GettingHired.com's Own, BusyBee's Blog

Job Accommodation Network - Workplace Accomodations Study

BusyBee — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 22:31:00 GMT

One of the concerns that employers often express when hiring people with disabilities is the perceived high cost of providing workplace accommodations. In fact, the typical cost of workplace accommodations provided to employees with disabilities is quite low. The Job Accommodation Network (JAN) recently updated its research on the costs and benefits of job accommodations. The employers in JAN’s study reported that a high percentage (56%) of accommodations cost absolutely nothing to make. Of those accommodations that did have a cost, the typical one-time expenditure by employers was only $600. Read the full study by clicking the link below.

The Job Accommodation Network, a member of GettingHired.com’s Service Provider network, is a service provided by the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy. JAN's mission is to facilitate the employment and retention of workers with disabilities by providing employers, employment providers, people with disabilities, their family members and other interested parties with information on job accommodations, entrepreneurship, and related subjects.

JAN’S ACCOMMODATION FACT SHEET SERIES

Workplace Accommodations: Low Cost, High Impact

Annually Updated Research Findings Address the Costs and Benefits of Job Accommodations

Updated: 09/01/09

Recent amendments to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) refocused attention on workplace accommodations by broadening the definition of disability; more coverage means more employees will likely be entitled to workplace accommodations. This increased attention has some employers concerned about the costs of providing job accommodations. However, a study conducted by the Job Accommodation Network (JAN), a service of the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP), shows that workplace accommodations not only are low cost, but also positively impact the workplace in many ways.

The JAN study has been ongoing since 2004. JAN, in partnership with the University of Iowa’s Law, Health Policy, and Disability Center (LHPDC) interviewed 1,182 employers between January 2004 and December 2006 who contacted JAN. In addition, JAN, in partnership with the West Virginia University School of Applied Social Sciences (SASS) interviewed 366 employers between June 28, 2008, and July 31, 2009, who contacted JAN. Employers in the JAN study represented a range of industry sectors and sizes and contacted JAN for information about workplace accommodations, the ADA, or both. Approximately eight weeks after their initial contact, the employers were asked a series of questions about the situation they discussed with JAN and the quality of the services JAN provided.

The study results consistently showed that the benefits employers receive from making workplace accommodations far outweigh the low cost. Employers reported that providing accommodations resulted in such benefits as retaining valuable employees, improving productivity and morale, reducing workers compensation and training costs, and improving company diversity. These benefits were obtained with little investment. The employers in the study reported that a high percentage (56%) of accommodations cost absolutely nothing to make, while the rest typically cost only $600.

And to top off these positive results about the cost and benefits of workplace accommodation, the employers in the study also reported that JAN understood their needs and provided information that met their needs. In addition, 98% of employers stated that they would use JAN services again for assistance with workplace accommodations.

What is the bottom line? Workplace accommodations are low cost and high impact, and JAN can help employers make them, free of charge.

Finding #1: Employers want to provide accommodations so they can retain valued and qualified employees.

Of the employers who called JAN for accommodation information and solutions, most were doing so to retain or promote (82%) a current employee. On average (including those persons who had just been given a job offer or who were newly hired), the employees had been with the company about seven years, with an average wage of about $14 for those paid by the hour, or an average annual salary of about $48,200. In addition, the individuals tended to be fairly well-educated, with 43% having a college degree or higher.

Finding #2: Most employers report no cost or low cost for accommodating employees with disabilities.

Of the employers who gave cost information related to accommodations they had provided, 251 out of 447 (56%) said the accommodations needed by employees cost absolutely nothing. Another 164 (37%) experienced a one-time cost. Only 23 (5%) said the accommodation resulted in an ongoing, annual cost to the company and 9 (2%) said the accommodation required a combination of one-time and annual costs; however, too few of these employers provided cost data to report with accuracy. Of those accommodations that did have a cost, the typical one-time expenditure by employers was $600. When asked how much they paid for an accommodation beyond what they would have paid for an employee without a disability who was in the same position, employers typically answered around $320.

