New Workforce Conference 2009

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TUESDAY 9/15/09

DATE

TIME

DESCRIPTION

Tuesday, 9/15/09

8:00 AM
2:00 PM

Freeman Drayage Setup

Tuesday, 9/15/09

2:00 PM
5:00 PM

Setup Exhibits & Assistive Technology Demo

Tuesday, 9/15/09

2:00 PM
5:00 PM

Registration Open

Tuesday, 9/15/09

5:30 PM
7:00 PM

USBLN® Welcoming Reception

WELCOMING REMARKS:
•	Beth Butler, USBLN® Board Chair & Vice-President in Employment Compliance, Wachovia Corporation
•	John D. Kemp, USBLN® Executive Director & General Counsel

The welcoming reception provides an excellent networking opportunity for all conference attendees, exhibitors, sponsors and presenters.

WEDNESDAY 9/16/09

Wed, 9/16/09

8:00 AM
5:00 PM

Registration Open

Wed, 9/16/09

8:00 AM
5:00 PM

Press Room

Wed, 9/16/09

8:30 AM
11:00 AM

USBLN® Pre-Conference Session Town Hall Meeting on Youth Employment

SPEAKERS: Student Advisors
•	Phillip Barr – SAC Member
•	Billy Clark – SAC Member
•	Zakiya Mabery – SAC Member
•	Lacy Pittman – SAC Member
•	Chris Schlechty – SAC Member
•	Wesley Studer – SAC Member

SPEAKERS: Employers
•	Debra Ruh, Founder & CEO, TecAccess
•	Carmen Jones, President & CEO, Solutions Marketing Group
•	Tyler Matney, Project Manager, CESSI
•	Ken Ductor, Veterans Service Organization Program Coordinator and Benefits Advisor, Wounded Warriors Project

Wed, 9/16/09

9:00 AM
11:00 PM

USBLN® Pre-Conference Session International Roundtable on Disability Employment

SPEAKERS: International
•	Moderator: John D. Kemp, USBLN® Executive Director & General Counsel
•	Susan Scott Parker, United Kingdom
•	Suzanne Colbert, Australia
•	Sharon Myatt, Canada
•	Pina D'Intino, Canada
•	Brian McArthur, Costa Rica
•	Gabrielle Murphy, Ireland
•	Meghamali Aluvihare, Sri Lanka
•	Mai Hong Ngoc, Vietnam

SPEAKERS: Multi-National Corporations
•	Frances West, IBM
•	Marthalee Galeota, Starbucks
•	Martha Artiles, Manpower
•	Kevin Foster, Motorola

Wed, 9/16/09

11:00 AM
2:00 PM

LUNCH ON YOUR OWN

Wed, 9/16/09

2:00 PM
3:30 PM

USBLN® General Plenary Session (Opening Session) Welcoming remarks delivered by Beth Butler, USBLN® Board Chair & Vice-President in Employment Compliance, Wachovia Corporation, and John D. Kemp, USBLN® Executive Director & General Counsel SPEAKER:
•	Neil Romano, CEO of CORA
Description: Neil Romano will discuss why business needs to address the disability issue as and integrated part of their overall business strategy as our nation moves toward economic recovery. Romano will explain how a totally inclusive approach to people with disabilities will strengthen a business’s core and lead to growth. He will also discuss businesses greatest legislative and social blind spot, which has caused virtually every American companies to overlook vast pools of talent, innovative advances and significant profits.

Wed, 9/16/09

3:30 PM
5:00 PM

USBLN® General Plenary Session Welcoming remarks delivered by Randy Johnson from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and Lon O'Neil from the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM)

SPEAKERS:
•	John D. Kemp, Executive Director & General Counsel of the USBLN®
•	Kareem Dale, Special Assistant to the President for Disability Policy

Description:
The Obama Administration’s disability agenda addresses all facets of community life, including educational opportunities, ending discrimination and promoting opportunities, increasing employment and supporting community-based living. To learn more about President Obama's disability agenda, visit http://www.whitehouse.gov/agenda/disabilities/.

