OOD Announces Second Half of 2024 Disability Inclusion Webinars for Employers

OOD Announces Second Half of 2024 Disability Inclusion Webinars for Employers

For Immediate Release: July 1, 2024

(COLUMBUS, OH)—Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) today announced the second half of its 2024 webinar series to help employers support disability inclusion in the workplace. The webinars align with Ohio Governor Mike DeWine’s Executive Order 2019-03D, establishing Ohio as a Disability Inclusion State and Model Employer of Individuals with Disabilities.

“Fostering workplaces that are inclusive of employees with disabilities strengthens Ohio’s workforce and economy,” said Governor DeWine. “We need to do everything in our power to enable Ohioans of all backgrounds and abilities to find a great job they love, that demonstrates their talents and empowers them to lead fulfilling lives as contributors to their communities. I encourage employers to participate in this valuable webinar series and learn about all the benefits disability inclusion can bring to their businesses.”

The webinars correspond with OOD’s Inclusive Employer Toolkit and the Governor’s Inclusive Employer Award criteria, providing practical steps and strategies for creating inclusive workplaces.

“We provide employer partners with practical steps and strategies for creating inclusive workplaces that promote a supportive and welcoming environment,” said OOD Director Kevin L. Miller.

The upcoming webinar topics are:
• July 18, 2024: Strategies for a Recovery Friendly Workplace
• August 22, 2024: Boosting Engagement in Employee Resource Groups
• September 18, 2024: Effective Partnerships with Job Coaches
• October 16, 2024: Building an Inclusive Apprenticeship Program
• November 21, 2024: Leading Effective Self Identification Campaigns

The webinars aim to equip employers with the knowledge and tools to tap into Ohio’s diverse talent pool, foster an inclusive culture, and create a supportive environment for individuals with disabilities.
All webinars begin at 10 a.m. and will be Microsoft Teams Webinars. Each webinar will be recorded and archived for future viewing. Each webinar has been approved for 1.00 HR (General) re-certification credit hour toward aPHR™, aPHRi™, PHR®, PHRca®, SPHR®, GPHR®, PHRi™ and SPHRi™ re-certification through HR Certification Institute® (HRCI®) and 1.00 SHRM Professional Development Credit (PDC) hour toward SHRM-CP® or SHRM-SCP®. While this training is not pre-approved for CESP Continuing Education (CE) credit, it aligns with CESP content, and verification of attendance will be provided upon request. These credits are available for attendees of the live broadcast. More information about all upcoming webinars, including the links to register, can be found on the Employer Events webpage.

OOD is the state agency responsible for empowering Ohioans with disabilities through employment, disability determinations, and independence. Employers looking to diversify and strengthen their workforce by including people with disabilities can learn more about partnering with OOD at the Business Relations Team webpage.

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