Finding #3: Employers report accommodations are effective.

Employers who implemented accommodations at the point they were interviewed were asked to rank the effectiveness of the accommodations on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being extremely effective. Of those responding, 74% reported the accommodations were either very effective or extremely effective.

Finding #4: Employers experience multiple direct and indirect benefits after making accommodations.

Employers who made accommodations for employees with disabilities reported multiple benefits as a result. The most frequently mentioned direct benefits were: (1) the accommodation allowed the company to retain a qualified employee, (2) the accommodation increased the worker’s productivity, and (3) the accommodation eliminated the costs of training a new employee.

The most widely mentioned indirect benefits employers received were: (1) the accommodation ultimately improved interactions with co-workers, (2) the accommodation increased overall company morale, and (3) the accommodation increased overall company productivity. The following table gives the percentage of employers who reported experiencing direct and indirect benefits as a result of having made an accommodation.

Direct Benefits %

Company retained a valued employee 88%

Increased the employee’s productivity 72%

Eliminated costs associated with training a new employee 59%

Increased the employee’s attendance 52%

Increased diversity of the company 43%

Saved worker’s compensation or other insurance costs 39%

Company hired a qualified person with a disability 16%

Company promoted an employee 11%

Indirect Benefits

Improved interactions with co-workers 69%

Increased overall company morale 61%

Increased overall company productivity 57%

Improved interactions with customers 45%

Increased workplace safety 43%

Increased overall company attendance 37%

Increased profitability 33%

Increased customer base 18%

Finding #5: Employers find JAN helpful during the accommodation process.

Ninety-nine percent of employers found that JAN understood their needs. In addition, 91% of employers stated that the information JAN sent them met their needs. Overall 98% of employers stated they would use JAN again.

To cite: Job Accommodation Network (Original 2005, Updated 2007, Updated 2009). Workplace accommodations: Low cost, high impact. Retrieved (month) (day), (year), from http://www.jan.wvu.edu/media/LowCostHighImpact.doc

This document was developed by the Job Accommodation Network, funded by a contract agreement from the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Disability Employment Policy (DOL079RP20426). The opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the position or policy of the U.S. Department of Labor. Nor does mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Department of Labor.

CNN Media - You Just Don't Look Disabled: Aimee Mullins speaks at TED MED Conference

BusyBee — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 21:44:00 GMT

Thank you to Catherine Hyde Townsend at Wellspring Advisors, LLC for forwarding this great CNN media piece:

You Just Don’t Look Disabled: Aimee Mullins, a record-setting athlete, actress and model , speaks at the TED MED conference about the ‘opportunity of adversity.’ (TEDMED celebrates conversations that demonstrate the intersection and connections between all things medical and healthcare related.

http://www.cnn.com/2010/OPINION/03/09/mullins.beyond.disability/index.html?hpt=P1

February 2010 Employment Statistics

BusyBee — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 20:46:00 GMT

When the February 2010 jobs figures, indicating the loss of 36,000 jobs during the month and an overall unemployment rate holding steady at 9.7%, were released earlier this month, U.S. Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis stated that although there were positive signs in the statistics, " … we still have work to do before we can be sure that all Americans have access to good jobs.” Review of the February data on the employment status of people with disabilities released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics tells us that much work remains to be done to increase the rate of participation of people with disabilities in the workforce. The latest data indicate the following:

· For the portion of the U.S. population 16 years of age and older, people with disabilities constitute 11.3% of the population, yet only 3.7% of those who are employed.

· The employment rate for people with disabilities, 16 years of age and older, is only 18.9%, in contrast to an employment rate of 62.9% for all people in this age group with no disability.

For more detailed information, check out Table A-6, “Employment status of the civilian population by sex, age, and disability status, not seasonally adjusted” issued by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, available at www.bls.gov/news.release/empsit.t06.htm.

