Working Together, a campaign launched by the Louisiana Developmental Disabilities Council, is excited to kick off its 2022 DIScovering ABILITIES Employment Webinar Series to bring focus on recruiting, hiring, and retaining employees with disabilities.
The series consists of 10 webinars with stories of lived experiences from the workplace. It brings together experts from agencies and companies; employees with disabilities; and other stakeholders who will share best practices for building a diverse workforce.
The series kicks off on March 22, 2022 with a dynamic panel of business leaders, state agency leaders, and employees with developmental disabilities, who will share their stories of recruiting, hiring, retaining, and working in a competitive, integrated environment.
Then, each webinar topic will build on the last to tell the comprehensive story of what resources are available to employees with disabilities and employers who hire them.
Between April 12 – June 9, each webinar topic will be hosted on two separate days to allow our attendees to get all of the information they need.
With subject matter experts, the attendees will learn about resources and takeaways that will help them:
- Provide businesses and employers “how to” strategies for recruiting, hiring and retaining these employees in an inclusive work environment.
- Create inclusive employment opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities by connecting them with potential employers
- Give potential employees with developmental disabilities the information and resources they need to feel confident in pursuing potential employment
- Empower employers and people with developmental disabilities with an understanding of the resources available to support them in this journey to employment.
Check out the calendar below, and register for the series today!
DIScovering ABILITIES Webinar Calendar
MARCH 22
10-11:30AM
DIScovering ABILITIES – Stories of Lived Experience from the Workplace
Since stories are foundational to learning, we will kick off this exciting series with voices from the workplace. Through these stories we will bust the myths about what work looks like for people with disabilities, and talk about what this series will offer as we move forward.
Host: Jeff Arseneaux.
Speakers: Bambi Polotzola, Rikki David, Chanda Maguigan, Chaney Guidry, Laci Polotzola, Dajon Jones.
APRIL 12 & 14
10-11:30AM
Developing the Inclusive Workplace – Company Culture | Hiring Practices Training Employees From Top Down
Organizations with a diverse staff and an inclusive workplace culture are more successful and better equipped for hiring people with disabilities. DEI expert Germaine Townsend will discuss how to move beyond just checking boxes, and help us begin to create a work culture where everyone wins.
Host: Jeff Arseneaux.
Speakers: Germaine Townsend, Wilbert Johnson, Sue Killam.
APRIL 26 & 28
10-11:30AM
Building a Good Recruitment Plan – Building Partnerships | SWOT
Recruiting | Messaging, etc.
Don’t miss this opportunity to have a recruiter share ways to partner with the community to build a bridge between the people who are ready to work, and those who are looking to hire. Dajon Jones, through his story, will share the importance of messaging, and how his work has impacted his community.
Host: Jeff Arseneaux.
Speakers: Raheef Alturkmani, Susie Rutkowski, Johnny Manela, Alec Reed
MAY 17 & 19
10-11:30AM
How Can We Say Yes – Accommodations for Successful Employment
Assistive Technology | LRS | On the Job Training, etc.
The tools needed to insure a successful transition to work for people with disabilities are many. You will leave with a toolkit of resources to help you in your journey to successful employment.
Host: Jeff Arseneaux.
Speakers: Melissa Bayham, Yakima Black, Karen Barrett, Chaney Guidry, Rose Angelocci
JUNE 7 & 9
10-11:30AM
Making It Stick – Benefits & Retention Plan
LRS | Tax Incentives | Benefits Planning, ABLE accounts | Financial benefits, etc.
How do you retain employees once you hire them? This session will be led by subject matter experts sharing the resources available to help guide you through the process, and how to avoid the barriers along the way.
Host: Jeff Arseneaux.
Speakers: Brenda Bohrer, Ray Leget, Dr. Liz Fussel, Sharon Hennessey, Stuart Simon.
JUNE 21
10-11AM
Where Do We Go From Here?
Reflection | Action Steps | Resources I Networking Event
We’ll be also reflecting on what we learned during the series, participating in some networking opportunities, and creating action steps to move us forward on the journey of building a diverse workforce.
Susan “Sue” G. Killam has worked for over 25 years in the area of employment and disability policy. Ms. Killam is a tireless advocate for the civil rights of all people but specifically for individuals with disabilities. Ms. Killam began her career in Louisiana in 1990 as the Lead Trainer for the Supported Employment Systems Change Grant. Following that grant, Sue served as Director of AcME, Inc. (an employment agency initiated by six parents of individuals with disabilities) for 10 years. Ms. Killam has published several articles on supported employment and disability services and is one of the authors of APSE’s Ethical Guidelines. She has served on numerous governor-appointed councils and boards and is one of the founding members of the Louisiana SE Network (now LA APSE) and currently is appointed to the State as Model Employer (SAME) task force. Ms. Killam is currently focused on providing comprehensive career pathways to jobs in demand.
Host: Jeff Arseneaux
Speakers: Sue Killam.
Questions? Contact: Laura Schroeder, Campaign Coordinator, laura@oneillcommunications.com