Thank you for attending the 2022 Employment Symposium!
Dr. Sarah Andreas, Keynote Speaker
Registration by Boots on the Ground Productions
State of Wyoming Treasurer, Curt Meier
Exhibitor: Wyoming Independent Living
To view all images from the Symposium, please click the link below:
Bright Star Outstanding Employer Award 2022
The Bright Star Award for Outstanding Employer recognizes the important role organizations play in employing people with disabilities. This award is presented to companies or employers successful in demonstrating inclusive culture within their organization, empowering people with disabilities, and providing opportunity for growth and choice within the business.
The award is given to businesses/employers who have a direct impact on the lives of people with disabilities, is inclusive, maintains best practice, and has exhibited the strongest commitment to support the full and active participation of employing individuals with a disability within the company. Award winners from previous year(s) are ineligible.
Please click here for the Nomination Form
2022 Schedule
Tentative Agenda 2022.pdfEmployment Symposium, 2022
The Employment Symposium 2022 will focus on information surrounding employee retention and inclusivity in the workplace. This symposium is designed for managers/HR professionals, and Direct Support Professionals (DSP’s) including job coaches to discover effective ways to deliver people-focused retention, employee engagement, and inclusive employment for all.
Registration has ended for 2022. Check back in the fall of 2023!
For more information about the Symposium, please contact Aleyta: aleyta.zimmerman@wyo.gov or call 307-777-3339.
Sarah Andreas Intro.mp4
To view the videos from the October 1st, 2021 Symposium, visit https://forms.gle/2utFWKEik6R3Gxiz6
Click the logo above to learn more about Employment First in Wyoming!
Employment First became a Wyoming state policy in 2014. It states that competitive and integrated employment will be the first priority and preferred outcome when providing services to people with disabilities for all working age citizens with disabilities, regardless of level of disability. Employment First applies to a wide variety of services and programs that provide support to people with disabilities, their families, and employers.
Employment First Activities - October, 2020
The Wyoming Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities (WGCDD) in conjunction with the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) and Wyoming Association for People Supporting Employment First (WYAPSE) will be disseminated Employment First Information throughout the month of October!
What was covered:
Two Live Zoom Presentations:
Rocky Mountain ADA Rocky Mountain ADA: Supporting Employment. An overview of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) geared specifically towards employers. A robust Q&A occurred. CLICK HERE to view post presentation information, including attendance and demographic information, and feedback.
Panel Discussion: De-escalation Techniques for Employers and Employees Workplace conflict cant always be avoided, unfortunately. No matter how great your place of work is or how strong of a leader you are, a conflict can arise which may require de-escalating. In this discussion, panelists will examine what de-escalation looks like in the workplace for employers and employees, and review some helpful tips on maintaining a safe work environment, creating a culture of safety, and successful customer service. CLICK HERE to view post presentation information, including attendance and demographic information, and feedback.
Week of 10/1/2020- 10/2/2020:
Governor Mark Gordon Kickoff Video - This video is currently unavailable.
Week of 10/5/2020- 10/9/2020:
WHY YOU SHOULD HIRE SOMETHING WITH A DISABILITY- CLICK HERE to view the article.
NDEAM PANEL DISCUSSION HOSTED BY APSE (National Association for People Supporting Employment First) - CLICK HERE to view the video.
WYOMING DEPARTMENT OF WORKFORCE SERVICES, VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION- DVR 101 - CLICK HERE to view the video.
2020 SPECIAL REPORT: WORKERS WITH DISABILITIES IN THE COVID ECONOMY - CLICK HERE to view the article.
Week of 10/12/2020- 10/16/2020:
ROCKY MOUNTAIN ADA VIDEOS AND MATERIALS - CLICK HERE to view the article.
EARN'S MENTAL HEATH TOOLKIT: RESOURCES FOR FORSTERING A MENTALLY HEALTHY WORKPLACE - CLICK HERE to view the article.
WYOMING DEPARTMENT OF WORKFORCE SERVICES, VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION - SUCCES STORIES - CLICK HERE to view the video.