Large Arizona Bottling Company Settles EEOC Disability Discrimination Suit

BusyBee — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 15:51:00 GMT

Kalil Unlawfully Fired Employee Because of Diabetes, Federal Agency Charged

TUCSON, Ariz. -- Kalil Bottling Co., a large Arizona soft drink bottling and distribution company, has agreed to settle a disability discrimination lawsuit filed by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the agency announced today.

The EEOC’s suit, EEOC v. Kalil Bottling Co., CV 07-00488 TUC-BPV filed in U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona in Tucson, charged that Kalil violated federal law when it fired Gerald Nez, who has diabetes. As a merchandiser, Nez was required to drive his own personal compact pickup truck to complete his duties. The suit further alleged that despite at least four months of flawless work and an impeccable driving record, Kalil required that Nez pass a medical exam. When the medical exam revealed that he had diabetes and was using insulin, Kalil fired him for that reason alone.

For the last 30 years, Kalil has had a policy requiring all employees who drive any motor vehicles as part of their employment, even their own vehicles, to pass a federal Department of Transportation (DOT) medical exam designed for people seeking a commercial driver’s license (CDL) required for trucks over 10,000 pounds. Nez did not need a CDL to fulfill his job at Kalil, the EEOC argued.

“The DOT’s exam automatically prohibits people who use insulin from obtaining CDLs,” said Mary Jo O’Neill, the EEOC’s regional attorney in Phoenix. “That may be perfectly fine when the job requires a CDL, but Nez never needed a CDL to drive his own pickup for Kalil. Under the ADA, this policy is an unlawful qualification standard that tends to screen out individuals with disabilities, including people with diabetes.”

Firing an employee because of a disability violates Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which prohibits employers from discriminating against qualified individuals with disabilities in employment. Employers may not try to get around the prohibitions against disability discrimination by relying on irrelevant qualification standards that screen out people with diabetes or any other disability.

Nez has since passed away. Pursuant to the consent decree settling the suit, the company will pay $33,000 to Nez’s widow, conduct anti-discrimination training, and eliminate its policy of automatically excluding insulin-using people with diabetes from jobs involving operating motor vehicles.

“The key problem in this case is that insulin-requiring diabetes was an automatic exclusion from employment at Kalil,” said O’Neill. “The company failed to do an individualized assessment of Mr. Nez to see if, in fact, his diabetic condition made him a safety hazard. Millions of Americans use insulin and millions drive in their own car and are perfectly safe drivers.”

EEOC Trial Attorney Diana Chen said, “While Kalil initially may have had good intentions to ensure greater driver safety, it used a shotgun approach that excluded perfectly qualified people with disabilities from employment -- people like Mr. Nez. At the time Kalil fired him, it had absolutely no evidence that his diabetes posed any risk on the road. Companies must be mindful that policies they put in place don’t violate anti-discrimination laws.”

EEOC Acting District Director Julie Bowman added, “We are pleased that Kalil decided to change its policy. This outcome is a win-win. Kalil now has access to a larger pool of qualified applicants and people with disabilities have a more opportunity in the job market.”

Headquartered in Tucson, Ariz., Kalil supplies popular soft drinks like Snapple, Gatorade and Monster Energy to consumers in Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado and Texas.

The EEOC is responsible for enforcing federal laws against employment discrimination. The EEOC’s Phoenix District Office has jurisdiction for Arizona, Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, and part of New Mexico (including Albuquerque). Further information about the EEOC is available on its web site at www.eeoc.gov.

Statement of US Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis on February Employment Numbers

BusyBee — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 15:47:00 GMT

WASHINGTON — U.S. Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis issued the following statement on the February 2010 Employment Situation report released today:

"This past February, the economy lost 36,000 jobs, and the unemployment rate held at 9.7 percent.

"Today's numbers underscore that we still have work to do before we can be sure that all Americans have access to good jobs. Today's report also shows positive signs that the economy is moving in the right direction. For example, we see continued growth in employment in the health care and manufacturing sectors.

