Helping hands: Local events mark National Disability Employment Awareness Month
This fall, PA CareerLink Centre County is celebrating National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) with a variety of activities for both employers and job seekers. The purpose of NDEAM is to educate about disability employment issues and celebrate the many and varied contributions of America’s workers with disabilities. This year’s theme, “Disability: Part of the Equity Equation,” recognizes the vital role people with disabilities play in making the nation’s workforce diverse and inclusive.
Reflecting this year’s theme, PA Careerlink will be coordinating a variety of activities to educate job seekers and employers on disability employment issues and its commitment to an inclusive work culture. These efforts include:
Employer Engagement
Working Together to Determine Job Accommodations — Sept. 22, noon-1 p.m.: The Job Accommodation Network outlines its four step, interactive process whereby employers and employees with disabilities work together to implement workplace accommodations. Remote event.
Disability Awareness and Etiquette in the Workplace; Sept. 27, 11 a.m.-noon: Learn how to be aware and sensitive to people with disabilities to avoid stereotyping; discover language and etiquette that stimulates meaningful interactions with employees and customers. Remote event.
Success Stories and Best Practices: Supporting Persons with Disabilities During the Interview and in the Workplace; Oct. 3, 1-2 p.m.: Join an employer panel to discuss best practices and how these practices resulted in employee success at Giant, Foxdale Village, Centre County Government and the Arc of Centre County. Remote event.
Job Seeker Engagement
A Pathway to Higher Education for Students with Intellectual Disabilities and Autism; Sept. 21, 2 p.m.: This information session connects potential college students to local universities with proven accommodations while touching on how to pay for college for these students. Remote event.
Accommodations: What Are They and How to Request Them During the Application, Interview and Employment Process, Sept. 29, 11 a.m.-noon: Potential jobseekers will learn the timing and language to use when requesting accommodations. Remote or in-person.
Career Fairs
Topping off these activities are two multi-employer career fairs in October.
Oct. 12, noon-3 p.m.: 30-plus employers
Juniata Valley YMCA, 105 1st Ave., Burnham, PA 17009
Oct. 13, 3:30-6:30 p.m.: 30-plus employers
Nittany Mall, 2901 E. College Ave., State College, PA 16801
As lead-up to these events, jobseekers are encouraged to visit PA CareerLink to update their resume and prepare for face-to-face interactions with employers. To schedule an appointment, call 814-548-7587.
To register for a jobseeker or employer event, email stravis@tiu11.org.