John D. Kemp will deliver a USBLN® State of the Organization presentation. Learn about the latest news from the US Business Leadership Network and its accomplishments in 2009. Kemp will discuss emerging USBLN® programs, BLN affiliates and what to expect for the coming year. The “Top 10” list will provide an excellent overview of the BLN’s continued growth and success.

Wed, 9/16/09

5:00 PM
6:15 PM

USBLN® General Plenary Session on Employment Lifecycle: Resume to Retirement Expectation plus Opportunity equals Full Participation Welcoming Remarks delivered by John Vaughn, National Council on Disability

KEYNOTE:
•	Kathy Martinez, ODEP Assistant Secretary

Description:
Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis’ vision for the country is summarized in four words, “Good Jobs for Everyone.” The implementation of the Secretary’s vision will provide opportunities for many of our citizens who have been traditionally excluded from full participation in the American dream due to low expectations. This includes people of color, women, returning disabled veterans, and people with disabilities. The Office of Disability Employment Policy is supporting Secretary Solis’ goals through research, policy development and demonstration programs in the areas of high-growth and emerging industry sectors like “green” jobs, barriers to fair and diverse work places, workplace flexibility for family and personal care-giving, retirement security for workers in every type of job and at every income level, return to work for workers experiencing workplace injuries or illnesses, and pathways from low-wage jobs to middle-wage opportunities.

Wed, 9/16/09

6:30 PM
7:30 PM

JAN Networking Reception - JAN 25th Anniversary Celebration

WELCOMING REMARKS:
•	Lou Orslene, Co-Director, Job Accommodation Network
•	Ann Hirsh, Co-Director, Job Accommodation Network
•	Tracie Saab, Project Lead, Campaign for Disability Employment

KEYNOTE:
•	Josh Sundquist, Inspirational Speaker, Author and Paralympic ski racer

Description:
Join our Host Sponsor JAN ("Job Accommodation Network") to celebrate the organization's 25th Anniversary and enjoy an inspiring and entertaining presentation provided by keynote, Josh Sundquist. The JAN reception provides an excellent networking opportunity for all conference attendees, exhibitors, sponsors and presenters and celebrates 25 productive years with JAN.

THURSDAY 9/17/09

Thurs, 9/17/09

8:00 AM
5:00 PM

Registration Open

Thurs, 9/17/09

8:00 AM
5:00 PM

Exhibitor Hall & Assistive Technology Demo Open

Thurs, 9/17/09

8:00 AM
5:00 PM

Press Room

Thurs, 9/17/09

8:00 AM
9:30 AM

USBLN® & JAN Plenary Session - Breakfast Served Strategies for Hiring, Retaining, and Promoting Veteran's with Disabilities

SPEAKERS:
•	Mike Reardon, Supervisory Policy Advisor, Employment-Related Support Policy
•	Lisa Rosser, Consultant, Author, Speaker, and founder of "The Value of a Veteran"
•	Moderated by Anne Hirsh, Co-Director, JAN

Description:
The Job Accommodation Network (JAN) will moderate what promises to be an insightful and dynamic plenary breakfast session regarding emerging issues surrounding the employment of Veterans with disabilities after returning from the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Mike Reardon, who leads the America's Heroes at Work (AHW) project at the Office of Disability Employment Policy, will share successful and not so successful stories of Veterans involved in the AHW Pilot Employment Project. Lisa Rosser, MHRM, Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army Reserves, and author of The Guide for Human Resource Professionals Regarding, Recruiting, and Retaining Military Veterans, will offer effective practices in hiring, promoting, and retaining Veterans with disabilities.

Thurs, 9/17/09

8:00 AM
9:30 AM

Networking Breakfast in Exhibitor Hall

Thurs, 9/17/09

9:45 AM
11:00 AM

USBLN® General Plenary Session on Corporate Culture Will Hope and History Rhyme? Welcoming Remarks delivered by Alan Muir, Executive Director, Career Opportunities for Students with Disabilities

KEYNOTE:

•	Randy Lewis, Senior Vice-President of Distribution & Logistics for Walgreens Company

Description:
Five years ago Walgreens sought to build a new generation of retail distribution centers with two objectives: (1) to be amongst the most efficient in the world and (2) to utilize people with disabilities for 30% of its workforce. Since then Walgreens has opened two of these with spectacular and surprising results. Mr. Lewis will share Walgreens' story and how this initiative has changed Walgreens and how they are helping other companies to do the same.

