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Showing posts from October, 2015

Funding for Vocational Rehabilitation

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A recent article on Disability Scoop by Shaun Heasley sheds light on the funding that will be shared with our great state of Virginia to make employment for people with disabilities a reality. Millions Pledged For Vocational Rehabilitation The U.S. Department of Education is handing out more than $12.6 million designed to enhance employment outcomes for people with disabilities. The money from the agency’s Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services will be divvied among agencies in 10 locales across the country to “help improve the outcomes of individuals with disabilities — from cradle through career,” the Education Department said. Some of the grants are for centers that offer technical assistance while other funds will go toward programs aimed at pairing people with disabilities looking for jobs with employers struggling to find workers with specific skills. “We want all individuals with disabilities to have opportunities and succeed,” said U.S. Secreta

Improving Disability Inclusion in Your Workplace

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     In staying with the theme of October as National Disability Employment Awareness Month, from the U.S. Department of Labor Blog, here are some tips for employers to improve disability inclusion in the workplace: 5 Tips for Employers on Improving Disability Inclusion In celebration of the 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the recent White House Summit on Disability Employment explored how we can better include people with disabilities in the workplace. Here are five top takeaways from the summit for employers on improving disability inclusion: 1. Connect with local disability advocacy organizations Advocacy organizations across the country are available to provide assistance with training, recruiting and hiring individuals with disabilities. Let them know your business needs and goals and they can help improve your disability employment program. 2. Provide on-the-job training Apprenticeship programs, paid internships and on

Benefits of Workplace Diversity

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     Straight from EARN exchange,  Business and Disability Blog are top reasons why having an inclusive and diverse workforce has a strategic advantage.  During the month of October, National Disability Employment Awareness month, take time to think about how your business could benefit from diverse perspectives. Benefits of Diversity Diverse workplaces have a distinct strategic advantage over less diverse competitors. Some of the most significant benefits of workforce diversity include: -The opportunity to capitalize on the diverse knowledge-base of workers when relating to different groups, including customers, partners and staff -Increased innovation and creativity -Reduced skills shortages -Improved customer services -Increased opportunities for external interactions and communications -Reputational benefits related to valuation of social responsibility -Increased organizational stability Embracing diverse workplaces is increasingly import

10 Inspirational Figures

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      In continuing to honor National Disability Employment Awareness month, here is a list of inspirational figures throughout history who have not only overcome limits put on them by convention, but became leaders in their field!   This list, compiled by Family Home Pro , highlights 10 people who didn’t let their disability define them.   We are lucky to be working in a field where we are surrounded by success stories! The Ten Most Inspirational Disabled Person Success Stories News Many people who have a disability don't let it prevent them from leading full and rich lives, indeed some are an inspiration to both disabled and non-disabled people alike. Below is a list of disabled people who have achieved outstanding success despite their disability. 1. Stephen Hawking is probably one of the world's best known high achievers with a disability. He's an internationally renowned physicist / mathematician who suffers from Motor Neuron Disease. A

Counselors Needed in VA Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Portsmouth Area

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URGENT NEED- Counselor / Brain Injury Focus - Southside Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Portsmouth- The Choice Group Do you have education or experience in human services and counseling?  You must reside in Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, or Portsmouth areas due to the job requirements and reimbursements?  Put your skills and passions to work helping individuals with disabilities, with a focus on brain injuries, achieve independence.  This is not an office job.  Exact hours will depend on your clients' needs.  You must have a valid driver’s license, dependable transportation, ability to plan your day and then shift gears, if necessary, to accommodate last-minute developments.  This is initially a part time job for approximately 20 hours per week, but could lead to a full time position depending on your qualifications. Application Process:   Please email resume and cover letter as Word attachments to resume@thechoicegroup.com  ,  indicating "VC - BI" in th

Monday Inspiration

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It has been rainy and dreary all along the East Coast going on over a week now.  And, after all of the excitement over the bike race, the “slower pace” of these rainy days seems to be affecting Richmond citywide.  This article provides some much needed Monday Inspiration.  It is easy to keep a closed mind about yourself and the world around you and that’s what this article highlights as the biggest disability of all.  Believe in yourself and what we can accomplish as a community through inclusion of everyone.   Here are some of the solutions the article offers: UNCONVENTIONAL SOLUTION TO BIGGEST DISABILITY ON THE  PLANET - Use digital technology to offer free mindfulness training - and practice support - to every person on the planet who can access the Internet. - Prioritize delivery of training to all the caregivers of people with recognized disabilities - like mental illness or chronic conditions or developmental impairment. (There is already some research supp