RESPECT ABILITY - PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES TWICE AS LIKELY TO BE EMPLOYED IN SOME STATES AS OTHERS - CLICK HERE To view the article.
Week of 10/19/2020- 10/23/2020:
WYOMING DEPARTMENT OF WORKFORCE SERVICES, VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION - WOTC VIDEO - CLICK HERE to view the video.
JOB ACCOMODATION NETWORK (JAN) PUBLICATIONS AND ARTICLES. - CLICK HERE to view the website's specific page dedicated to publications and articles.
THE CENTER FOR WORK ETHIC DEVELOPMENT - WHAT IS WORK READINESS VIDEO - CLICK HERE to view the video.
Week of 10/26/2020- 10/30/2020:
WYABLE VIDEO ON WYOMING'S ACHEIVING A BETTER LIFE EXPERIENCE (ABLE) POWERED THROUGH STABLE PROGRAM - CLICK HERE to view the article.
EMOTIONAL ERGONOMICS: THE PRICE OFMAKING A LIVING SHOULD BE YOUR LIFE BY RICHARD PIMENTEL- CLICK HERE to view the article
NATIONAL COUNCIL ON DISABILITY 2020 PROJGRESS REPORT ON NATIONAL DISABILITY POLICY: INCREASING DISABILITY EMPLOYMENT - CLICK HERE to view the report.
ACCOMODATIONS FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR - CLICK HERE to view the article.
THE ART OF DISBAILING YOUR DISABILTY BY RICHARD PIMENTEL - CLICK HERE to view the article.
WORKING WITH PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES INA JOB PLACEMENT/JOB RETENTION ENVIRONMENT BY RICHARD PIMENTEL -CLICK HERE to view the article.
RESOURCES FOR EMPLOYERS TO ENSURE THEIR RECRUITMENT AND HRIING PRACTICES ARE INCLUSIVE FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES - CLICK HERE to view the article.
CLICK HERE to view additional programmatic information on the monthlong posts, videos, resources, and information.
Employment First Summit 2019 Photos
Employment First Summit, 2018
Employment First Summit, 2018
Employment First Summit, 2018
Employment First Summit, 2018
Employment First Proclamation
Governor Mead, Proclamation signing for Employment First, 2018
Patrons supporting Employment First, 2018
Wyoming Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities members, 2018
Additional Resources :
Employment First became a Wyoming state policy in 2014. It says that competitive and integrated employment will be the first and preferred option for people with disabilities receiving assistance from publicly funded systems. Employment First applies to a wide variety of services and programs that provide support to people with disabilities . Visit their website for information, resources, and to learn more about programs available throughout the state.
The Wyoming Department of Workforce Services - Vocational Rehabilitation Division can provide only those services which are necessary for eligible individuals to reach the employment goal agreed to in the Individualized Plan for Employment. Visit their website to learn more today. You can also check out their Facebook page by CLICKING HERE .The Job Accommodation Network (JAN) is the leading source of free, expert, and confidential guidance on workplace accommodations and disability employment issues. Working toward practical solutions that benefit both employer and employee, JAN helps people with disabilities enhance their employability, and shows employers how to capitalize on the value and talent that people with disabilities add to the workplace
APSE is the only national, non-profit membership organization dedicated to Employment First, a vision that all people with disabilities have a right to competitive employment in an inclusive workforce. People with disabilities should not work sequestered in sheltered workshops, earning only pennies an hour. We want people with disabilities to enjoy the company of a wide range of coworkers, an opportunity for greater financial independence, and the ability to contribute to the economy. We provide our members with the tools, opportunities, and timely information needed to take action and build better workplaces through work with policymakers and employers. APSE is the national voice on workplace inclusion.
Wyoming has a Chapter! To learn more about the Wyoming Chapter, CLICK HERE.
The Job Accommodation Network (JAN) is the leading source of free, expert, and confidential guidance on workplace accommodations and disability employment issues. Working toward practical solutions that benefit both employer and employee, JAN helps people with disabilities enhance their employability, and shows employers how to capitalize on the value and talent that people with disabilities add to the workplace .