"As noted by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the estimate of jobs lost may have been affected by snowstorms in the mid-Atlantic and Northeast that occurred during the time period that payroll data were collected. Any one month's estimates are subject to problems and unforeseen circumstances like this, which is why it is important that we look at the trend. And clearly, the trend shows that we are losing fewer jobs per month, bringing us closer to consistent job growth.

"Nevertheless, too many families in this country continue to struggle. That's why the administration is working with Congress to provide much needed assistance to our hardest hit communities. Yesterday's passage of an initial jobs bill in the House is another step in the right direction. But we can and should do more. For that reason the administration is urging the Congress to act on the priorities the president already has outlined on small businesses, infrastructure and clean energy, and to move quickly to renew key Recovery Act programs that will contribute to job growth this year.

"Through the Department of Labor, for example, we could put hundreds of thousands of young people to work this summer building skills that they can take with them into the workplace. And by further supporting oversubscribed and successful job training programs like Pathways Out of Poverty and Energy Training Partnerships we can make sure that our workers have the skills they need to compete as job growth returns, particularly in growing sectors like clean energy. In addition, the administration supports investing in on-the-job training programs, which help jumpstart hiring by lowering training costs for businesses.

"These are some of the many efforts we need in order to tackle our economic challenges, and this administration is committed to working with Congress on these additional job creation measures because getting Americans back to work remains our top priority."

Inclusion in the Green Talent Pipeline

BusyBee — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 21:53:00 GMT

On Wednesday, December 16, Assistant Secretary for Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) Kathy Martinez and Deputy Assistant Secretary for Employment Training Administration (ETA) Gerri Fiala participated in a panel discussion focused on creating strategies for inclusion of people with disabilities in the green talent pipeline. Martinez stressed that "ODEP and ETA will work together to ensure that the workforce development system implements universal design strategies for all providers, thus opening doors to many individuals previously untapped as workers in the green economy."

Read Assistant Secretary Martinez’ Remarks

GettingHired at the Veterans Career Fair in NYC

BusyBee — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 17:32:00 GMT

Operation Hire, a Veterans Career Fair on board the U.S.S. Intrepid at Pier 86 in New York City, was held by the New York State Department of Labor on November 23rd, and GettingHired.com was there. More than 4,000 veterans attended. GettingHired.com, representing its Employer and Service Provider partners, was privileged to be able to provide resources and connections for disabled veterans, who having served their country, now need just a bit of assistance finding a productive place in the civilian workforce.

This screenshot from the CBS broadcast which appeared later that night in its evening news, shows GettingHired.com's Jim Lunny, Vice President of Workforce Development Solutions, speaking with attendees at the event. View CBS's full video coverage here.

Assistant Secretary Martinez to be the Principal Guest Speaker at Disability Policy Forum

BusyBee — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:26:00 GMT

On Tuesday, November 17, from 10 AM to noon, Assistant Secretary Kathleen Martinez will be the principal guest speaker for an interactive forum to be held at the Cornell University Government Affairs Office in Washington, DC. The topic is “ODEP Update: New Directions for the Office of Disability Employment Policy at the Department of Labor.” Other panelist/reactors will be Kelly Buckland, E.D. of NCIL; Paul Tobin, President and CEO of United Spinal Association, and Lori Golden of Ernst & Young.

The Disability Policy Forums, sponsored by the Employment Policy RRTC in collaboration with the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD), are held quarterly in Washington, DC and are available on the web. To register or to read more about the forum, visit http://www.ilr.cornell.edu/edi/p-eprrtc-policyforum.cfm

US Business Leadership Network Airs on Sky Radio Network

BusyBee — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:59:00 GMT

Interview promotes employment as part of the Campaign for Disability Employment

WASHINGTON, DC (November 11, 2009) - The US Business Leadership Network (USBLN®) today announced that its Executive Director & General Counsel, John D. Kemp, will be featured on the Sky Radio Network's upcoming edition of "Industry Innovators" airing worldwide on Delta Air Lines throughout November/December 2009. Kemp's radio interview calls attention to the high unemployment rate among people with disabilities.

