Celebrate Abilities -- Conversations with Maricopa Employees
Each October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month. It was described in the President’s 2007 proclamation as “an opportunity to recognize the contributions and accomplishments of Americans with disabilities and to underscore our Nation’s commitment to advancing employment opportunities for all our citizens.”
At Maricopa, we took this month as an opportunity to speak with Employees with Disabilities (EwD), both visible and hidden, and people who care about their experience to connect and talk together about the opportunities and challenges within the community college system.
Three conversations were held at Glendale, Rio and Paradise Valley. Twenty-eight people participated from five colleges (EMCC, GCC, MCC, PVCC, and Rio) as well as the District Office, Governing Board and the community (ASU and the City of Chandler).
Each conversation used the same series of questions to stimulate conversation asking about experience, perceptions, what people would like others to know, identifying differences for those with visible and hidden disabilities, resources, and recommendations.
Employees shared personal experiences and perceptions that indicated a desire for more information, education and coordination to ensure an inclusive environment for employees with disabilities.
Recommendations included:
- Coordinated information and resources for EwD
- Disability task force/advisory group providing information for/from employees
- Communication in accessible formats via e-mail, web pages, etc.
- More partnership and communication between Disability Resource Services and Employee Relations
- Disability coordinator for the district
- Training/staff education re:
- Mobility, architectural design, communication formats (e.g. PDF issue)
- Supervisory training – re: ADA accommodation, work style training (especially for LD, ADD individuals), hiring
- NEO training to emphasize inclusive Maricopa mindset – provide encouragement to ask for accommodation, increased awareness for all
Continued discussions will address these recommendations. Please contact Rory Gilbert, Manager for Diversity Initiatives if you wish to be involved. (Phone 480-731-8211)