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Welcome

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Agenda• 8:45 a.m. Opening/Welcome• 9:00 a.m. Keynote by Assistant Secretary Kathy Martinez - ODEP• 9:40 a.m. Panel “Attracting People with Disabilities into our Organizations”

– State Resources• Deborah Sweeney, DOR

– College SME• Melodie Cameron, SJSU• Lisa Franklin, Gavilan College

– Community Based Organization• Maria Nicolacoudis, TransAccess

– OFCCP Implications• Sharon Solero, OFCCP

• 10:30 a.m. 10 minute break• 10:40 a.m. Panel “Best Practices in Attracting Talent with Disabilities”

– Priscilla Azcueta, Manpower “Project Ability”– Yvette Crespo, Kaiser Permanente “Project Search”

• 11:30 a.m. Next Steps – Resources/Tools• 11:45 a.m. Adjourn

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Silicon Valley BLN

• Mission– The SVBLN is an employer-led networking

resource that uses a business to business model to share best practices that change attitudes to proactively include people with disabilities in the workplace, marketplace and supply chain

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Silicon Valley BLN• Steering Committee

– Manpower– C5 Consulting– Abbott– Aetna– Kaiser Permanente– KPMG– Lowes– VISA– Department of Rehabilitation– OFCCP– TransAccess– U.C. Berkeley

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USBLN• Mission

The US Business Leadership Network (USBLN®) embraces the full inclusion of people with disabilities in the labor force and marketplace; assists in career preparation for and employment of people with disabilities, improves customer experiences for people with disabilities, and promotes the certification and growth of disability-owned business.

• VisionThe USBLN® builds workplaces, marketplaces and supply chains where people with disabilities can realize their full potential and be respected for their talents, economic self-sufficiency and entrepreneurship

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The USBLN

The USBLN® serves as the collective voice of over 61 Business Leadership Network affiliates across the United States representing over 5,000 businesses 

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Kathy Martinez

Assistant Secretary, Office of Disability Employment Policy

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Panel 1

Attracting People with Disabilities into our Organizations

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Panelists• State Resources

– Deborah Sweeney, DOR • College SME

– Melodie Cameron, SJSU– Lisa Franklin, Gavilan College

• Community Based Organization– Maria Nicolacoudis, TransAccess

• OFCCP Implications– Sharon Solero, OFCCP

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Mission Statement

The mission of the Department of Rehabilitation is to work in partnership

with individuals with disabilities and other stakeholders to provide services and advocacy resulting in employment, independent living and equality for

individuals with disabilities.

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WHO WE ARE

DOR provides vocational rehabilitation services to people with disabilities so they can become employed

Offices located statewide Lead agency for ADA implementation Cooperative community partnerships with

public and private organizations

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Disability as a Workforce Solution

54 million people with disabilities One out of six people have a

disability Large pool of untapped talent

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Value to Employers• Pre-screened candidates• Work Opportunity Tax Credit

– Through CA Employment Development Department

• On-the Job Training (OJT) Program– DOR reimburses businesses for OJT training

• Post employment services for consumers & employers

• ADA Technical Assistance and training• Windmills and Disability Awareness Training• Consultation and Advice

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DOR Jobseeker Attributes

• Qualified and Work-ready• Skilled• Reliable

– Studies indicate that employee turnover rates among persons with disabilities are the lowest among all working groups

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Resources

• US Business Leadership Network http://www.usbln.org

• Department of Rehabilitation Workforce Solutionswww.dor.ca.gov/workplace

• VCU WorkSupport website informationwww.worksupport.com

• JAN – Job Accommodation Network www.jan.wvu.edu

• National Council on Disability www.ncd.gov

• Talent Knows No Limitshttp://www.talentknowsnolimits.info

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How to Contact Us

For additional information about the Department of

Rehabilitation please visit our website at www.dor.ca.gov

Judy Salinas at: (408) 277-9032Email: jasalina@dor.ca.gov

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WorkAbility IV Program Overview

• Pre-employment program that help students with significant disabilities obtain competitive employment

• Workability IV promotes access and offers enhanced career services that empower students with significant disabilities to:

