Joanie Calem’s Post

Good Morning Colleagues! Please note the following event hosted by the Arizona Technology Council is the second presentation this year on "Breaking Barriers: Disability Inclusion in Technology". The event is in Phoenix, AZ and some of the panelists ar colleagues of mine. This Tech Forum will be an educational and empowering tool to help companies approach hiring people living with disabilities, utilizing today's innovative technology and using innovation to enhance individuals abilities to work and be a part of the inclusive workforce of today! (See details below). Please note, there is a Registration required... Tech Inclusion Forum of 2024, we will explore the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities in the workplace, focusing on the current lack of inclusiveness and accessibility. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the barriers that people with disabilities encounter and learn practical strategies to foster a more inclusive environment for all. The event will offer valuable insights into how companies can improve accessibility, enhance workplace culture and support employees with disabilities effectively. Join us to empower your organization with the tools and knowledge needed to create a truly inclusive and supportive workplace for everyone. Our distinguished panel will include: * Tye Dutcher, Financial Advisor, Principal Financial and Rio 2016 Paralympian * Fai Mo, Program Manager, Carvana * Ariel Parker, Program Manager, Beacon Group, Inc. * Moderator: Mitchell Eskritt, Director of Marketing and Development, Beacon Group, Inc. Key Take-Aways: Better understand the lack of inclusiveness for those with disabilities Learn more about how we can all be more inclusive in the workplace Gain insights into how companies can be more accessible and better support those with disabilities Who Should Attend: This event is intended for CEOs, Business Leaders, DEI Leaders, HR executives, Entrepreneurs as well as anyone seeking to become a more proactive ally in achieving a more diverse, equitable and inclusive business reality. Agenda 3:15 – 3:30 Registration 3:30 – 3:45 Welcome 3:45 – 4:40 Panel Discussion 4:40 – 5:00 Q+A 5:00 – 5:30 Happy Hour and Networking Event Sponsor:

Let’s Create a Space Where Everyone Feels Safe to Share Hi folks! Did you know that a huge number of people with disabilities don’t feel comfortable disclosing their conditions at work? It's about time we change that. Creating an environment where everyone feels safe to express themselves is not just nice—it’s necessary for true inclusivity. Building a Trusting Environment: It’s essential to foster a workspace where people can be open about their disabilities without fear. This openness leads to better support, tailored accommodations, and, ultimately, a happier, more productive team. Actions Speak Louder Than Words: - Educate and Engage: Host workshops and training sessions that not only educate but also empower all employees to embrace diversity and foster inclusivity. - Involve Everyone: Make sure that people with disabilities are actively involved in shaping the policies and practices that affect their work life. Their insights are invaluable in creating a truly inclusive environment. By taking these steps, we’re not just ticking boxes; we’re building a community where everyone has a voice and feels valued. It’s about making our workplace a reflection of the world we want to live in: diverse, inclusive, and full of opportunity. Get involved at http://zenythgroup.com. Together, we can build an inclusive society. [Image Description:  Ways for inclusive companies to Create A Safe Environment For Disclosure. Zenyth logo.] #SafeSpace #DiversityAndInclusion #Empowerment #Openness #InclusiveWorkplace #VoiceForAll #DisabilityAwareness #InclusivityMatters #BeTheChange #InclusiveLeadership

Organizations often struggle with creating truly inclusive environments for employees and customers with disabilities. The key? Learn directly from their experiences. Why it Matters: By actively listening to those with lived experiences, you can uncover hidden barriers and create policies that make a real difference. Here are 4 ways to get started: 1. Listening Groups Regular sessions where employees with disabilities share their workplace challenges, like inaccessible tools or communication hurdles. → Why it works: It helps you pinpoint barriers in real-time and update policies for better accessibility. 2. Access Groups Dedicated teams focused on reviewing and fixing workplace accessibility issues. → The result? Faster, more effective improvements to the work environment. 3. Mystery Shopping from a Disability Lens Simulate customer journeys with accessibility in mind. Spot gaps in service that you might otherwise miss. → A fresh perspective that leads to better experiences for all. 4. Anonymous Feedback Tools Create systems where employees and customers can report issues without fear of stigma. → Honest, unfiltered feedback helps you stay responsive to ongoing needs. Why Now? The more inclusive you are, the more your organization thrives—both in culture and performance. These initiatives not only improve accessibility but foster a more engaged workforce and satisfied customers. Start building inclusivity today! What actions are you taking to improve accessibility in your organization? Let’s discuss 👇 #Accessibility #Inclusion #Leadership #WorkplaceCulture #Diversity

