ODEP News Brief -

April 24, 2020

Coronavirus Information and Resources

The Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) updated its coronavirus information and resources webpage. It includes links to the White House Coronavirus Task Force, the Department of Labor Coronavirus website, the Job Accommodation Network Coronavirus website, the Partnership on Employment & Accessible Technology's information on telework and accessibility, the Equal Employment Opportunity's Coronavirus resources, and more.

• View ODEP's Coronavirus Information and Resources page

Accessible Virtual Meeting Platforms

The Partnership on Employment & Accessible Technology (PEAT) published a tip sheet on "How to Pick an Accessible Virtual Meeting Platform." This resource provides best practices on the process of ensuring that employers' meeting platforms support full accessibility for people with disabilities.

• Read "How to Pick an Accessible Virtual Meeting Platform"

National Autism Awareness Month

In recognition of National Autism Awareness Month, Scott Michael Robertson, Policy Advisor on ODEP's Employment-Related Supports Policy Team, wrote a blog on "Employment Resources for People on the Autism Spectrum." Robertson examines how the disruption in the routines of daily life because of the COVID-19 pandemic can have a disproportionate impact on youth and adults on the autism spectrum, who may not be able to access critical supports and services. He highlights resources from the U.S. Department of Labor, ODEP, the Job Accommodation Network, and the Employer Assistance and Resource Network on Disability Inclusion. "Let us stay resilient during these trying times and mutually support each other to help mitigate barriers to work, health and wellness, and everyday living," says Roberson.

• Read the National Autism Awareness Month blog

Service Animals in the Workplace

Linda Carter Batiste, Principal Consultant at the Job Accommodation Network (JAN), posted a blog on "Service Animals in the Workplace – Part 2" on the Social Security Administration's Choose Work blog site. This is a follow-up to "Service Animals in the Workplace – Part 1" that appeared on the site on March 10, which covered Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) rules related to service animals. Part 2 discusses topics such as alternative accommodations and interactions with coworkers.

• Read "Service Animals in the Workplace – Part 1"

• Read "Service Animals in the Workplace – Part 2"

WorkforceGPS eLearning Modules

The U.S. Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration will present a webinar on "Disability and Employment eLearning Modules: A Tool to Support Organizational Learning" on May 20 from 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. ET. This webinar will provide an overview of the WorkforceGPS Disability and Employment eLearning modules designed to help front line American Job Center staff and managers provide effective services to individuals with disabilities and businesses.

• Learn about the eLearning Modules webinar

Reimagining Disability Employment Policy in the Rural West

In celebration of the 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act and collaboration with the State Exchange on Employment & Disability (SEED), the Western Governors’ Association (WGA) hosted a webinar, "Reimagining Disability Employment Policy in the Rural West." The webinar is part of a series in conjunction with the Reimagining the Rural West Initiative of WGA Chair and North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum. The Chairman’s Initiative is examining challenges and opportunities in rural economic development, infrastructure, and quality of life across the region. Panelists on this webinar shared examples of disability employment best practices and policy options, emphasizing effective strategies. They highlighted how SEED is working with state leaders to provide direct policy assistance, resources, and expertise on various disability employment-related issues.

• View the webinar

• Learn about the WGA Chairman's Initiative

• Learn about SEED