The Campaign for Disability Employment, a collaborative effort which the USBLN is a founding member of, supported Mr. Kemp's three-minute interview about capitalizing on the talents and abilities of all employees - including people with disabilities - which will air on the Sky Radio Network. The interview will have a captive audience of over 10.1 million business travelers and frequent flyers. The high-quality business and lifestyle programming educates and entertains millions of airline passengers every month. "Industry Innovators" presents audio interviews that spotlight industry leaders and innovative business solutions. They focus on companies, both large and small, from a variety of industries.

"We're thankful for the opportunity to help raise awareness about disability diversity in the workplace, marketplace and supplier chain to over 10 million travelers," summarized Kemp about his interview on the Sky Radio Network. "It is my hope that the interview will share our message that at work, it's what people can do that matters...and, by capitalizing on everyone's talents and abilities at work - including people with disabilities - business can benefit; there's a great dividend to be realized by fully including people with disabilities."

The Sky Radio Network interview can be downloaded or read online at http://www.usbln.org/video_pop-up_05.html

About the US Business Leadership Network: The US Business Leadership Network (USBLN®) is the only national business organization currently representing 60 BLN affiliates and satellites in 36 states - including the District of Columbia - and more than 5000 employers using a "business to business" strategy to promote the business imperative of including people with disabilities. For additional information about the USBLN® and its 2009 Exceptional Leadership Awards, please contact Brandon M. Macsata by email at info@usbln.org.

About the Campaign for Disability Employment: The Campaign for Disability Employment (CDE) is a collaborative effort between several organizations to promote positive employment outcomes for people with disabilities by encouraging employers and others to recognize the value and talent they bring to the workplace. The Campaign is funded by the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP), receives technical assistance from the Job Accommodation Network (JAN) and is supported by the Disability Policy Research Center (DPRC) at West Virginia University.? To learn more about the Campaign, visit http://www.whatcanyoudocampaign.org.

For additional information about the USBLN® and its involvement in the Campaign for Disability Employment, please contact John D. Kemp by email at john.kemp@ppsv.com.

7 Strategies to get your resume noticed online

BusyBee — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:10:00 GMT

via JOBSEARCHINGSTRATEGIES.COM
by Cori
November 5, 2009

Sourcing is a term used for recruiters to find and uncover candidates and recruiters are getting more and more creative with their sourcing techniques. One creative sourcing technique being used today is going to Google or other search engines and putting in search strings filled with keywords and terms to generate resumes from all over the internet.

Since recruiters are getting creative with their sourcing techniques, job seekers should start getting creative with online exposure techniques.

7 strategies to get your resume noticed online:

Create a career blog: Start a blog that focuses on your career industry and include tips, articles, news, and industry related topics. You don’t have to be a writer to create a blog. You can link to other articles and news about that industry topic and add comments showing your industry knowledge. Also, set up a page on the blog for your resume, where you are highlighting your industry knowledge, experience, and expertise. You can easily set up a blog for free using programs such as blogger.com or wordpress.com
Use free document sharing websites: There are a number of free file sharing websites that can help you gain more resume exposure online. Save your document in different forms such as DOC and PDF so your resume shows up under those search terms. Yes, recruiters will search for resumes using words such as pdf, rtf, doc, and cv. You can even save your resume as a powerpoint presentation! Here are few free sites to check out: keepandshare.com, slideshare.net, Google docs

The Washington State Business Leadership Network wishes you a Happy National Employment of People with Disabilities Awareness Month!

BusyBee — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 16:37:00 GMT

An announcement from The Washington State Business Leadership Network:

Hello Everyone,

The Washington State Business Leadership Network wishes you a Happy National Employment of People with Disabilities Awareness Month!

President Obama Announces New Initiatives During National Disability Employment Awareness Month: "My Administration is committed to ensuring that all Americans have the chance to fulfill their potential and contribute to our nation," said President Obama. "Across this country, millions of people with disabilities are working or want to work, and they should have access to the support and services they need to succeed. As the nation's largest employer, the Federal Government and its contractors can lead the way by implementing effective employment policies and practices that increase opportunities and help workers achieve their full potential. We must also rededicate ourselves to fostering an inclusive work culture that welcomes the skills and talents of all qualified employees. That's why I've asked the responsible agencies to develop new plans and policies to help increase employment across America for people with disabilities."

