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May 2, 2024
Supporting the Mental Well-Being of Gen Z Workers
Most employers know their support can impact the mental health and well-being of their workers. This is especially true for Gen Z workers who were uniquely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. To help employers foster supportive, mental health-friendly workplaces for young workers, the ODEP-funded Employer Assistance and Resource Network on Disability Inclusion (EARN) is hosting a webinar on May 15, 2024, at 2–3 p.m. ET. Register today!
Improving Workplace Safety and Health Preparedness in Essential Industries
Now through May 13, join the latest ePolicyWorks national online dialogue, “Moving Forward: Enhancing Workplace Safety & Health Preparedness in Essential Industries,” hosted by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). OSHA seeks to learn about your experiences (e.g., lessons learned, best practices) in essential workplaces during the various phases of the COVID-19 pandemic to improve future emergency preparedness.
Can I Work If I Receive Social Security Benefits?
Find answers to this and other commonly asked questions about Social Security benefits and employment in a new resource from ODEP’s National Center on Leadership for the Employment and Economic Advancement of People with Disabilities (LEAD Center), “Frequently Asked Questions: Social Security Administration, Supplemental Security Income and Social Security Disability Insurance.” The resource also provides an overview of Social Security benefits.
Working with Families in Provider Transformation to CIE
As employment-services providers begin the transformation to community-based competitive integrated employment (CIE) services, securing support and meaningful engagement from families and job seekers is crucial. Learn more and hear from families who have gone through the process in the next ODEP Employment First Community of Practice webinar, “Family Involvement in Provider Transformation,” on May 15, 2024, at 3–4 p.m. ET.
How to Improve Data on the Home and Community-Based Services Workforce
Last year, President Biden signed an Executive Order increasing access to home and community-based care and improving support for caregivers. In response, DOL and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) established a workgroup to identify critical gaps in data and knowledge about this important caregiving workforce. In April, DOL and HHS jointly released an issue brief describing the workgroup’s findings and recommendations and, on May 21, 2024, 1 p.m. ET, will hold a webinar to discuss this work.
The Power of Financial Literacy Education
Workforce professionals can check out the latest issue of the LEAD On! newsletter, “The Power of Financial Literacy Education,” for tools, resources and webinar recordings that will help them provide financial literacy education to people with disabilities. By gaining financial literacy skills, job seekers can not only meet their employment goals, but also build lifelong financial skills.
Pregnant Workers Fairness Act: Final Regulation Issued
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission issued a final rule to implement the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA), expanding protections and accommodations for pregnant workers and clarifying employers’ duties under the law. The PWFA requires most employers with 15 or more employees to provide reasonable accommodations for a worker’s known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, unless the accommodation will cause the employer an undue hardship.