50 Colleges Hit With ADA Lawsuits
Inside Higher Ed
A blind man is taking 50 colleges to court, alleging their websites are inaccessible to people with disabilities.
People with disabilities are eager to work
Companies should tap into this overlooked segment of the workforce
With more than 6 million unfilled positions and companies reporting that they are challenged to find skilled workers, job training and continuing education are more important than ever.
Recently, the administration issued an executive order to expand opportunities for apprenticeships to help many “forgotten” Americans secure jobs. Still, there is another often overlooked segment of the workforce who could benefit from this training initiative: people with disabilities.
Indeed, including people with disabilities in this initiative could make progress toward easing the high rate of unemployment faced by these talented workers. Companies, too, would benefit by focusing on inclusion and taking advantage of the skills and expertise that people with disabilities bring to their jobs.
Much progress has been made in improving the quality of life for people with disabilities in our lifetime. Still, challenges persist, particularly in the area of employment. The unemployment rate remains high among people with disabilities.
Disability leave due to mental health issues can be avoided
Morneau Shepell's research shows that more than half (57 per cent) of employees and managers are suffering, or have at some point in the past, with a mental health issue or sleep-related disorder. Within the same study, 40 per cent of managers and 34 per cent of employees reported suffering from extreme levels of stress within the previous six months and revealed a strong correlation between workplace stress and employee retention. Many employees transition to disability leave because of untreated mental health issues – a situation that experts believe is preventable.
"Our research shows that there are early warning signs, such as a change in behavior or productivity, that suggest someone is struggling and may go on disability leave. Managers can spot these signs up to 18 months before they take leave, but may not know what to do," said Paula Allen, vice president, research, analytics and innovation solutions, Morneau Shepell. "Additionally, we found that about a third of the employee population is working at less than 70 per cent of their productivity."
Experts from Morneau Shepell and Nestle Canada will discuss this and more on December 13 at the Total well-being keynote: Creating a workforce that is healthy, happy and productive.
"We know that when people go off work for mental health issues they could be away for a long time," said Alastair Macdonald, senior vice president of human resources, Nestle Canada. "If we can intervene before a crisis situation, in terms of prevention, intervention or restoration, it is money well spent."
Members of the media are invited to watch the keynote address to learn more about how the physical, mental, social and financial wellness of employees affect their companies. Through a technology-driven approach, using platforms like LifeWorks by Morneau Shepell, employers are better equipped to develop a more resilient workforce.
For travelers with mobility issues, here's how to navigate vacation rental properties
Los Angeles Times