Just a reminder that you are invited to attend the next Washington State Business Leadership Network (WSBLN) Meeting:

When: Wednesday, October 14th, 2009

Time: 9:30 am - 11:00 am

Where: The SeaTac Marriott Hotel, Salon E

3201 S. 176th Street, Seattle, WA 98188

(Please find attached the SeaTac Marriott Directions/Map Information)

Cost: This meeting is complimentary (no charge).

Marriott is also providing complimentary coffee, tea, water and assorted pastries for your enjoyment.

Please RSVP with your Name, Company/Organization, Email Address and Phone Number to karenwalters@att.net to reserve your seat.

Please find attached the September 9th Meeting Minutes and the October 14th Meeting Agenda attached. Be sure to bring some business cards with you for our networking time.

We are very excited to have Deborah Carnett, M.ED, M.S., LMHC; Carnett Consulting coming to present: Autism & Asperger's in the Workplace during our educational session. Deborah has worked with at-risk populations for over 20 years in the fields of special education, mental health and social work. Her education includes Master's Degrees in Special Education and Counseling/Psychology and she currently has a private practice in Olympia, WA. She specializes in Anxiety Disorders (PTSD related to sexual abuse and other trauma, OCD, general anxiety) and Autism Spectrum Disorders. She grows lavender organically and uses aromatherapy in her counseling practice to help clients reduce anxiety and ward off panic attacks.

Thank you,

Karen

Karen Walters, CEO/Executive Director

Washington State Business Leadership Network

Phone: 206-427-7675

Email: karenwalters@wsbln.org

Email2: karenwalters@att.net

Website: www.wsbln.org

"People with Disabilities at Work!"

About the WSBLN: We are an organization of businesses, employers and community partners who support and educate other businesses to recruit, hire, retain, promote and increase customer service for people with disabilities. We provide opportunities for education, networking and sharing of best practices among our peers. We welcome employers of all sizes, industries and sectors to join in our mission. For more information please contact me or visit our website at www.wsbln.org.

New Assistant Secretary Joining U.S. Education Department

BusyBee — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 14:00:00 GMT

GettingHired.com congratulates Alexa E. Posny on her confirmation by the Senate as Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS). GettingHired.com looks forward to the opportunity to support the work of Assistant Secretary Posner and OSERS in reducing the employment participation gap for people with disabilities. Following is the press release received from Andrew J. Pepin, executive administrator of OSERS:

Secretary of Education Arne Duncan congratulated Alexa E. Posny for being confirmed by the Senate on Monday, Oct. 5 as assistant secretary for special education and rehabilitative services.

Posny comes to the department from Kansas where she served as commissioner of education for the state. As commissioner, Posny was responsible for helping over 450,000 students meet or exceed high academic standards, licensing over 45,000 teachers and overseeing a state education budget of more than $4.5 billion. Prior to her work as commissioner, Posny served as the director of the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) for the U.S. Department of Education, a position in which she assisted state and local efforts to effectively educate all children and youth with disabilities. Posny has also served as the Kansas deputy commissioner of education, Kansas state director of special education, director of special education for the Shawnee Mission School District, director of the Curriculum and Instruction Specialty Option as part of the Title I Technical Assistance Center (TAC) network of TACs across the United States, and a senior research associate at Research and Training Associates in Overland Park, Kan. Posny earned her bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin at Stevens Point, a master's degree in behavioral disabilities and a doctorate in educational administration both from the University of Wisconsin in Madison. Posny has also served on the Board of Directors for the Chief State School Officers, the National Council for Learning Disabilities, and chaired the National Assessment Governing Board's Special Education Task Force. Posny has also been a teacher at the elementary, middle school, high school and university levels.