Thurs, 9/17/09

11:15 AM
12:30 PM

Breakout Session: Diversity, Disability & Corporate Culture Diversity, Disabilities, and Assessing Corporate Culture

Presenter(s):
•	Kevin Foster, Director, Human Resources, Motorola

Participants will gain an understanding of different methods used to measure and analyze corporate culture to design and validate diversity initiatives.

Learning Objectives:
•	Develop an understanding of how to define project scope and data collection methods;
•	Understand different approaches to measuring and analyzing assessment data; and
•	Learn approaches to designing and verifying initiatives within a change management framework.

Thurs, 9/17/09

11:15 AM
12:30 PM

Breakout Session: Employment Lifecycle Lighting the fire: Mentoring Youth with Disabilities

Presenter(s):
•	Gary Goosman, Research Association, National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability for Youth
•	Rachel Dorman, Policy Advisor, U.S. Department of Labor - ODEP

This session will be an interactive dialogue providing an overview of mentoring, its positive effect on the lives of young people with disabilities, and how mentoring programs can be easily created by businesses. This session will also provide information about an emerging best practice of creating Individualized Mentoring Plans.

Learning Objectives:
•	Identify researched-based strategies needed to work most effectively when mentoring;
•	Understand the benefits of using Individualized Benefits Plans as a retention and advancement tool; and
•	Create inclusive mentoring program.

Thurs, 9/17/09

11:15 AM
12:30 PM

Breakout Session: Marketing Solutions Targeting Consumers with Disabilities Reaching People with Disabilities through Social Media

Presenter(s):
•	Debra Ruh, Founder & CEO, TecAccess

Web 2.0, also known as "Social Media," has opened up the world to people with disabilities. While tremendous potential lies ahead for people with disabilities utilizing social networking, there is a growing concern over the accessibility of such technology.

Learning Objectives:
•	Define social media and how can it be used to reach and interact with people with disabilities;
•	Create social networks that are more accessible and inviting to people with disabilities; and
•	Use social media as a brand anchor and a way to interact with people of all ability levels.

Thurs, 9/17/09

11:15 AM
12:30 PM

Breakout Session: Diversity, Disability & Corporate Culture Making Qualified Connections to Job Seekers with Disabilities

Presenter(s):
•	Thomas Capato, Co-Founder & CEO, GettingHired.com
•	Neil Jacobson, Founder & CEO, Abilicorp

This session will offer solutions for creating sustainable employment growth for People with Disabilities:
•	Where can employers find a pool of qualified job seekers?
•	What qualifying technologies can an employer utilize?
•	Where can an employer find professional help when it comes to Service Providers?
•	How can mentoring and counseling help job seekers & employers?

Learning Objectives:
•	Locate qualified job seekers with disabilities.
•	Utilize adaptive/assistive technologies during the hiring process.
•	Locate National Service Providers (508 accommodations, coaching, training, staffing, etc.).

Thurs, 9/17/09

11:15 AM
12:30 PM

Breakout Session: JAN's Accommodations Solution for Business Positive Practice: Accommodating Workers with HIV and Other Infectious Diseases

Presenter(s):
•	Tracie Saab, Lead Consultant, Job Accommodation Network

Get the facts and learn straightforward tips for accommodating workers with HIV, hepatitis, and other infectious diseases. Positive practices lead to productive outcomes and include offering workplace flexibility, maintaining confidentiality, and following universal precautions for the safety of all employees.

Learning Objectives:
•	Become knowledgeable about the transmission of specific infectious diseases and their impact on health and safety at work;
•	Apply reasonable accommodation principles to accommodate workers with HIV, hepatitis, and other infectious diseases; and
•	Understand the applicability of the ADA and its amendments, to workers with infectious diseases.

