The Inclusion Works Here Series (this series continued from 2017 with the events below on March 15 and June 21)
2018 featured a series of programs entitled “Inclusion Works Here: Creating an Inclusive Workplace from Recruiting to Retention.” Like our “Accommodation Series”, each session in this series covered a topic vital to creating a disability inclusive workplace. These steps are applicable to the creation of a workplace culture which includes with employees and applicants who represent all types of diversities. “Inclusion Works Here” offered valuable information for all professionals in the hiring and management process including executives, human resources, diversity and inclusion professionals, hiring managers and diverse team members. Businesses are now seeking qualified talent in an increasingly competitive environment by tapping into previously untapped sources of talent including qualified individuals with disabilities. “Inclusion Works Here” helped with strategies for finding, recruiting and retaining that talent.
March 15th, 2018 – The Power of Disability ERG’s in Creating an Inclusive Workplace (Panel Discussion)
The panel was composed of representatives from successful Disability Employee/Business Resource Groups who discussed their ERG, its history and their events and activities (such as mentoring). One of our panelists was just starting to build their Disability ERG. Most importantly they shared their stories, experiences and insights into best practices for creating a sustainable Disability ERG which has the ability to make a positive impact in Diversity and Inclusion. Employees with disabilities, through Disability ERG’s, can reinforce inclusive workplace policy and be a positive and powerful influence for inclusion in their workplace.
April 19, 2018 – Best Practices and Brew, Thomas Hooker Brewing Co.
This 4th annual event was a relaxed evening of networking, great food and of course, great beer. This highly reviewed event included best practices for disability inclusion while meeting other passionate Human resources, Diversity & Inclusion, business leaders and education professionals. It was a great opportunity to learn about the power of mentoring and how to participate in then-Disability:IN Connecticut’s online mentoring program. Participants learned how to be the mentor who makes THE difference in the life of a community college student with a disability.
June 14th, 2018 – Connecticut Business Matchmaker
Then-Connecticut Business Leadership Network renewed its commitment to the CT Business Matchmaker Event as a committee member and publicity sponsor. This event has helped so many businesses and individuals reach their goals. The Matchmaker Event took place from at the University of Hartford, 200 Bloomfield Avenue, West Hartford. This event was an opportunity for Prime businesses attendees to connect with potential suppliers including disability and minority owned businesses during a series of 10 minute 1 on 1 interviews. Prime participants include large and medium-sized companies, federal and state agencies, municipalities and educational institutions. Registration was free for Prime attendees.
Small established businesses, including disability owned businesses, took advantage of this opportunity to open the door to contracts and more by presenting products to Prime contractors, government agencies and municipalities in the 10 minute 1 to 1 presentations as described above. It was also a great opportunity to network with other small businesses.
June 21, 2018 – Mental Health in the Workplace
Mental Health is a growing concern in all areas of our lives with an increasing interest in the mental health of our employees and colleagues. However, there continues to be a stigma around mental health issues and specifically mental health disabilities in the workplace. What is the definition of mental health? What is a mental health disability? How can we create an inclusive workplace; a workplace open to conversations about mental health and open to our employees and colleagues who live with mental health disabilities?
Participants learned about creating a mental health-friendly workplace. Debra DeSantis Lauzier, a mental health expert and certified Mental Health First Aid trainer, discussed mental health awareness, the principles of Mental Health First Aid and the steps we can take to create an inclusive workplace.