AUTHOR: Judy Fitzgerald
EMAIL: jafitzgerald@tiu11.org
PHONE: (814) 548-7587; (717) 248-4942
AGENCY: PA CareerLink® Centre County
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– September 22; 12:00-1:00pm 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; September 27, 11:00am-12:00pm– 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; October 3, 1:00-2:00pm – 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; September 21, 2:00PM- 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, September 29, 11:00am-12:00pm- 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.
October 12, 12:00-3:00pm – 30+ employers
Juniata Valley YMCA, 105 1st Ave, Burnham, PA 17009
October 13, 3:30-6:30pm – 30+ 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.
“In an era with fewer jobseekers, persons with disabilities need to celebrate their relevance to the workplace and employers need recognize the value of this population of potential employees, said Judy Fitzgerald, PA CareerLink® Site Administrator.
To register for a jobseeker or employer event, email stravis@tiu11.org.