To view the full press release, please visit http://www.ed.gov/news/pressreleases/2009/10/10082009.html .

October 21 is 10th anniversary of Disability Mentoring Day

BusyBee — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 09:17:00 GMT

In honor of the 10th anniversary of Disability Mentoring Day on October 21st, GettingHired.com invites our Jobseekers and all networkers to find and connect with our GettingHired.com Mentors. Once you have registered as a GettingHired.com Jobseeker, simply go to the Make Connections tab and then click on Find Mentors. You will be connected to individuals who can provide advice on learning new ways of doing things, overcoming adversity, presenting yourself effectively, and many more topics.

We also invite our Jobseekers, Employer Partners, Service Providers, Advocacy Organization members, and anyone who has something positive to share with an individual with a disability who is searching for a job to volunteer and become a GettingHired.com Mentor yourself. If you can spare even a little time at your leisure to allow folks in our community to connect with you in our Mentor Directory via GettingHired.com messaging, you can make a difference in someone's life. Employers and Service Providers can sign up after logging in to their GettingHired.com Dashboards.

For more information or if you have questions about signing up, message me, BusyBee or contact us here.

Here's a related announcement from examiner.com:

By Susan Warner
September 9, 7:47pm
Minneapolis Disabilities Examiner

This year, October 21 marks the 10th anniversary of Disability Mentoring Day (DMD), a large-scale national effort coordinated by the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) to promote career development for students and job seekers with disabilities through hands-on career exploration, on-site job shadowing, and ongoing mentoring leading to internship and employment opportunities.

GettingHired.com congratulates Mark G. Ackermann on being chosen as the new President and CEO of Lighthouse International.

BusyBee — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 20:15:00 GMT

September 8, 2009

GettingHired.com congratulates Mark G. Ackermann on being chosen as the new President and CEO of Lighthouse International. Mr. Ackermann brings considerable healthcare management expertise to his new role at the helm of Lighthouse International, a leader in vision healthcare, research, and services for the visually impaired. Lighthouse International is an Advocacy Organization partner and a member of GettingHired.com's Advisory Council.

Announcement: GettingHired.com joins with the community of people with disabilities in extending sympathy to the family and friends of the late Senator Edward M. Kennedy

BusyBee — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 14:37:00 GMT

GettingHired.com joins with the community of people with disabilities in extending sympathy to the family and friends of the late Senator Edward M. Kennedy and mourning the loss of a great leader and advocate for the rights of all people, including people with disabilities. Please read the statements issued by the National Council on Independent Living and the American Association of People with Disabilitie, members of the GettingHired.com Advisory Council, on Senator Kennedy's passing. These statements describe well the significant accomplishments of Senator Kennedy on behalf of people with disabilities, including his leadership role in the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the sentiments of the community at GettingHired.com on his passing.

Full Statement from National Council on Independent Living:
August 26, 2009

Statement from the National Council on Independent Living on the Passing of Senator Ted Kennedy

August 26, 2009

The National Council on Independent Living (NCIL) extends its sympathy to the family of the late Senator Kennedy and joins them in mourning the loss of one of the greatest senators in our nation's history. Because the most fitting way to honor the Senator's memory is direct action, we shall pause momentarily to remember his remarkable accomplishments, which have paved the way for freedom and equality for people with disabilities, in order that we may draw inspiration to carry on his legacy and continue fighting for the fulfillment of his dream.

In 2008, NCIL recognized the achievements of Senator Kennedy by presenting him the Frank Harkin Memorial Award. Frank Harkin was a person with a disability who fought for his civil rights many years before the passage of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act. His efforts taught his brother, U.S. Senator Tom Harkin, about the discrimination faced by people with disabilities and the importance of civil rights. As the nation looks back on Senator Kennedy's accomplishments, NCIL is reflecting on his efforts to bring people with disabilities closer to being free and equal citizens. As you read through the following inventory of the achievements for which we are especially grateful, remember the words of Senator Harkin as he accepted on his colleague's behalf, "Senator Kennedy said one time to me, ‘We're never going to be a fully integrated society until we fully integrate every person with a disability into every aspect of our American life.'"

