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Assistant Secretary Martinez Promotes Diversity and Inclusion at ADP

Assistant Secretary of Labor for Disability Employment Policy Kathy Martinez was the featured presenter in payroll services provider ADP’s Diversity & Inclusion Speaker Series at the company’s headquarters in New Jersey on May 15. The Speaker Series showcases individuals who demonstrate a true commitment to diversity and inclusion. Martinez’s remarks highlighted effective workplace practices for retaining the talents of all employees, including workers with disabilities, as well as the importance of diverse perspectives in the workplace.

Join the Conversation about Integrating Universal Design in Social Media

Members of the public are invited to participate in an online dialogue to continue the conversation between the disability community and the social media industry on the importance of technology accessibility and usability, and to encourage universal design in the development of workplace technology products. Co-hosted by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy and the National Council on Disability, the event — akin to a “virtual town hall” — begins on Global Accessibility Awareness Day, May 15, and ends on May 30. Titled “Advancing Accessibility and Inclusion in Social Media — The Tech Industry Perspective,” the event is the second in a series of three online events on social media accessibility. Participants are also asked to consider the input received from the first dialogue in the series, “Advancing Accessibility and Inclusion in Social Media — The User Experience,” which generated user-driven, creative solutions and recommendations for making social media features and services more accessible. An archive of the first dialogue is available for viewing on ePolicyWorks.

Employment Matters: A Conversation with Steve Nissen at the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS) — National Capital Chapter

In a May 12 post on the Ask JAN Blog, Job Accommodation Network Lead Consultant Kim Cordingly reported on a conversation she had with Steve Nissen, Senior Director, Employment and Community Programs, National Multiple Sclerosis Society — National Capital Chapter. Cordingly and Nissen highlighted some new and updated resources available through NMSS that focus on employment. They also discussed challenges for people with MS in the workplace.

EEOC Seeks Public Input on Regulations Requiring Federal Agencies to Be ‘Model Employers’ of Individuals with Disabilities

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is issuing an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) that seeks public comments on potential revisions to the regulations implementing Section 501 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. This law governs employment of individuals with disabilities by the federal government, including the requirement that federal agencies be “model employers” of individuals with disabilities. The EEOC welcomes input from federal agencies, individuals, employers, advocacy groups, agency stakeholders, and other interested parties on how it can amend its regulations to clarify the federal government’s obligation to be a model employer of individuals with disabilities. The ANPRM is now available on the Federal Register website. Responses must be submitted by 5:00 pm EDT on Monday, July 14, 2014.

Registration is Open for the May 19 Boston Forum for the White House Summit on Working Families

On June 23, the White House, the Department of Labor, and the Center for American Progress will host a Summit on Working Families to set an agenda for a 21st century workplace that works for all Americans. Leading up to the Summit, the Department of Labor is hosting regional forums across the United States to identify initiatives that benefit America’s working families, businesses and economy. These discussions will help inform the national Summit, which will build momentum around key policy goals and best practices to help both workers and businesses succeed. The next forum will be held on May 19 in Boston, and registration is open until May 17.

Campaign for Disability Employment Films New PSA

And… ACTION! Last week was an exciting one for the Campaign for Disability Employment (CDE), as shooting got underway for its new public service announcement (PSA) to be released in the fall. The CDE’s previous two PSAs, “I Can” and “Because,” both received tremendous response for their positive portrayal of the skills and talents of people with disabilities of all ages. The CDE is funded by ODEP and supported by several leading disability and business organizations.

USBLN Disability Supplier Diversity Program Seeks Service-Disabled Veteran Business Owners

Many USBLN® business members have supplier diversity programs and want to include disability and service-disabled veterans-owned firms in supply chains. Typically suppliers who want to be included in these programs are required to have certification by an approved certifying agency. The USBLN® Disability Supplier Diversity Program® (DSDP) is the nation’s leading third-party certifier of disability-owned business enterprises, including service-disabled veterans-owned businesses. Currently, the USBLN® is redefining DSDP qualifiers for service-disabled veterans. Those who are interested in participating in the DSDP must complete the application form and submit a processing fee of $200, and must meet the following requirements: 51% ownership, management and control of the business, U.S. citizenship and business formation in the U.S.