• Establish and meet their career development needs• Develop employment readiness through job skills search

training• Secure and retain career related employment

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Services Provided to Students• Career Exploration

– Exploring majors and careers, informational interviewing, networking utilizing social media, connect students to avenues of involvement with campus clubs and activities, professional associations and organizations

• Job Preparation– Resume and cover letter development, provide

internship and volunteer opportunities and resources, help with online application process, conduct mock interviews, and discuss disability accommodations

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Below is a representation of the clients broken down by their colleges (as of June 2012)

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Work Experience Breakdown

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Program Benefits to Employers

• Preparation of Workability IV students– Articulation of strengths/ experience to employers– Strong match between skill set and employer needs

• Employment specialists building relationships with Silicon Valley employers to meet unique employment needs

• Help companies obtain Tax Credits and Incentives for hiring diverse candidates

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Maria Nicolacoudis Ph: 408-278-2001Email: marianic@transaccess.orgwww.transaccess.org

TransAccess’ mission is to provide persons with disabilities access to adaptive technology and career transition services so that they can achieve their desired education and employment, and improve their quality of life.

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Persons, 15 and over, with any type of disability who canachieve competitive employment

For Example– Students (youth and adults) with disabilities– Veterans – Aging Population – Employees with disabilities

Skill Levels– High school diploma or certificate, entry level - low to no skills– College or University coursework, certificate or degree– Advanced skill level, work experience and training– All types of occupations and skills

Who We Serve

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• TransAccess works closely with employers to provide information and assistance in developing and implementing their diversity plan for persons with disabilities in their unique environment.

• All applicants are prescreened and qualified before they are referred to an employer.

• TransAccess assists the employer with understanding any needed accommodations, disability awareness and integration of the employee into the team.

Services to Employers

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• School-to-Future– Helping students of all ages transition from education or

training to a meaningful career

• Access-to-Jobs– Competitive Job placement services for persons with

disabilities of all ages, skill levels and abilities

• Access Technology Center– Workstation assistive technology and ergonomic

assessment and training services for persons with disabilities as well as the community.

TransAccess’ Programs Provide Solutions

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• An accommodation is simply a modification or alteration of the workplace, making it possible for a qualified person with a disability to do the same job as anyone else in a slightly different way. For some, it may be a simple adaption, for a few, it may require sophisticated equipment or technology.

• Job accommodations can vary tremendously. Accommodations can include specialized equipment, specific hardware/software, facility modifications, adjustment to work schedules and/or job duties, as well as other creative solutions to perform one’s job tasks effectively.

What is an Accommodation?

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• Employers are required to provide a reasonable accommodation when a QUALIFIED job applicant or employee with a disability requires one to be able to perform the essential functions of the job.

• A Reasonable accommodation is any change in the work environment or in the manner in which a task is typically performed that allows an individual with a disability to perform the essential functions of the job.

• Reasonable accommodations are important to the employee as it levels the playing field and allows equal access to employment for persons with disabilities, while not requiring an employer to endure undue hardship.

• Undue hardship is defined by the ADA as: "Excessively costly, extensive, substantial, or disruptive, or that would fundamentally alter the nature or operation of the business." Further, an employer is not expected to reduce the expectations or performance standards for persons with disabilities.

Reasonable Accommodation

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Most accommodations cost little or nothing to the company to keep a valued employee. Studies show, that it is far more economical to provide an accommodation compared to the costs of hiring and training a new employee and to maintain valued and contributing members of the company.

According to the Job Accommodation Network, an organization run by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy:

• Most employers (82 percent) say they want to provide accommodations so they can retain or promote a valued and qualified employee.

• More than half of accommodations (56 percent) were made at no cost to the employer. Thirty-eight percent of accommodations resulted in an average one-time cost of $500. Just 4 percent of respondents said an employee’s accommodation resulted in an annual cost, while 2 percent said accommodations required one-time and annual costs.

• More than three-quarters of respondents said the accommodations were “very effective” or “extremely effective.” 

 

Accommodations are Good Business

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• At a time when the baby boomer generation is beginning to retire, companies must tap the existing human potential available in the market place, which includes persons with disabilities.

