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>> Good afternoon, everybody,
and welcome to the tour of EARN services.
Just wanted to let you all know
that this will be a 30-minute webinar,
and we will not be take questions
at the end the webinar.
What we ask you to do is either call
in to our toll-free technical assistance line for EARN,
the Employer Assistance and Resource Network,
or you can send an email at EARN@AskEARN.org.
So, again, I want to thank you all for joining us today.
And I look forward to explaining a little bit more the services
that Employer Assistance and Resource Network can provide.
I'm going to start off just briefly going
through the main points of the type
of services that we provide.
In terms of the information and expertise that we have
for employers, providers, and individuals with disabilities,
we have a lot of information, resources,
and consultations providing information on diversity
and inclusion at your places of business,
just trying to make certain that everyone has the tools
and information to employ people
with disabilities successfully and productively.
We also work with a lot of employers in terms of recruiting
and hiring folks with disabilities.
Many employers will contact our organization
on where they can find individuals with disabilities
and also just really some of the hiring practices and things
that have worked well across the country at different employers.
And it really depends.
it could be corporations; it could be medium-sized businesses
as well as small businesses.
We receive really wide range of requests on the different types
of recruiting for different levels of employment
at different sized companies.
In terms of talent management, obviously it's key
to make certain that your organization hires the right
people at the right time for the right reason, so we spend a lot
of time talking about talent management these days.
And from time to time
and obviously different companies are interested
in where they can locate reasonable accommodations
or there may be a situation at their place of business
where they need a specific accommodation for an individual
and not sure where there to locate those resources or how
to provide those resources or even have
that conversation known as the interactive process.
And just how really any employee, specifically folks
with disabilities, can be productive
in their positions in their workplace.
Obviously, with the ADA Amendments Act many people are
thinking about the ADA and how
that impacts their places of business.
Maybe folks are taking time off due to disability or to care
for somebody else in the family that has a disability
so the Family Medical Leave Act also comes into place
and really how interact with one another and the best resources
in order to maximize those different pieces of legislation
and how you can incorporate that in your business successfully.
There's a lot of emphasis placed on workplace culture.
Really, how you can, as an employer,
make your business assessable, open, and welcoming
to folks with disabilities.
Also really looking at customers with disabilities,
really how you can market to a very large market segment
of a population, again, over 54 million Americans
with disabilities.
So that's a little bit of information about our expertise
and some of the resources we can provide.
Moving forward, really who we are.
You'll hear the acronym EARN used a lot.
You'll hear the national employer technical
assistance center.
We do a lot of research policy as well as training
and implementation of best practices for hiring
and retaining and advancing, people with disabilities.
So you'll see several different brands there.
Again, EARN is a service of the National Center
for Disability Services, and that is conducted
at Cornell University.
We are funded through the Department of Labor,
specifically the Office of Disability Employment Policy,
ODEP, another acronym.
So I just wanted to make certain
that everybody is really familiar
with those different acronyms and our organization as a whole.
In terms of the overview
of the EARN services we provide a variety of resources.
I just wanted to briefly go through those.
This is really kind of an agenda
of what we'll be discussing in today's webinar.
Again, our website, as most of you know,
that's how you registered, the AskEARN website.
We also provide free, individualized,
and customizable consultations.
So if you're an employer looking
to really advance your employment practices of people
with disabilities, we can speak to you on specific situations,
overall programming on how to do that.
I mentioned our toll-free line which is staffed
by technical assistant specialists.
these individuals will be answering your questions
and inquires when you call that a 800 --
that 855 toll-free number, and really just to provide you
with the information that you need.
So, again, you not only have to visit
of the website, you can just call.
Again, it's important to be able to talk
to a live person sometimes to have
that exchange of information.
One of the other programs
that we'll be highlighting today is the Workforce
Recruitment Program.
And that program is working with college students as well
as recent graduates with disabilities.
So companies who are trying to find out,
where can I higher college graduates with disabilities,
this is a specific program of where you can do that,
and it's a no-cost resource to employers.
As you are participating in today's webinar,
our webinars are at no cost and you can participant in those.
We try to have those on Thursday afternoons
at this time consistently at 2 o'clock Eastern Standard Time.
Again, a lot of different webinars
to provide you pertinent information in order
to successfully employ people with disabilities.
We also have monthly newsletters that we prepare.