Thurs, 9/17/09

12:45 PM
2:15 PM

USBLN® General Plenary Session on Marketing Solutions Targeting Consumers with Disabilities Customer Services Practices That Welcome Customers With Disabilities Welcoming Remarks delivered by Dan O'Brien, Social Security Administration Acting Associate Commissioner for the Office of Employment Support Programs

KEYNOTE:
•	Roy Flora, Group President, Wyndham Hotel Group - Microtel Inns and Suites - Baymont Inn and Suites

Description: Many have heard the business case on reaching the Nation's untapped, overlooked consumers - people with disabilities. Roy will focus on how to move beyond acknowledging and understanding the business case, to realizing and initiating the transformational process within companies, leading to building good will and impacting the bottom-line.

Thurs, 9/17/09

2:30 PM
3:45 PM

Breakout Session: Diversity, Disability & Corporate Culture The NET & USBLN: A Model Employment Partnership

Presenters:
•	Beth Butler, Vice-President in Employment Compliance, Wachovia Corporation
•	Deb Russell, Corporate Manager, Walgreens Company
•	Kathy West-Evans, Director of Business Relations, Council of State Administrators of Vocational Rehabilitation (CSAVR)

Participants will learn about a unique partnership between The USBLN and The NET (National Employment Team sponsored by CSAVR). This partnership provides business with peer support, access to a large national talent pool and a variety of support services

Learning Objectives:
•	Understand the goals of the national partnership between the USBLN and The NET;
•	Acquire information about the variety of support services that are available nationally and locally; and
•	Learn about strategies that companies have used to recruit, hire, retain, promote and integrate employees with disabilities into their diverse workforce.

Thurs, 9/17/09

2:30 PM
3:45 PM

Breakout Session: Employment Lifecycle "Beating All Odds" - Journey to Real Community Employment

Presenter(s):
•	Emily Malsch, Team Leader, CESSI/Ticket to Work Program Manager for Recruitment and Outreach
•	Leslie Wilson, President & CEO, Wilson Resources

We can help you turn Diversity into Dollars! Social Security Administration's Ticket to Work Program provides employers an opportunity to generate $4,700 in the first nine months of employment when they hire a Social Security beneficiary with a disability, and there is more to be earned over time.

Learning Objectives:
•	Understand the potential of Social Security's New Ticket to Work Program as an untapped source of new talent, and as an effective tool to diversify the employer's workforce;
•	Recognize the New Ticket to Work as a potential revenue source for BLNs and employers and learn how to become an approved Employment Network (EN); and
•	Learn how to use the EN Ticket Payment Estimator to determine the potential monetary reward of becoming an EN and successfully placing Social Security disability beneficiaries in employment.

Thurs, 9/17/09

2:30 PM
3:45 PM

Breakout Session: Marketing Solutions Targeting Consumers with Disabilities Integrating Disability Into Your Brand TBA

Presenter(s):
•	Dustin Longstreth, Managing Partner, IPS

Shifts in our cultural landscape are dramatically changing the way companies and brands address "disability." Medical, care-based models are being replaced by integrated, user-based models to address both the functional and emotional needs of a broader, rapidly evolving consumer market. In this new consumer landscape, we are all users of assistive technologies, products and services - whether it's people with disabilities, aging Baby Boomers, or anyone else in search of products and services that will help them perform to their full potential. This breakout session will seek to identify what's driving these shifts and the new insights and frameworks that companies and brands will need to adopt in order to meet the challenges of this new consumer mindset.

Learning Objectives:
•	Understanding of the cultural changes that are beginning to shift the perception of people with disabilities from a stigmatized, medical segment to an integrated, extreme user consumer segment.
•	Benchmarks, market precedents and best practices of companies that have begun to take the step toward integrating disability into their core brand messaging.
•	Understanding of the insights, processes and frameworks that will be needed to effectively market products and services in a way that is relevant to both people with disabilities and the broader market.

