News

October 26, 2009

With some 13 million working age Americans with disabilities unable to find work, Projects with Industry and Connect-Ability have teamed up to offer businesses the opportunity to learn about the importance of diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Businesses and individuals are invited to come to the 1st Annual Disability Employment Awareness Seminar & Recognition Breakfast on Thursday, October 29, 2009 from 7:30 – 9:30am at the Courtyard by Marriott Hotel located at 780 Bridgeport Avenue in Shelton.

The Keynote Speaker is T. Hudson-Jordan, Director of Global Diversity & Talent Strategies for Pitney Bowes, Inc. Ms. Hudson-Jordan leads the company’s continuing efforts to promote a culture of inclusion, working with corporate and business unit leadership to implement strategies that support diversity and inclusion. She works to ensure that diversity elements are designed and implemented in talent and business practices throughout Pitney Bowes.

Additional speakers include Melissa Marshall and Beth Barrett. At the event, Attorney Melissa Marshall, Executive Director of the Connecticut Business Leadership Network, will speak about ADAA (Americans with Disabilities Amendment Act) Compliance. Melissa Marshall conducts disability diversity training by challenging her trainees, from high school students to corporate employees, to understand that people with disabilities are the same as everyone else. Beth Barrett was a successful trial attorney for 18 years in New York City and Connecticut. Eleven years ago, she had an accident which requires her to walk with crutches or to use a wheelchair. Beth learned that her purpose in life is to inspire people to live more joyful and fulfilling lives, despite whatever challenges they may face. She writes and speaks about disability awareness, the power of mentoring, and living a joyful, abundant life. The title of her speech is “A New Perspective: Living with a Disability.”

Many nonprofits and service providers for people with disabilities will be available to answer questions about how businesses can be matched with qualified workers with disabilities.

There is no cost to attend the event. For more information or to reserve your seat, please contact Lauren Kelman today at 203-610-8580.

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Projects with Industry matches qualified workers to businesses throughout Western Connecticut. Projects with Industry is a project of The WorkPlace, Inc. in partnership with the Northwest Regional Workforce Investment Board and Birmingham Group Health Services.

The WorkPlace, Inc., Southwestern Connecticut’s Regional Workforce Development Board, helps people prepare for careers and strengthens the workforce for employers in Southwestern Connecticut. Our mission is to develop a well-educated, well-trained and self-sufficient workforce that can compete in the changing global marketplace.