These consistent with the different topics
and resources available, maybe legislative
or other topics pertinent to employers.
So that's another service that we have.
We also have regular eBlasts.
These are just a quick email to our contact list
that can provide you with up-to-date information
about pertinent employment-related topics.
So that's something you can have
on a regular basis that's very informative.
Okay. In terms of our AskEARN.org,
which is really a huge, huge resource to provide you
with a ton of information.
So the website is a comprehensive repository
of resources that can help your organization
with any questions related to the employment of disability.
So, again, there's a lot of information on this website.
And we're going to really cover all of different areas.
I'll review how to navigate the website and highlight
where you can locate specific topics.
I realize there's a lot of information here,
so we want to make certain you understand really
where you can find things and limit the time
that you have to search.
In terms of the targeted information,
we are at our home page on the far right of the home page.
You will see the frequently-requested resources.
And under this category you'll see different topics.
Many of the resources pertain to the recruitment
of candidates with disabilities.
That is one of frequently-requested resources.
And we provide specific guides
on those commonly-asked questions.
You will find issues and resources on veteran employment.
That's a very important topic these days.
Obviously, it's in the mind of many of us with our veterans
who have served and there are many of them who are coming home
and will be looking for employment at your company.
Again, there's a lot great information about that.
It includes the hiring incentives at different,
reasonable accommodations, that type of information related
to veterans, as well as training.
There are really a lot of good topics.
I know there is really a lot of interest out there
and what you here in the news about some of the veterans
and some of the signature disabilities
that they're coming back with.
So there's a lot of great resources to bring you
up to speed and prepare your workforce to accommodate
and to welcome veterans
or any returning service members you may have,
as the Guard or Reserves.
So that's another important area that's covered.
Although we don't directly provide services for people
with disabilities, we do have national, state,
and local resources available for those individuals.
So I wanted to make that distinction.
Our technical assistance center caters to employers,
but we also provide information to providers
in the vocational rehabilitation field.
So hopefully everyone receives the information that they need.
You'll also see the business page
for hiring people with disabilities.
This is a very comprehensive guide, really talking about how
to market to people with disabilities,
how to employ people with disabilities,
and really make the business case of how that's important
in terms of your return on investment of hiring folks
with disabilities and marketing your products and services.
So that's another guide that is available.
In terms of the online resources,
I want to distinguish really what is available.
You'll see all of these different key words,
and those are exactly what is involved with that.
Our EARN keyword search structure will help you navigate
the resources by the different overarching topic areas
As you can see in the dark blue there's categories
for recruitment and hiring, talent management,
workplace access and productive and workplace culture.
These are all topics that are pertinent to the employers
and people with disabilities.
EARN also has a guided search system that will allow you
to search for specific resources using two specific methods
either, navigation, by these keywords,
or by using the guided search tool.
And I'll talk a little bit further
about that guided search tool.
But as you can, under the different topical areas,
there are keywords that will provide you specific information
on the different sub-topical areas under those main headings.
Again, this will provide you a lot of pertinent information.
If you're looking for a specific topic,
it's a very good navigation to find
that information on that home page.
So, again, that's a little bit about the online resources.
Going a little more in depth in term
of the keyword search you could look specifically
for disability etiquette.
That is a topic employers are usually interested in,
and it's quite helpful in communication as well
as training for your hiring managers and co-workers.
I know in my conversations with a lot
of human resource departments they're always looking for ways
to educate and train the hiring manager on disability etiquette
to make them more comfortable as well as co-workers
that may be involved on a day-to-day interaction.
It may be new to them.
So some really good information under the disability etiquette.
So under employer reference desk and looking
for a specific topic, and again,
we'll utilize the disability etiquette, for example.
You click on that link which will bring you to our guide
on the disability etiquette.
And there will be more specific information once you double
click on the highlighted blue text, so under each category,
for instance, disability etiquette, you're going
to see some highlighted blue text, and that will bring you
to some additional recommended resources that we have provided.
So, again, if you want specific information
and more in-depth information, we guide you to that.
So, again, I wanted to point that out.
More specifically, because there's often more
than one resource available on a particular topic
which can be both good and bad, we've identified resources
that we believe to be most the relevant at the top
of the search, so you will see there in the related resources,
we've provided you some specific examples to find information.