Thurs, 9/17/09

2:30 PM
3:45 PM

Breakout Session: Diversity, Disability & Corporate Culture Purchasing Power: The Inclusion of Disability-Owned Business Enterprises in Corporate Supply Chains

Presenter(s):
•	Aditi Dussault, Manager, USBLN® Disability Supplier Diversity Program
•	Patti Lind, Executive Director, The Abilities Fund
•	TBA (Speaker representing corporate perspective)
•	TBA (Representative of a newly-certified Disability-Owned Business Enterprise)

The USBLN® Disability Supplier Diversity Program is now working with major corporations across the country to increase opportunities for the purchase of goods and services from certified Disability-Owned Business Enterprises. To learn more about this exciting new certification program offered by the USBLN®, representatives of businesses owned by people with disabilities and representatives of major corporations are encouraged to attend!

Learning Objectives:
•	Discover the benefits and opportunities provided by the new USBLN® Disability Supplier Diversity Program
•	Understand the criteria and process for obtaining certification through the Disability Supplier Diversity Program
•	Learn how to advocate for the inclusion of Disability-Owned Business Enterprises in corporate procurement and supplier diversity programs

Thurs, 9/17/09

2:30 PM
3:45 PM

Breakout Session: JAN's Accommodation Solutions for Business Practical Approach to Accommodating Employees with Psychiatric Impairments

Presenter(s):
•	Kendra Duckworth, Disability Program Manager, EEOC
•	Anne Hirsh, Co-Director, Job Accommodation Network

This session will focus on enforcing standards of behavior and conduct while accommodating employees with psychiatric disabilities in the workplace. Participants will learn about psychiatric disabilities and accommodating employees with performance and behavior problems.

Learning Objectives:
•	Identify common psychiatric impairments that affect employees;
•	Learn how to develop strategies to implement successful accommodation solutions to enable an employee to meet performance and conduct standards on the job; and
•	Ask their accommodation questions and will receive information about how to choose assistive technology as an accommodation.

Thurs, 9/17/09

4:00 PM
5:15 PM

Breakout Session: Diversity, Disability & Corporate Culture Dialog in the Dark: Building Awareness, Creating Jobs

Presenter(s):
•	Martha Artiles, Chief Diversity Officer, Manpower

Dialog in the Dark's social mission and Manpower's longstanding commitment to workforce development create a perfect synergy that aims to raise public awareness while creating a bridge to sustainable employment for individuals with disabilities.

Learning Objectives:
•	Learn how to leverage a community event/exhibit to increase diversity awareness;
•	Learn global best practices in place , such as Dialogue in the Dark, and the impact; and
•	Leverage Employee Resource Groups, Diversity Councils to drive diversity awareness.

Thurs, 9/17/09

4:00 PM
5:15 PM

Breakout Session: Employment Lifecycle Effective Engagement - Civilian Workforces and Combat Exposed Veterans

Presenter(s):
•	Edward J. Crenshaw, Jr., President & CEO, Destin Enterprises

Attendees will study and identify employer interventions plus other measures to prevent a hypothetical case drawn from actual events in which an employer's negative response to a veteran's nascent post traumatic stress disorder escalated to a contentious, expensive, disability-discrimination lawsuit.

Learning Objectives:
•	Reference a session hand-out of government and nonprofit sources of veteran employment candidate referrals;
•	Project certain risks of workplace disruption and/or litigation due to ineffective or otherwise improper management of veterans with combat related mental health conditions; and
•	Identify reasonable employer interventions and other preventative measures that are likely to help minimize such risks.

Thurs, 9/17/09

4:00 PM
5:15 PM

Breakout Session: Marketing Solutions Targeting Consumers with Disabilities Strategic Marketing WITH the Disability Community = Brand Loyalty

Presenter(s):
•	Kevin Bradley, Director of Inclusion & Diversity, McDonald's USA
•	Tari Hartman Squire, CEO, EIN SOF Communications
•	Colleen Fukui-Sketchley, Corporate Diversity Affairs Specialist, Nordstrom
•	Susan Mazrui, Director, Federal Regulatory, AT&T

Design best practices "tool kit" to activate strategic marketing with disability community to leverage employment and marketing with this emerging segment. US Census reports $1 trillion aggregate and $220 disposable income - more than coveted $170 million teen market!

