide (PDF) Workplace Discussion Guide (Large Print)

		Facilitate a Discussion Using the Campaign for Disability Employment’s “I Can” PSA Youth Discussion Guide: Fostering CAN-Do Attitudes Among Youth and Young Adults The Campaign for Disability Employment encourages the use of the “I Can” PSA and accompanying Youth Discussion Guide to start a conversation among youth, with and without disabilities, about the importance of focusing on ability and talent, not making assumptions about what people can and can’t do, and setting goals for employment. Order Youth Discussion Guide Download Youth Discussion Guide (PDF) Youth Discussion Guide (Large Print)

		Display the "What can YOU do?" Poster Series Create a disability employment display using the "What can YOU do?" Poster Series. The series is designed with many audiences in mind and includes posters that display positive messages about disability and employment. Freshen-up bulletin boards in workplaces, training centers, educational institutions, places of worship or anywhere! Each poster includes a message that speaks to a different audience, including employers/employees, youth, family and educators, people with disabilities and the general public. Order "What can YOU do?" Posters

		Publish Campaign for Disability Employment “Drop-in ” Articles or Web and Print Ads Feature the Campaign for Disability Employment in your newsletter, member outreach, employee newsletters, publications and Web sites. “Drop-in” articles are available for reproduction or consider featuring one or more "What can YOU do?" web and print ads in your publication. Each ad includes a message that speaks to a different audience. "What can YOU do?" Web and Print Ads

		Issue a Campaign for Disability Employment Press Release Organizations may wish to issue a press release to local media to announce their support of the "What can YOU do?" initiative. A “fill-in-the-blank” template is available that organizations can quickly customize and pitch to their local media. "What can YOU do?" Web and Prints Ads "I Can" PSA Download for TV/Radio Broadcast

		Host a "What can YOU do?" Celebration Hold an event celebrating the "What can YOU do?" initiative. A social event with food, fun and educational programming can help reinforce the importance of an inclusive workplace. Enlist a speaker to deliver disability employment talking points and play the “I Can” PSA at the event. Invite local employers and employees with disabilities to share their experiences and insights.

		“Like” the Campaign for Disability Employment on Facebook or Join Our Group on LinkedIn Receive timely information about disability employment issues, activities and events by staying connected to the Campaign for Disability Employment through Facebook or LinkedIn.

		Spanish-Language Web Site and Resources The Campaign for Disability Employment offers information, resources and tools in Spanish including, "Yo Puedo," the Spanish version of the “I Can” PSA. To learn more, visit ustedquepuedehacer.org.

What Can We ALL Do?

adsputkin — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 22:33:09 +0000

Leverage Our What Can YOU Do? Outreach Toolkit

Promoting the What Can YOU Do? Campaign is easy thanks to our downloadable materials.

Click here to access:

	• Tips for promoting the disability employment message in your own community		• What Can YOU Do? posters for your workplace, school or organization
	• Customizable news releases about your organization’s commitment to the Campaign for Disability Employment		• What Can YOU Do? print ads and articles for your publications

Express Your Support

If you’re an employer, an adult with a disability or a young person with a disability, please contribute to the various online forums on this Web site. If you fall into a different category, you can support the Campaign by:

	• Encouraging employers and others to recognize the value and talent that people with disabilities bring to the workplace;		• Helping young people with disabilities dream big and aspire to have a rewarding career; and
	• Reinforcing that people with disabilities can and want to work;		• Remembering that at work, it’s what people CAN do that matters.

What Can FAMILY & EDUCATORS do?

adsputkin — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 06:26:48 +0000

Here's something family & educators can do - right now!

If you know young people with disabilities, please encourage them to think about and share their career aspirations in our online youth forum. By sharing their aspirations, they will help increase employer awareness about the many ways today’s youth plan to be tomorrow’s leaders and will encourage others to dream big.

Tell us what YOU can do!

adsputkin — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 15:01:05 +0000

PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES:

What can YOU do?

Work is fundamental to our lives. It means so much more than a paycheck—it offers purpose and the opportunity to lead an independent, self-directed life for all people, including people with disabilities.

People with disabilities have the skills to pursue meaningful careers and play an important role in America’s educational and economic success. In fact, experience with disability can offer a competitive edge when it comes to work. If you are a person with a disability, only you can define your own limitations. High expectations are essential to success. Organizations exist that can help you seek employment, identify the tools you need to be productive on the job, and understand your right to be evaluated on your ability, not disability. Because after all, at work it’s what people can do that matters.

Express Your Commitment and Share Your Promising Practices!

adsputkin — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 14:34:28 +0000

What can EMPLOYERS do?

Hire, Retain, and Advance People with Disabilities. In business, the investment that drives innovation is talent. The knowledge, skills and abilities employees bring to work each day are by far the assets that yield the most output over the long term. Whether good economic times or bad, it’s the organizations that know how to identify and recognize talent that are most likely to succeed. Businesses that are inclusive of people with disabilities – in recruitment, retention, and advancement – benefit from a wider pool of talent, skills, and creative business solutions. Additionally, work environments that are flexible and open to the talents of all qualified individuals, including those with disabilities, actually promote workplace success for everyone.

The CDE offers free tools and resources to help employers foster inclusive work environments. We encourage the use of our award-winning “I Can” public service announcement, accompanying PSA discussion guides, posters, and other materials, all included in the CDE’s on-line Outreach Toolkit, to promote positive employment outcomes for people with disabilities in your business and community. Learn how others are hiring, retaining, and advancing people with disabilities!

What WILL You Do?

adsputkin — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 10:58:16 +0000

YOUTH WITH DISABILITIES:

What WILL you do?

Work is an important part of people’s lives. It means more than just getting paid. It means being able to make your own choices about how you want to live your life.

At work, it’s what people can do that matters. If you are a young person with a disability, only you can decide your limits. You can work in a wide variety of jobs and play an important role in America’s economy. In fact, experience with a disability can help in a job or in starting a business. Today more than ever, businesses need people who can think differently about how to solve problems and get the job done. People with disabilities do this in America’s workplaces every day – and so can you. So set your sights high! Along the way, remember that resources are available to help you seek employment, succeed on the job, and understand your right to be judged on your ability, not disability.