Lifeworks recently presented at two national conferences offering insight into employment best practices, networking with industry leaders, and hearing new ideas.
Our position as an industry leader, makes it essential for us to not only share what we have learned with other stakeholders, but also to focus on how we continue and advance conversations about diversity and inclusion.
2019 National Conference – Association of People Supporting Employment First
With over 1,000 community leaders in attendance, the Association of People Supporting Employment First (APSE) focuses on using state-of-the-art strategies to provide actionable ideas that advance equitable employment for people with disabilities.
Four Lifeworks staff attended this year’s conference in St. Louis, including our Disability Inclusion Consultant, Ashley Oolman, who presented on how providers can diversify revenue by helping employers enhance accessibility and inclusion. Ashley shared new approaches to service delivery and discussed asset identification, relationship building, and communication with businesses. Deb Russell, a corporate disability inclusion leader and fellow conference speaker, had this to say about Ashley’s presentation: “She rocked it out! Best session so far! I hope I can inspire and inform as well as she did!”
Microsoft’s 2019 Autism at Work Summit
Lifeworks Director of Program Services, Susan Winterfeld Thompson, was invited to present at Microsoft’s Autism at Work, a summit bringing together employers, support systems, and the autistic community to explore inclusive hiring practices.
Susan presented during the “Finding Your Support Partners” session, sharing the innovative internship program developed by Lifeworks, Travelers, and Minnesota Vocational Rehabilitation Services at the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development. She discussed how companies and community partners can work together to build systems that increase access, advance corporate culture, and foster independence.
Lifeworks is honored to have participated in these conferences and looks forward to sharing what we learn with the community.