As part of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), the Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) recognizes collaborative opportunities that allow our staff to enrich the lives of others. Since 2020, DES has been proud to offer Windmills Training, developed by Milt Wright and Associates, Inc., to educate employers about the advantages of hiring individuals with disabilities. DES Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) program staff are certified to deliver this no-cost, disability awareness training throughout the state to equip companies with skills to create an inclusive workplace, where all employees have an equal chance to succeed. DES and its partners with the Pima County Workforce Investment Board have been selected as finalists in the Society for Human Resource Management of Greater Tucson’s upcoming Celebrating Innovation in the Workplace Awards for their collaboration in delivering this innovative and invaluable training.
"More employers are interested in diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace now," explained VR Regional Program Manager, Mary Fleck. At a time when many employers find it difficult to hire and retain skilled workers, Mary highlights how a few simple and low-cost accommodations can result in a happier workplace with loyal staff and less turnover.
The training is delivered through one of twelve modules that employers can choose from based upon the needs of their business. Modules vary in topics such as the value of inclusion and how it can power innovation and productivity in the workplace, the basics of disability employment law, common stereotypes and much more.
Other modules offer creative and inexpensive solutions for providing reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities and a better understanding of how disability stereotypes can impact employment decisions. Mary says there are many misconceptions about employing individuals with disabilities that she is eager to debunk. "Employers tend to be the most surprised about the actual costs associated with getting accommodations for workers with disabilities," she explained. "They expect it to cost thousands of dollars, but it’s really usually less than $500."
During the training, employers and hiring managers also learn how the benefits of loyal workers, new perspectives and even tax credits that can come with hiring individuals with disabilities can help their company’s return on investment.
Mary likes to highlight well-known individuals with disabilities during her training to reiterate the vast capabilities and levels of success that can be achieved when workers are supported despite their differences. She also points out how common it is for people to have disabilities but finds that many people don’t feel comfortable disclosing their diagnoses because of the stigma that can come with it. She says that one in four Americans report having a disability, yet it often isn’t shared in the workplace, especially in higher-level positions.
Mary and her VR colleagues want to reduce this stigma by educating employers and their teams about the benefits of inclusion and self-disclosing a disability. "It’s up to the individual if they want to disclose or not," said Mary adding that "unless they need accommodations, they don’t generally disclose." But Mary reminds her clients that simple accommodations such as a flexible work schedule, time off for appointments, and assistive technology can make significant impacts on workers.
Windmills Training can be tailored to the needs of the audience and can take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours to complete. It is an eye-opening experience that promotes open discussions. Employers can sign up for free Windmills Training at their company either in person or virtually by contacting 480-549-6380 or emailing Rehabilitation Services.