Senator Harkin continued: "Talking about Ted Kennedy and his achievements, you kind of quickly exhaust the superlatives. He is the most effective and accomplished senator of the last half century, no doubt about it. He has been known as the lion of the Senate and in particular he has been a lion in his advocacy on behalf of people with disabilities. Ted's sister, Rosemary, lived 86 years with an intellectual disability and the entire Kennedy family is well acquainted with the joys and struggles of those with disabilities."

It is that fundamental belief in equality and opportunity that made Senator Kennedy a leader in the Senate on so many disability issues. Here are a few of the accomplishments that have had a lasting impact on people with disabilities:

In 1975 Senator Kennedy helped to pass the Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act (IDEA).

In 1978 he passed legislation expanding the jurisdiction of the Civil Rights Commission to protect people from discrimination on the basis of disability.
In 1980, he introduced the Civil Rights for Institutionalized Persons Act protecting the rights of people in government institutions, including seniors and people with intellectual and mental disabilities.
In 1990, Senator Kennedy was instrumental in the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The New York Times wrote: "Perhaps his greatest success on civil rights came in 1990 with passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act, which required employers and public facilities to make "reasonable accommodation" for the disabled. When the law was finally passed, Mr. Kennedy and others told how their views on the bill had been shaped by having relatives with disabilities. Mr. Kennedy cited his mentally disabled sister, Rosemary, and his son who had lost a leg to cancer."
And in 2009, his personal contribution to the healthcare reform legislation, the Community Living Assistance Services and Supports Act (CLASS Act) was included in House legislation, as well as the Senate draft.

NCIL's Executive Director, Kelly Buckland, recalls his experience working on healthcare reform, twenty years prior to the battle being waged now. "Senator Kennedy flew me out to Washington to testify. He wanted me to talk about the difficulty people in small companies, especially people with disabilities, had getting health insurance. This truly was the ‘Cause of his life.'" As Kelly described his work with the Senator a generation ago, a personally signed note from the Senator, thanking him for his testimony, hung on the wall of his office.

Finally, NCIL would like to reflect on some of the words that Senator Kennedy shared at some major moments in his life. As he conceded the Democratic Nomination for President at the 1980 Democratic Convention, he stated, "Circumstances may change, but the work of compassion must continue. It is surely correct that we cannot solve problems by throwing money at them, but it is also correct that we dare not throw out our national problems onto a scrap heap of inattention and indifference. The poor may be out of political fashion, but they are not without human needs... For all those whose cares have been our concern, the work goes on. The work continues, the cause endures, the hope still lives and the dream shall never die."

NCIL shares the vision that the cause must endure, the hope must live and dreams must never die, and we pledge to continue our fight to ensure the social justice and rights of people with disabilities throughout our nation.

From the National Council on Independent Living, and people with disabilities throughout the country, thank you Senator Kennedy.

Full Statement from American Association of People with Disabilities:
August 26, 2009

AAPD's Statement on the Passing of Senator Ted Kennedy

WASHINGTON, DC - August 26, 2009 - The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD), the country's largest cross-disability membership organization, released a statement following the passing of Senator Ted Kennedy, an unequaled champion for civil rights in the United States Senate for half a century:

"Ted Kennedy understood better than anyone how the struggle for equal opportunity for disabled Americans was an essential part of this nation's broader commitment to civil and human rights," said Tony Coelho, Chair of AAPD. "I have never worked with a more effective legislator, and I am deeply saddened to have lost a good friend," Coelho continued.

"AAPD joins our colleagues throughout the civil rights movement in mourning the loss of one our most effective champions," said Andrew Imparato, AAPD President and CEO. "His legacy will be felt for generations to come, as millions of Americans with disabilities and our families recommit ourselves to his vision of equality and full citizenship for all people."

For more on the disability community's reaction to the passing of Sen. Kennedy, please visit www.aapd.com.