• Businesses that accommodate employees with disabilities also understand the value of the consumer with a disability. As a group, consumers with disabilities have as much as $175 Billion in discretionary spending power.

Return on Investment

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• Nearly 80% of all working people with disabilities in the workplace require no accommodations at all.

• Of those that require accommodations, nearly 60% of all accommodations needed in the workplace cost nothing and of those that do have a cost, 90% are less than $1000.

• Studies show that the benefits employers receive from making workplace accommodations far outweigh any cost including:– Retention– increased worker productivity– eliminating the cost of training a new employee. – improved interaction with co-workers– increased company morale– Increased workplace safety.

Cost Analysis

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• A workplace accommodation may be required by an employee with a disability at any time during employment. At that time the employer and employee should discuss the reasons of the request.

• Even if two employees have the same disability, each person is different from one another and may request a different accommodation. Because of this, each accommodation may be particular to the person requiring it. Accommodations are determined on a case-by-case basis.

• A reasonable accommodation can range from making the physical work environment accessible to restructuring a job, providing assistive technology/equipment, providing personal assistants, transferring an employee to a different job or location, providing flexible scheduling, or working from home.

The Accommodation Process

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• To assure the most appropriate accommodation, third party representation may be considered such as an assistive technology specialist, rehabilitation counselor or occupational therapist.

• After an appropriate accommodation is selected, it is best to periodically monitor and evaluate the employee in completing his/her necessary job tasks to make sure the adaption is effective.

Who Can Help

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• Businesses may not charge persons with disabilities extra to recover any costs in complying with the ADA. However, any costs for accommodations may be offset through special IRS tax incentives or deductions available for businesses to improve accessibility.

– Congress has made two kinds of tax incentives available to businesses to help offset any costs in complying with the ADA and the cost of doing business. These tax incentives can be taken whenever necessary.

– The Disabled Access Credit (section 44 of the IRS tax code) is available to small businesses under 30 or fewer employees or total revenues of $1M or less. A credit of up to $5000 a year is available to offset the cost for removing barriers, hiring interpreters or readers, or taking other steps to improve accessibility for customers and/or employees with disabilities.

Financial and Technical Assistance

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– Businesses of any size can take a deduction of up to $15,000 per year for the cost of removing barriers in facilities or vehicles (section 190 of the IRS tax code). Neither of the tax incentives can be applied toward the costs of building a new facility.

– The ADA Technical Assistance Program provides free information and technical assistance directly to businesses, nonprofit organizations, state & local governments, persons with disabilities, and the general public. The services, information, and free publications offered provide the latest in how to comply with ADA requirements.

Assistance Continued

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• Example, a person with a mobility issue may require a ramp, physical assistance, an adjustable height workstation or extra time to attend a meeting at a different location that is a long distance from his/her immediate work station.

• Example, a person who is deaf or hearing impaired, may need an interpreter or audio/wireless system appropriate during a meeting or off-site event.

• Example, a worker with a brain injury has a job processing checks. Because the employee is periodically confused due to memory loss and weakness on one side of the body his/her employer suggested a job coach/trainer from a rehabilitation agency to train in job sequencing and adjustments to compensate for body weakness.

• Example, an employee with a Learning Disability is required to report on pertinent matters to his/her respective department staff. To assure no items are missed or forgotten, the employee is allowed to tape record all meetings, trainings and instructions.

• Example, an employee who takes medication for depression and anxiety is allowed to come to work early or stay later and offered a quiet work space for less distractions and undisturbed time while working.

