Inclusive Hiring Strategies – Part One: Action Plan to Hire and Retain People with Different Abilities

Approved for 1.50 SHRM Professional Development Credits. Philly SHRM is recognized by SHRM to offer Professional Development Credits (PDCs) for SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP. For more information about certification or re-certification, visit www.shrmcertification.org.

Workforce Readiness Webinar

Hiring people with different abilities fosters a culture that is rich with diversity of thought, different approaches to work, innovation, and creativity. In fact, companies that adopt an inclusive culture see higher productivity, profit margins and retention rates. How can HR and business leaders put diversity, equity, and inclusion into practice and at the forefront of enterprise and employee’s needs? This two-part workshop supports HR professionals on the DEI journey and offers insights and proven strategies to support DEI efforts.  In part one, Participants will have an opportunity to learn from experienced professionals who can help ideate create the beginning of an action plan that participants can actively work on over 90 days.  In April we will have an opportunity to regroup and share our experiences while hearing from some actual candidates about what their experience has been like.

Workshop learning outcomes:

• Understand the opportunities and benefits of hiring people with different abilities
• Learn the foundational components of a DEI action plan framework that focuses on different abilities
• Gain support by educating your organizational leaders and colleagues
• Receive practical strategies to hire and retain talent who have different abilities
• Hear insights and learn about industry professionals’ and employee own experiences

Part Two: April 6th. More details coming soon!

Meet our Virtual Host and Moderator:

Kena Sears-Brown

Dawn Bruno

Panelists: 

Ali Flukes
Assistant Director of College Support
Kinney Center for Autism Education and Support Saint Joseph’s University

Ali is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Pennsylvania.  Her background is in providing evidence-based therapy to individuals, groups, and families in the Philadelphia area in a variety of school, special education, and community mental health settings, and she has a particular passion for working with individuals on the autism spectrum.  At the Kinney Center, Ali works with the ASPIRE team as an assistant director for college support where she supports college students in strengthening their executive functioning and social competency skills as they navigate life on and off campus.

Mary Ann Newell, M.S., LPC, NCC
Assistant Director of College Support
Kinney Center for Autism Education and Support Saint Joseph’s University

Mary Ann is an educator and clinician who has been supporting students with autism spectrum disorder in various capacities for over ten years. As part of the ASPIRE team, she helps students navigate the challenges of university life and to increase their academic and social competence. Additionally, she teaches a career readiness course, coordinates supported internships for students with partner sites, and helps students obtain employment after graduation. Mary Ann specializes in supporting organizations in creating a more neuro-inclusive environment, and works to train businesses looking to start their own Neurodiversity at Work initiatives. Mary Ann has received extensive training in the areas of play and relationship-based therapy, assessment and support of individuals on the spectrum, and in the treatment of trauma.

Mary Ann received her bachelor’s degree in psychology from West Chester University and her master’s degree in clinical counseling from Chestnut Hill College. She is a Nationally Certified Counselor as well as a Licensed Professional Counselor in Pennsylvania.