Facing the Future Virtual Event

Co-sponsored by The Boggs Center and NJAPSE

Friday, March 19, 2021 l 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM

Presenters

Julie Christensen, MSW, PhD

Director of Policy and Advocacy, Interim Executive Director
The Association of People Supporting Employment First (APSE)

Unpacking Competitive, Integrated Employment: A Public Policy Roadmap to Achieving Employment First

How can we use existing policy to achieve competitive, integrated employment (CIE) for people with disabilities? In what ways does existing policy create barriers to success? And what policy changes do we need to advocate for to achieve our goals? In this presentation, we will unpack existing and proposed Federal legislation and policies and examine them within a state-specific context to help us chart a course forward in 2021 and beyond.

Randy Lewis, MBA

Consultant, Fortune 50 Executive, Accidental Disability Advocate

Breaking the Barriers to Employing People with Disabilities

People with disabilities and their advocates must contend with myths, misperceptions, and misaligned Human Resources policies when seeking employment, especially the assumption that all people with disabilities (PWDs) are alike. These inaccuracies about the employability of PWDs persist despite the facts that PWDs in the right environment can compete with typical employees while providing lower turnover, less absenteeism, and superior safety performance. Based on his experiences with a Fortune 500 employer that has successfully integrated significant numbers of PWDs in the workforce, Mr. Lewis will detail the obstacles his company overcame internally, the importance of knowledgeable advocacy, and the subsequent benefits to the company, its employees (including PWDs), advocates, the community, and the individuals. Finally, he will suggest actions that self-advocates and advocates can take to be more successful in the employment arena.

Recording and Handouts

Please note Certificates of Attendance will not be issued for viewing the webinar recording.