 

Examples

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TransAccess, 408-278-2000, www.transaccess.org ADA resources, www.ada.gov JAN (Job Accommodation Network), www.askjan.org

• California State Department of Rehabilitation, www.dor.ca.gov

• Access Board, www.access-board.gov• RESNA, www.resna.org• ODEP, www.dol.gov/odep/contact/• Alliance for Technology Access,

www.dol.gov/odep/contact/

Resources

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Sharon Solero

Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP)

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BREAK

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Panel 2

Company Best Practices in Attracting Talent with Disabilities

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Panelists

• Priscilla Azcueta, Manpower “Project Ability”• Yvette Crespo, Kaiser Permanente “Project

Search”

Wednesday, April 12, 2023

Project Ability An Innovative Workforce Solution

Project Ability is a partnership that relies on collaboration with State Departments of Rehabilitation and Community Based Organizations to provide a workforce solution and talent to our clients that happens to have a disability

Project Ability - Vision

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Project Ability Leadership TeamThe local Project Ability Leadership Team is comprised of Manpower’s team, TransAccess and DOR representatives. The team

meets monthly to share progress, discuss lesson learned, and define new opportunities to accelerate or reinforce progress.

Executive Sponsor

Vocational Rehabilitation

Leader(s)

Vocational Rehabilitation

Counselors

Regional Director

Branch Mgr and Staffing Specialist

Champions

CBO Leader(s)

CBO Counselors

Employers via USBLN Affiliates

Manpower Clients and Prospects

National Project Ability Lead Divisional VPGM

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Value to Employers

• Access to untapped talent pool that is estimated at approximately 20% of most states populations

• Tapping into Manpower expertise in attracting and placing over 5 million people globally in a variety of positions through a proven intake process that identifies the best candidate match

• Proactively attract, hire and develop a population that the federal government is creating more programs and/or accountability for employment (especially through the OFCCP and EEOC)

• Be viewed in the community as a responsible employer that is inclusive in its employment practices

Value to Consumers

• Access to short/long term and full-time positions for their clients

• Exposure to assignments that could turn into a permanent hire

• Access to jobs that are most plentiful in the current economy

• Tapping into Manpower expertise in attracting and placing over 5 million people globally in a variety of positions through a proven intake process that identifies the best candidate match

Value to Vocational Rehabilitation and Community-Based Organizations

• Project Ability creates employment opportunities for people with disabilities

• Ability for all organizations to network and share best practices• Contract hiring is a standard hiring practice• All participating Manpower offices are trained in etiquette and

are prepared to work with a diverse population with sensitivity and awareness

• Project Ability is designed to be responsive and efficient• Program was created specifically with goal to employ people

with disabilities and to get immediate results

Value to Manpower

• Leverage our existing People with Disabilities and focused relationships and projects to tap into this unique talent pool

• Strengthens our Brand and differentiates us by visibly aligning ourselves with a global population that is plentiful

• Provides opportunity for positive community visibility and Public Relations as a result of focused efforts at employing skilled individuals with barriers to employment

Success Stories

• Changing mindsets• Opening doors• Breaking barriers• Building confidence

2012 local employers with Project Ability candidates

• Aramark• Bank of America• Baxter Healthcare• Embassy Suites• Evergreen Valley College• Gymboree• Hitachi Global Storage

Technology

• LSG Skychefs• Marriott International• McAfee• Peeble Beach Company• Redapt Inc.• San Jose City College• Sodexho• Team San Jose

Job Types• Administrative assistants• Data entry / validation clerks• Purchasing manager• Customer service support• Bookkeepers• Food service • Technician• Wafer fab operators• Greeters • Technical support• Engineering

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Accolades and Accomplishments

• 2010 – Employer of the Year at USBLN• 2011 – Diversity Matters Employer Honoree• 2011 – Project Ability Proclaimed by the City of San Jose• 2011 – Recognized at plenary and keynote speeches at USBLN

national conference• 2012 – Employer of the Year by California Rehabilitation Association• 2012 – Manpower and CSAVR (Council of State Administrators of

Vocational Rehabilitation) meet to strategize ways to deploy Project Ability and Manpower government solutions for people with disabilities

• 2012 – Manpower participates in first ODEP Twitter Chat• 2012 – Manpower with DOR, OFCCP and other employers to launch

an USBLN affiliate in Silicon Valley called the SVBLN (Silicon Valley Business Leadership Network)

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Business need Associate success

Manpower and CBO partnership Value delivered

• Micro Center needed a customer service representative

• Skills required ability to meet the public, data entry, and ability to sell membership/service cards to customers

