October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), and Iowa Workforce Development (IWD) and its Vocational Rehabilitation Services division are joining the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy to promote the myriad opportunities available. This year’s theme, “Access to Good Jobs for All,” highlights the importance of ensuring that workers with disabilities have pathways to thrive. In a statement released by the Office of Disability Employment Policy, staff say, “We celebrate the value and talent workers with disabilities add to America’s workplaces and economy. NDEAM’s purpose is to confirm our commitment to ensuring disabled workers have access to good jobs, every month of every year. That’s the spirit behind this year’s official theme.” Throughout the month, various events will occur across Iowa, focusing on programs supporting employment for individuals with disabilities. Events include career fairs, employer panels, and discussions on assistive technology and inclusive hiring practices. For a full calendar of events and more details, visit Iowa Workforce Development’s website, a link to which is included online.
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Statewide Virtual Events
NDEAM Kick-Off
Wednesday, October 2nd• 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
https://iowaworks.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_8xV5AD2YSI6TQu5pXLw0fg#/registration
or
True North – 500 1st St SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401
Three Panel Discussion on hiring individuals with Disabilities in Cedar Rapids
SESSION 1: Assistive Technology
Wednesday, October 9 • 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
https://iowaworks.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_EsctMcEETxSXnfYDeoozWA
This session will cover an introduction to Assistive Technology, available
resources and the implementation of assistive technology.
SESSION 2: Autism Speaks
Wednesday, October 16th • 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
https://iowaworks.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ydhSmqg6SZietgGHey_4JQ
This session will provide resources and best practices for establishing
inclusive workplaces for individuals on the Autism Spectrum.
SESSION 3: Windmills “New Perceptions in Disability”
Wednesday, October 23 • 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
https://iowaworks.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_yuuccIPYQnGhY171BqXi2Q
This session will examine stereotypes associated with common
disabilities and reveal participants’ emotional reactions to specific
disabilities.
SESSION 4: Accessibility Job Posting
Wednesday, October 30 • 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
https://iowaworks.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_qogNBTewQqatgrDsbwYypg
The session will focus on making accessible job postings, writing
disability-friendly job descriptions and developing accessible marketing
materials.
Events around the State
Wednesday, October 2
Iowa Valley College, Marshalltown
3700 S Center St, Marshalltown, IA 50158
9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Career Expo Student/Community Job Fair, with Hands on Activity ~ Learning Disability Simulation Assessments
Fort Dodge Area Office
Two Triton Circle, Fort Dodge, IA 50501
2:00 – 4:30 PM
Panel of WIOA partner staff that present on services to bring awareness of services to community leaders and community agencies.
4:00 PM
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony by Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance. The IowaWORKS Mobile Workforce Center is planned to be present. Will host event outside if weather permits, otherwise event will be in the large conference room.
Saturday, October 12
Dubuque Farmers Market
50 W 13th St, Dubuque, IA 52001
7:00 AM – Noon
Iowa Self-Employment (ISE) businesses will have booths at Farmer’s Market with VR staff educating those stopping at the booths about VR services and the ISE program.
Tuesday, October 15
Waterloo Area Office
3420 University Avenue, Suite D, Waterloo, IA 50701-2008
2:00 — 3:30 PM
Panel of employers will speak on hiring practices, accommodations job candidates.
Wednesday October 23
Viking State Bank and Trust Decorah Iowa
321 W Water St, Decorah, IA 52101
11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Highlights of Self-Employment Success Stories.
Thursday, October 24
Lakeside Room Clear Lake Iowa
1603 S. Shore Dr #2720, Clear Lake, IA 50428
9:00 -10:00 AM
Employer Recognition Event.
Sioux City Area Office
2508 East 4th Street, Sioux City, IA 51101-2298
11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Amy Markham will discuss her role and how it can be utilized by businesses to help in hiring individuals with disabilities, and VR & IDB will have an accommodation fair for employers to check out various AT solutions and accommodations.