Learning Objectives:
•	Learn how to weave an accessible welcome mat for customers with disabilities across a variety of sectors, including restaurants, retail, telecommunications and hospitality.
•	During this economic downturn, learn cost-effective tricks of the trade to attract and retain brand loyal customers with disabilities.
•	Fortify disability marketing with strategic alliances that can be replicated across a variety of sectors.

Thurs, 9/17/09

4:00 PM
5:15 PM

Breakout Session: JAN's Accommodation Solutions for Business Navigating the ADAAA (ADA Amendments Act)

Presenter(s):
•	Linda Carter Batiste, J.D., Principal Consultant, Job Accommodation Network
•	Beth Loy, Ph.D., Principal Consultant, Job Accommodation Network

Participants can join JAN consultants for a discussion about the ADAAA, including the basic changes it made, questions employers are asking about it, and practical tips for compliance. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions and share workplace experiences.

Learning Objectives:
•	Gain a better understanding of the ADAAA.
•	Learn what other employers are asking about the ADAAA.
•	Gain practical knowledge about how to comply with the ADAAA.

Thurs, 9/17/09

6:00 PM
8:30 PM

USBLN® General Plenary Session - Awards Dinner 2009 Exceptional Leaders Annual Awards Dinner Welcoming remarks delivered by Beth Butler, USBLN® Board Chair & Vice-President in Employment Compliance, Wachovia Corporation

KEYNOTES:
•	Dr. John E. Kelly III, IBM Senior Vice President and Director of Research
•	Robert David Hall, Actor & Chair of the Screens Actors with Disabilities Guild

Robert David Hall will share personal stories about living with a disability and entering the workplace in the entertainment industry. This session will provide personal success stories, provide education about overcoming stereotypes to achieve success, and working within Corporate America as a person with a disability.
•	Annual Awards Ceremony

The USBLN® will present is 2009 Exceptional Leadership Awards immediately following the keynote.

FRIDAY 9/18/09

Friday, 9/18/09

8:00 AM
9:30 AM

Networking Breakfast in Exhibitor Hall

Friday, 9/18/09

8:00 AM
12:00 PM

Registration Open

Friday, 9/18/09

8:00 AM
3:00 PM

Exhibitor Hall & Assistive Technology Demo Open

Friday, 9/18/09

8:00 AM
3:00 PM

Press Room

Friday, 9/18/09

9:45 AM
11:00 AM

USBLN® General Plenary Session on Marketing Solutions Disney's Commitment to Accessible Services Welcoming remarks by Jennifer Sheehy, Director Policy and Planning, Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, U.S. Department of Education

KEYNOTE:
•	Greg Hale, Chief Safety Officer and Vice President of Worldwide Safety and Accessibility for Disney Parks and Resorts

Disney is a world-wide leader in accessible entertainment for the entire family. Greg Hale will share his insight on Disney's commitment to Guests and Cast members with disabilities at their theme parks and resorts.

Friday, 9/18/09

11:15 AM
12:30 PM

Breakout Session: Diversity, Disability & Corporate Culture "Changing Corporate Culture….One Employee at a Time"

Presenter(s):
•	John Wagner, Director of Product Solutions Management, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida
•	Leslie Wilson, President & CEO, Wilson Resources

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida became involved in the Florida BLN movement by hosting the 2006 First Coast BLN kick-off. Learn how BCBSF reformed its corporate culture to become an "employer of choice" for Floridians with disabilities.

Learning Objectives:
•	Learn about Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida's (BCBSF) efforts to become an "employer of choice" for people with disabilities;
•	Learn how BCBSF partnered with the local First Coast BLN to reform its corporate culture; and
•	Learn how you can replicate BCBSF's activities to reform your corporate culture.