• Short-term temporary assignment

• Kent came to Project Ability as a high school student

• Doing an excellent job • 1-day assignment turned into long-term, part-

time position with flexible schedule• Being considered for a permanent position

• CBO partner, TransAccess pre-screened candidate and encouraged to sign up with Manpower

• Recruited student from local high school who was interested in an entry-level position

• Manpower champion staffing specialist matched to the assignment

• Met the needs of the business client• Built Kent’s confidence and gave him income• Position now scoped as a permanent hire• Community-based organization met metrics

necessary for job placement

Santa Clara , California – Micro Center

Project Ability: Success Story

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Business need Associate success

Manpower and CBO partnership Value delivered

• Every semester, the bookstore needs customer service reps, cashiers, line and door monitors

• Skills require ability to provide customer service, information, and product knowledge

• Short-term temporary assignment

• Client reported that in the Fall of 2010, she had the best crew ever

• 50% of the candidates came from Project Ability• When it was disclosed to client they came from

Project Ability, she wanted more!

• CBO partner, TransAccess pre-screens and sends candidates interested in customer service

• Manpower has developed a pipeline of qualified candidates

• Client was sold on Project Ability that she was a guest speaker at CBO fundraiser to endorsed Project Ability

• Project Ability client was the key speaker and disclosed the value of getting a job and confidence boost

• Project Ability has been the talent pool for this project 4 semester cycles

San Jose, California – San Jose City College Bookstore

Project Ability: Success Story

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Kaiser Permanente National Diversity

Yvette Crespo, Program DirectorNational Workforce Diversity

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Project SEARCH

• Project SEARCH is an international program that is based on a partnership that includes a local business, a school, California Rehabilitation Services Commission (CRSC) and a local support center.

• The program provides on-the-job training to young adults with intellectual and physical disabilities.

• Its innovative career development model, which immerses unpaid interns into real work settings, benefits not only the participants, but also the corporate sponsor and the communities they serve.

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A Collaborative Approach

• Project SEARCH is a business-led partnership

Kaiser Permanente

Harbor Regional Center

Best Buddies

LA Unified School District

“A team-based approach”

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Ingredients for Success

• No cost to the Business

• Targets the business needs of the employer & the Union

• Total integration in a real work setting

• Work rotations are structured to teach essential, marketable skills

• Seamless, long term support if hired by the host business

• Positive Cultural Change, supports innovation and Kaiser’s mission

• 65%-73% (average) placement rates of program graduates

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An Intern’s Typical Day

• 8:00 Employability Skills

• 9:00 Work rotation

• 11:30 Lunch

• 12:15 Work rotation

• 2:00 Debriefing

• 2:30 Depart

© CCHMC 1/3/06

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Annie, Sterilization tech – Dental ClinicCincinnati Children’s Hospital

•

6262

Position saves CCHMC

1.03 million a year

© CCHMC 1/3/06

Oxymetry Probes• Given to each patient.• Cost $18 new, $6 recycled

Project SEARCH Roadmap

Strategic Partnerships

Engagement Model

Management Engagement

Structure & Funding

Comprehenshive partnership with Local, State & Federal Agencies Connect organization to untapped pipelines Connect Interns to Business Needs / Business Advisory Groups Best Place to Work – Culture of Department Identify Specific Areas of Need – Green Projects Walk, Talk and Resonate to Leaders the Benefits of the Progam

Managerial Readiness, Tools and Planning Meaningful interaction & participation Connect Community Partners to business & leadership

Centralized engagement model benefits KP, Interns & the Community Minimual Funding - Requires In-kind support: classroom space & onsite liasion

Measures of Success

Successful Placement of interns in KP and the community Sustain the program throughout the enterprise Hire a Diverse Workforce Solve current business challenges for emerging & high turnover positons

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Questions / Discussion

Contact Information:

Yvette CrespoProgram Manager, Project SEARCHDirector, National Diversity(510) 271-2308Yvette.Crespo@kp.org

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Tools/Resources

• SVBLN– www.siliconvalleybln.org– Future Possible Topics

• Disability Etiquette• True Inclusion – Diversity/Disability Strategy• Talent Strategies - Wounded Warriors

– Join us!!