Day 1 of 2 for our Accessibility Summit: Employee Inclusion Day (all free!). Register for free to learn more about employee inclusion from experts. The day is a combination of 15-minute lightning talks as well as longer panel discussions where you can ask questions and we can dive deeper into topic areas.    15-minute lightning talks will focus on these themes:   - How to communicate with employees with ADHD (Ettie Bailey-King) - How to create an Employee Resource Group (Sarah Healy) - Setting up a Workplace Inclusion Maturity Model (Niamh Kelly) - Scaling neuro-inclusion through a data-driven lens - What to consider when hiring a deaf employee  45-minute panel discussions will focus on these themes:    1. 'How to hire me - voices from employees with disabilities': Hear from people with different disabilities shed light on some of the practices and tools that would support them in the workplace, so you don't lose great talent 2. 'Supporting neurodiversity in the workplace': Discover some of the data-driven methods and tools that companies are using to provide support for employees to improve their ability to produce great work  The full schedule and speakers will be announced shortly, but this is a half-day packed with value and goodness. Alt-text: Employee Inclusion Day poster with dates October 23rd and 24th, times from 2 pm - 6 pm (GMT+1) and the faces of 4 guest speakers - Jacqui Wallis, Sarah Healy, Richard Purcell, Ettie Bailey-King. In Partnership with Evinced. #AccessibilitySummit #EmployeeInclusion #DiversityAndInclusion

Building Accessibility from the Top Down: Cultivating Inclusion for Workers with Disabilities Creating a truly inclusive workplace goes beyond hiring practices, it requires a top-down commitment to accessibility and support for employees with disabilities. Here's a sneak peak how leaders can foster a culture of inclusion: 1. Spearhead Broad Accommodations from the Top Down 2. Make Space for Judgement-Free Discussions About Accommodations Early 3. Train Managers in Effective Supervision and Communication   Creating a culture of accessibility requires ongoing effort and collaboration across all levels of the organization. By prioritizing these practices, companies can build a more inclusive and thriving workplace for everyone. Read the full Fast Company article here: https://lnkd.in/dhiKGiiZ #Inclusion #WorkplaceDiversity

Breaking Barriers – Promoting Accessibility in the Workplace with EmpowerNL 📣 Date: Friday April 19th, 1pm - 2:30pm NST Location: This event is virtual! The link to join virtually will be forwarded to registrants a few days in advance. Registration: Register here: https://lnkd.in/eUw5x-SH Maximum registration of 50 participants for this session. Honorarium: Receive a $50 honorarium! Please see below for more details.    Join the NLFC and EmpowerNL for a virtual presentation that aims to provide a comprehensive introduction to disabilities and accessibility in the workplace. Thanks to Women's Economic Council for making this event possible!   During this session, we'll delve into various aspects of workplace accessibility, covering crucial topics such as adapting spaces, events, interviews, and virtual meetings to accommodate individuals with disabilities. Participants will gain valuable insights into fostering a more inclusive work culture. Moreover, we'll explore the spectrum of disabilities and the diverse needs and challenges faced by individuals. By fostering awareness and understanding, we aim to empower organizations to create environments where everyone can thrive.    Don't miss this opportunity to learn, engage, and take meaningful steps towards building a more accessible and inclusive workplace environment. Join us in breaking barriers and championing diversity with EmpowerNL.    This training session is FREE and open to all co-operative members, participants of the 50-30 Challenge, and community partners interested in learning more about this important topic. To receive the $50 honorarium, participants must register in advance, attend the training live, and complete a follow-up feedback form. We hope to see you there! Feel free to email Meaghan if you have any questions. 

