On October 7-8 the California Department of Rehabilitation, Employment Development Department, California Workforce Investment Board and the World Institute on Disability hosted a statewide disability employment symposium in Oakland, California. 'Moving Forward II' was two days of discussions and training activities designed for service providers, employers and job seekers.*

"We created this symposium to keep people current on issues relating to employment and people with disabilities," commented California Department of Rehabilitation public information officer Erin Treadwell. "This year, for example, there is a lot of discussion around the passage of AB925," she added.

Safe Zone

One of the first breakout sessions of the conference was entitled 'Safe Zone - Answers to questions employers are reluctant to ask about hiring individuals with disabilities.' Six expert panelists, including Larry Robbin of Robbin and Associates and Robert Sifuentes of the State Council on Developmental Disabilities, took questions from the audience. Since most of the people in the audience were service providers, the discussion quickly turned to how to forge relationships with the business community.

Sifuentes said, "Equal Employment Opportunity officers are our allies in the private sector." "Our approach should be how we can assist them meet their quotas," he added. In addition Sifuentes suggested service providers and community leaders with disabilities serve on the boards of Chambers of Commerce and other professional organizations including the Society of Human Resources Managers.

DB101

Later in the day World Institute on Disability Project and Policy Development Manager Bryon MacDonald hosted a workshop about Disability Benefits 101 (DB101), a soon-to-be-launched website that will include information about health, employment and disability benefits planning.

MacDonald described the dismal benefits situation of many people with disabilities living in California. He illustrated how DB 101 website tools such as the benefits calculator and the online question and answer bulletin board will help people get the information and referrals they need to make the most of their individual situation. Best of all, the website will include a wealth of information on all things benefits related in simple language that you and I can understand.

Other workshop topics included Workplace Solutions, "What's in it for Your Business?,' a session about understanding diversity and inclusion, and a panel workshop in which employers shared experiences about working with people with disabilities.

Nearly 300 people from all around the state attended the conference. Erin Treadwell said the Department of Rehabilitation hopes to host the conference again next year. "The groundwork is already being laid. We're just not sure where it's going to happen," said Treadwell. Over the last year the Department of Rehabilitation has seen a 10 percent increase in the number of people with disabilities they work with who have become employed. She added, "We feel the training symposium is working to help boost the number of employment outcomes the people we work with achieve."

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