Advisory Committee on Increasing Competitive Integrated Employment for Individuals with Disabilities to Meet July 20-21, 2016
The next meeting of the Advisory Committee on Increasing Competitive Integrated Employment for Individuals with Disabilities (the Committee) will take place on Wednesday, July 20, 2016, and Thursday, July 21, 2016. The meeting will be open to the public on Wednesday, July 20 from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM EDT. On Thursday, July 21, the meeting will be open to the public from 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM EDT. The meeting will take place at the U.S. Access Board, 1331 F Street NW, Suite 800, Washington, DC 20004-1111. On July 20th and 21st, the Committee will review, discuss, and finalize the latest draft of the final report. The Committee will also hear from a panel of experts regarding the most recent developments in increasing competitive integrated employment at the state level. In addition, a representative of the Department will thank the Committee members for their work. Public comments must be submitted by July 8, 2016.
Wage and Hour to Offer Free Seminars to Assist Employers and Community Rehabilitation Programs in Complying with Section 14(c) of the Fair Labor Standards Act
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division (WHD) will offer free seminars in July, August, and September to assist employers and community rehabilitation programs (CRPs) in complying with section 14(c) of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Guardians and family members of workers with disabilities are invited and encouraged to attend as well. These compliance seminars will cover a range of topics including the certification process, performing prevailing wage determinations and conducting time studies. The Department’s online calculators will be featured. Discussions will also include areas where WHD staff have found compliance problems in past years, such as common errors made by section 14(c) certificate holders, calculating commensurate wages and accurately tracking hours worked. Seminars will also address impacts of Executive Order 13658, which establishes a minimum wage for certain federal contractors, as well as the provisions of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) that restrict the payment of a subminimum wage. There is no fee to attend this conference; however, space is limited. Registration links for each location are listed below.
Follow the CDE — In an Instant!
The Campaign for Disability Employment (CDE) is now on Instagram! A multifaceted outreach campaign funded by ODEP and supported by several leading business and disability organizations, the CDE helps educate about the value and talent people with disabilities add to America’s workplaces and economy. With a strong focus on positive imagery and messages about disability and employment, the campaign’s Instagram presence will help further showcase its core message that “at work, it’s what people CAN do that matters.” Whatever social media platforms you use, be sure to follow the CDE today!
Employers Gather to Discuss Accessible Technology
On June 16, a group of companies known as the “Circle” gathered at U.S. Business Leadership Network (USBLN) offices in Alexandria, Va. for their semi-annual in-person meeting. The agenda focused on the expanding definition of accessibility in the digital age and the importance of ensuring workplace technologies, including online application platforms, are accessible to employees and potential employees with disabilities. The presenters included Timothy Creagan, Senior Accessibility Specialist with the U.S. Access Board, and Josh Christianson, Project Director of the ODEP-funded Partnership on Employment & Accessible Technology (PEAT). The Circle is managed by USBLN as part of its partnership in the ODEP-funded Employer Assistance and Resource Network on Disability Inclusion.
Latest EARN Newsletter Now Available
The Employer Assistance and Resource Network on Disability Inclusion (EARN) has issued its June 13 newsletter, featuring information on submitting nominations for the Viscardi Achievement Awards, an online course on ADA and employment, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Awareness Month, upcoming web events, and more.
ACL Celebrates 17 Years of Olmstead in Action
The Administration for Community Living (ACL) is celebrating the 17th anniversary of the landmark Supreme Court ruling in Olmstead v LC that under the Americans with Disabilities Act, people with disabilities cannot be unnecessarily segregated and must receive services in the most integrated setting possible. From June 6th to 24th, ACL is inviting individuals and organizations to share stories of the impact of Olmstead on the lives of people with disabilities and older adults. Use the hashtag #OlmsteadAction on blogs and social media to share individual stories or highlight organization efforts to promote independence and community living for older adults and people with disabilities.
National Work Incentives Seminar Event — June 22, 3:00-4:30 PM ET
The Social Security Administration’s National Work Incentives Seminar Event (WISE) webinar, “Ticket to Work: Free Employment Support for Young Adults with Disabilities,” will be presented on Wednesday, June 22, 3:00-4:30 PM ET. The webinar is aimed at those who receive Social Security disability benefits (SSI or SSDI) and want to make more money through work. Information will be provided on Social Security programs and rules such as Ticket to Work and Work Incentives, and resources especially for young adults such as tips for transitioning to employment and information on the Youth Transitions Collaborative.