🌟 Conference Speaker Spotlight: Katherine Breward 🌟 Katherine Breward is an Associate Professor in the Business and Economics Department at the University of Winnipeg. She teaches a range of HR courses, including her signature course, "Leadership and Fairness in Complex Organizations." She holds a degree in Adult Education, an MBA, and a PhD in Organizational Behaviour from the Richard Ivey School of Business (Western University). Dr. Breward is an award-winning case writer who publishes extensively on the topic of disability accommodation at work. Her work has appeared in the Palgrave Handbook of Disability at Work, the Canadian Journal of Disability Studies, the Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health, the British Journal of Management, and Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion: An International Journal. Her most recent publication is Sage's Guide to Disability and Inclusion in the Workplace, which offers chapters on inclusive design and neurodiversity. Dr. Breward is herself neurodiverse, a member of the generation of "Lost Girls." When not teaching and publishing, she spends her time categorizing every plant, bird, and bug she can find on her rural acreage and reading sci-fiction and fantasy novels. 🟢 ABOUT KATHERINE’S SESSION For workers with autism, accommodations, while beneficial, exist in order to address barriers. What if workplaces had fewer barriers to begin with? Inclusive design seeks to create inherently inclusive environments in which fewer barriers are experienced. While it has previously been applied largely in architectural and engineering contexts, inclusive design principles also apply to organizational policies and management practices. In this session, we will discuss using these principles to proactively lessen barriers. HR policies and practices will be the main focus, including recruitment and selection, training and onboarding, workplace communication, supervisory methods, team-building events, and promotion practices. 🟢 REGISTER TO ATTEND The 2024 Neurowrx International Conference is happening in Amsterdam on October 16 through 18. Register to attend this celebration of neurodiversity employment online or in person now: https://lnkd.in/gT7MVKd8

🔵 Discover the power of inclusivity with For All Abilities! We're dedicated to bringing out the best in all employees and students, regardless of their abilities. 🙌 Our unique approach identifies strengths and needs, providing actionable steps for increased productivity and efficiency. 📊 We also offer specialized ADA and disability workforce training and consulting. 🎓 Our software tool provides customized solutions to increase engagement and optimize your workforce. 🚀 Don't just comply with ADA regulations, utilize the strengths of all your employees, including those with disabilities. 🌈 We're here to help you navigate the challenges of disabilities, Long COVID and neurodiversity in the workplace. 🤝 Join us in creating a more inclusive work environment. 🌍 Visit our website for more information: www.forallabilities.com. Let's work together to enable ALL your employees to work to their strengths. 💪 #ForAllAbilities #Inclusivity #WorkplaceDiversity #ADACompliance #Neurodiversity #Empowerment #Strengths #Productivity #Efficiency #Engagement #WorkforceOptimization #InclusiveWorkEnvironment.

Creating accommodations isn’t just about compliance; it’s about maximizing human potential. When you make work accessible for everyone, you’re investing in new ideas, perspectives, and abilities that push the whole team forward. Innovation thrives on diversity and inclusivity—it’s the foundation of solving big problems. If we want to build the future, we need workplaces that empower every individual to contribute their best, regardless of physical limitations.

Want to attract more diverse talent to your organization and create a workplace that values diversity and accessibility? This blog discusses the essential steps for implementing accessible and inclusive hiring practices, ensuring that individuals with disabilities have equal opportunities to thrive in your organization. 💡 From rewriting job descriptions to fostering community relationships and offering remote work options, this guide provides a comprehensive roadmap for organizations to tap into a hidden pool of talent and enrich their teams with diverse perspectives. How are you championing inclusivity in your organization? Let's start a conversation! 💬 #InclusiveWorkplace #EmbraceDiversity