Friday, 9/18/09

11:15 AM
12:30 PM

Breakout Session: Employment Lifecycle Hearing Loss: Aging workforce, Military Veterans and Employment

Presenter(s):
•	Karen Downs, Assistant Director, National Technical Institute for the Deaf , Rochester Institute of Technology
•	Kiperman-Kiselgof, Employment Advisor, National Technical Institute for the Deaf , Rochester Institute of Technology

As many military veterans are re-entering the workforce with hearing loss acquired during service and older workers gradually acquire hearing loss, employers need to be sensitive to the challenges these individuals face during their employment search and on the job.

Learning Objectives:
•	Understand the psychological impact hearing loss has on late-deafened adults;
•	Apply a variety of communication strategies to recruit and retain deaf/hard of hearing workers; and
•	Identify technology and accommodations available for late-deafened adults in the workplace.

Friday, 9/18/09

11:15 AM
12:30 PM

Breakout Session: Employment Lifecycle Jaws, Dragons, & Video: What Works in Employment Accommodations

Presenter(s):
•	Kim MacDonald-Wilson, Sc.D., CRC, Co-Investigator, Disability Business Technical Assistance Center Mid-Atlantic Region
•	Ellen Fabian, Ph.D, CRC, Co-Investigator, Disability Business Technical Assistance Center Mid-Atlantic Region
•	Marian Vessels, Director, Disability Business Technical Assistance Center Mid-Atlantic Region

Discover which factors are related to the effective provision of accommodations to employees with disabilities and apply this knowledge to your own organization. Our current research provides new information on accommodations that will assist the experienced employer.

Learning Objectives:
•	Identify what works in providing employment accommodations in the workplace;
•	Apply research findings to accommodation practices; and
•	Generate effective strategies for providing accommodations to employees with disabilities.

Friday, 9/18/09

11:15 AM
12:30 PM

Breakout Session: JAN's Accommodation Solutions for Business Virtual Curb Cuts for Social Networking Venues

Presenter(s):
•	Linda Carter Batiste, J.D., Principal Consultant, Job Accommodation Network
•	Beth Loy, Ph.D., Principal Consultant, Job Accommodation Network

Participants will become familiar with ways to increase the accessibility of social networking venues, including Facebook, Twitter, Second Life, and YouTube. A review of design process and tips for implementation will be discussed.

Learning Objectives:
•	Gain a better understanding of how social networking venues can include accessibility features;
•	Learn best practices for designing online media in virtual environments; and
•	Gain knowledge about combining usability and accessibility when designing virtual content.

Friday, 9/18/09

12:45 PM
2:30 PM

USBLN® General Plenary Session on Corporate Culture (Closing Session) ADA 20 Years Later: It is Time for Change, Not More of the Same Welcoming Remarks delivered by Katherine McCary, USBLN® Conference Committee Chair

KEYNOTE:
•	Deb Dagit, Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer, Merck & Co., Inc.

As we approach the 20th anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act and take stock at what has been accomplished, we can celebrate enhanced access to transportation, education, housing, and various products and services. Our culture has evolved and has begun to more positively depict people with disabilities in society. In general, the U.S. has become a more welcoming and inclusive environment for people with disabilities in a number of regards. Unfortunately, attainment of meaningful, equitable employment, commensurate with ability, has not measurably improved despite these enabling advances. During this presentation we will examine the barriers and enablers to appropriate employment of people with disabilities including:
•	What it means to be "special"
•	Need for just in time/practical training for managers
•	Prevalence of under-employment amongst those people with disabilities who do have job
•	Opportunities and challenges of combining caregiver and people with disability issues in the workplace
•	Some innovative approaches that seem to be working
•	Including our veterans: how do we honor their service by giving them an opportunity to have meaningful/challenging work?
•	When will we be able to "come out" as people with disabilities at work?
This presentation will be thought-provoking and practical. As a person with a visible disability who has lead diversity efforts for 3 major firms over the past 18 years, Dagit's insights come from both her personal and professional experience, and her presentation will include examples that all of us can relate to as she explores the current state and future possibilities. DOWNLOAD REMARKS - [PDF] [DOC]