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June 9, 2023
Tapping the Power of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility in Cities
During the U.S. Conference of Mayors Annual Meeting last week, the State Exchange on Employment & Disability hosted a panel on “Tapping the Power of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility (DEIA) in Cities.” The panel was moderated by Tacoma Mayor Victoria Woodards and featured remarks from ODEP Assistant Secretary Taryn Williams and Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther, among others. The panelists shared trends in inclusive policymaking and how their cities and organizations are infusing DEIA into their practices to ensure their policies are reflective of everyone they serve, including people with disabilities.
Join EARN in Promoting the Importance of Disability Inclusion in DEIA Efforts
A diverse workforce brings new perspectives, experiences and ideas to an organization. In today’s economy, competitive organizations are those that strengthen diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility (DEIA) efforts. However, DEIA plans are incomplete and ineffective if they overlook people with disabilities, as one in ten working-age individuals are likely to have a disability. Successful DEIA initiatives address the needs of all employees, including disabled workers and those with intersecting identities. Throughout the month of June, the Employer Assistance and Resource Network on Disability Inclusion (EARN) is promoting the reasons why disability inclusion and DEIA matters and sharing actionable ways employers across all industries can advance DEIA initiatives.
Supporting Workers with Long COVID Factsheet
Some people who had COVID-19 experience a range of new or ongoing symptoms—known as post-COVID conditions or Long COVID—that can last weeks, months or years and worsen with physical or mental activity. A new ODEP factsheet shares strategies for supporting workers with Long COVID, including accommodations for common symptoms and where to access more guidance and assistance with specific situations.
PEAT’s 2023 AI Think Tank Report
On April 17, 2023, the Partnership on Employment & Accessible Technology (PEAT) hosted a virtual Think Tank on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools in hiring. The goal of this Think Tank was to begin creating an Inclusive Hiring Profile based on the National Institute of Standards and Technology AI Risk Management Framework. A resulting report shares the Think Tank’s key takeaways, breakout discussion topics and next steps.
PIA Wins a 2023 Communicator Award and Recognized as a 2023 Apprenticeship Ambassador
The Partnership on Inclusive Apprenticeship (PIA) was recently recognized in two ways. PIA won a 2023 Communicator Award for its website in the “diversity, equity and inclusion” category. The Communicator Award recognizes excellence, effectiveness and innovation across all areas of communication. Additionally, PIA was named as a 2023 Apprenticeship Ambassador by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Apprenticeship. Apprenticeship Ambassadors serve as champions in promoting, expanding and diversifying registered apprenticeship.
In Case You Missed It: New Way to Learn about FOAs
ODEP recently added a new topic link to its subscription feature that individuals and organizations can use to sign up to learn about ODEP funding opportunity announcements (FOA) once they are announced.