As I mentioned previously, the guided search is a tool
for folks who come onto the website and really have an idea
of what they want but you don't know what you don't know.
So many times it's a way to find something specific
or to see what resources are there.
So for employers who don't know where to start,
you can use the guided search tool to find
out which resources are most applicable to your needs,
whether you're a federal contractor, federal agency,
or as I mentioned, a small business.
So a lot of good information can be found
by using that search tool.
One of the other areas of services
that we provide are consultations
and technical assistance.
We can answer any questions you may have.
This can be hiring a person with a disability.
You can have a person who acquires a disability,
so you have a current employer who acquires a disability.
You may need some information related to that.
It can be even a more complex question that you may have
and really just a customizable consultation
to meet your specific need.
So, again, we're not an agency or service
who has just set products or services.
We really provide customizable information
to your specific needs.
So, again, as you can see, our toll-free number is 855-275-3276
or AskEARN for folks
who remember letters rather than numbers.
So under there you can see some icons where you can click
to ask us a question online; you can request a training.
So if you're seeking specific training on a topic
or just really want to discuss how you can start a program
or really specific training issue that you may have,
there's an icon to subscribe to our newsletter
that I'll talk to you a little more.
And then to just send us some feedback.
There's been a lot of work and a lot of time
to create this website and keep it updated,
so we encourage your feedback on how you found it,
to be successful or if there was something challenging,
to let us know that as well.
In terms of requesting assistance
or a consultation online, you can see that you fill
out just some brief information
about who you are what your email address is,
and a little demographics of what kind of employer you are,
so we can make sure we have the specific information needed.
So then you just fill this online form and one
of our technical assistance specialists will provide you
with that information
or any additional resources pertaining to your request.
An example of this may be how can I develop diverse diversity
at your company.
A consultation would be scheduled
to discuss your company's needs and any available resources
for developing that program.
We could send you some of the best practices
that are out there as well.
So a lot of good information that you can obtain
through requesting that assistance online or obviously
by phone consultation for those folks that would rather speak
with one of our specialists directly rather
than do that via online.
You can contact toll-free number in terms
of scheduling a consultation
or really just having your questions answered.
So by calling EARN, we will respond to your inquiries
and answer any questions you may have directly related
to your company and the appropriate documents
or resources that you may need or we can suggest for you.
One of the other ways that we provide consultation is
through WebEx.
This is a tool of Cisco that our center utilizes.
And these consultations are very advantageous in sharing desktops
and presentation for Effective and interactive discussions.
These are very similar to webinars just
like you're participating
in today although they're much more interactive,
so if we have a document you want to take a look at,
we can share that with you; we make changes to that,
so it's an ongoing, very interactive type of discussion.
This also gives you the flexibility
to have online training at your location as well
as you not having the additional expense of any travel.
So, again, that's another way we can provide a resource
for your company in terms of training.
In terms of recent successes in some of the companies
and employers that we have assisted,
we work with federal government agencies,
we work with small businesses, which mentioned,
we work in different industries,
whether that's the financial industry,
the health care industry.
We've also been doing a lot of work with federal contractors
with the new 503 regulation of the Rehabilitation Act.
There's also a huge emphasis right now
on not only hiring people with disabilities,
also veterans with disabilities.
So, again, providing updated information
on how you can do that, not only in terms of compliance
with those regulations, but really how you can be proactive
and how that makes your business very successful
in obtaining the most talented individuals,
especially folks with disabilities.
So, again, those are some of the recent successes we've done just
to give you an idea of some of the folks we've helped.
Also on our home page I want to point
out you will find success stories
in both practices of employers.
This will give you an idea of what other employers
in different industries have done
and how they're implementing very successful diversity
and inclusion programs for people with disabilities.
Again, this is good information you can share
with your hiring managers and other folks at your company
to see that it is much easier to do than some people think.
Again, a lot of those practices we can provide you as well.
In terms of some of customizable training we have,
I wanted to provide some examples of what we've done
with different employers.
Again, I mentioned diversity inclusion.
Many people refer to this as D and I.
It's a very hot topic right now in many companies
of how they could diversify their workforce, specifically
with people with disabilities.
I mentioned earlier disability etiquette.
That's another area where we can work with you and your managers
on how to use the appropriate terminology
and make certain you have a welcoming work environment
for people with disabilities.
A lot of different recruitment strategies on how you can locate
and attract talented individuals in a variety of areas.
And also, you know, really that business case
for what that is, as well.
One of other programs I wanted to mention as well as in terms
of attracting talented individuals with disabilities,
we have the Workforce Recruitment Program.
And this is a program that consists
of over 2,500 individuals with disabilities.
These are current college students, as well as graduates
with disabilities, so people
who have graduated within the last year.
So if you are looking for talented individuals,
you can fill out an online request form for what type
of position you're looking to hire.
That can be a permanent position.
It can also be an internship.
So if your company is looking to highlight individuals
with disabilities and bring them on as interns
and hopefully permanent hires as well,
this is a way that you can do that.
Again it's no cost to the employer and there are
over 104 different majors in there.
So, again, quite a lot
of diversity is included in that program.
I wanted to mention in terms of events and webinars
where you can locate this information.
And as you can see, we have a calendar of events,
and the snapshot that we have here, the screen shot is
of October which is disability employment month.
And you can see the different types of webinars that we have.
So if you're looking for different events
in upcoming webinars as well as training conversations
that relate to the employment of people with disabilities,
you can find that under event and webinar.
In addition to our live webinars,
we also have archived webinars.
So on that calendar of events you will see the different
webinars we have conducted.
One of good things is you can listen to these.
You have a flexibility to attend them 24/7,
and also you will be able to download the materials
from that webinar as well as listen to that.
So that's another thing that I wanted to make sure
that people understand if you didn't have the opportunity
to listen to the live version,
you can tap into the archived version of that as well.
So this is just -- the shot that you see now is
on that Workforce Recruitment Program, tapping the talent
of students and graduates with disabilities.
We had this last year, October 27th was the webinar.
And we're going to have an additional webinar
that discusses the 2012 database which came out on December 6.
So that webinar will be conducted on the 26th
of January at 2 o'clock as well.
So people who are interested in hearing more about that program,
please look at the events and go ahead
and register for that event.
It will be a 20-minute presentation
with 10 minutes of questions.
So, again, you'll have a question and answer.
So, again, please take a look at that if you're interested.
Another thing that I wanted
to mention was the up-to-date news and information.
We have an area on the website where you can take a look
at what news and pertinent events are out there related
to the employment of people with disabilities.
A lot of issues lately with the federal contractors and some
of the different regulations.
So, again, take a look at that news as well.
If you're not a part of our contact list
and that distribution to receive the newsletters,
you can subscribe and join our contact list.
Again, you will see that the home page there on the right,
just click the subscribe and you will be able to register
to receive our monthly newsletters as well
as the eBlast in breaking news.
Again, this is something that comes out, usually weekly,
on a regular basis that will provide you
with pertinent information.
And the example that we're using is on the latest goals
of the 503 regulation.
And again, this is the proposed regulation, that hiring goal
of 7 percent of people with disabilities
at federal contracts is a proposed regulation.
So, again, as more information is documented on that,
we will send that information out.
So, again, this is eBlasts are very helpful
in different breaking news that will helpful
to employers all related to disability employment.
The monthly newsletters, again, are provided
at the middle of each month.
And that goes out to a very large circulation.
And it just really talks about the different practices,
different legislative updates and actions
and just really a lot of good information in terms
of employment of people with disabilities and something
that you will be interested in reading.
So, again, I wanted to discuss those newsletters as well.
You can also view those online if you don't want to be part
of your contact list, but you feel free
to visit the website monthly to take a look at that information
that is posted online to read those.
Again, I wanted to thank everyone
for joining us to this webinar.
I hope it has been very informative
in giving you the idea of the depth and breadth
of the services we provide
and just a little bit easier understanding of how
to navigate our website, what information is available,
and to make certain that you know, as an employer,
to contact our national employer technical assistance center
on the employment of people with disabilities for any information
or resources that you need to assist you in the employment
and retention of individuals with disabilities.
There are a lot of downloadable documents, brochures you can use
for your company, and overall best practices
for people with disabilities.
Again, I want to thank you for your time
and attention this afternoon.
Again, for those who want to ask questions via online,
please email us at EARN@AskEARN.org
or call us at 1-855-275-3276.
Please visit us at AskEARN.org for all the needs you may have.
Again, thank you, everyone,
and I appreciate your attendance today.