: Getting Community Businesses on Board

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

Thank you for the kind words. I think the best way to gain the attention of local businesses is to establish a plan with your local groups that have interest in this topic and then give companies information at multiple levels. Remember, the key here is that most businesses are not trying to exclude people with disabilities, but they have a fear of the unknown and they hear things like Target & Starbucks being sued for disability related issues and this piles on to their already established stigmas. We need to get to businesses and show them why they will WIN with an aggresive disability outreach. So, I recommend:

1) Calling your local Chamber of Commerce and asking if they may want information to pass out to members, a story for their newsletter, or to co-host an informational session on business & disability.

2) Call the offices of your local leadership (mayor, state reps, US reps) and ask if they want more information on how to educate the local business coomunity on the benefits of a disability outreach and ask them to support you moving forward.

3) Going individually to local businesses as a customer and asking about their recruiting/marketiung efforts to the disability community and being able to give them more information if they ask.

4) Going to local and state industry associations and asking them how/if they are including the disability community into their planning.

One important thing to remember is that for companies who have worked with special education or vocational rehabilitation professionals in the past, they often report a lack of follow through or "false promises" from these individuals. I think it is important to develop a packet of information and/or partnerships with your local transition program/community based organization so businesses can gain the follow-up that they need. So, if you find a manager who says, "I really want to do more outreach to the disability community" - you can give information, support, and resources to help them do just that.

I have developed a list of 20 reasons why a business should undertake an outreach effort to the disability community. This list can be tailored to each business based on their industry, size, location, and needs. The great thing here is that there are so many "benefits" to sell, but you need people who can help a company develop internal expertise and build external partners.

In a message dated 11/6/2006 6:58:43 AM Pacific Standard Time, karenthomas@... writes:

Hi . I am a mother of a 14 year old boy with Autism. You have given me hope that my son can work in the community he has lived his whole life in. I agree with your Sept. 25 posting to this group that we need to put a greater emphasis on educating the business community that hiring our children will benefit their businesses. All of the wonderful work you have done with Walgreens and other companies has proven that, with the right supports, our chilren can be successful and productive employees. Diversity and inclusion are hot topics now and many companies are more sensitive to hiring and marketing to all people in the community.How do we best do educate our local communities? I live in Naperville but this could apply to any town. Do we get the Chamber of Commerce members, Vocational teachers from the High Schools and local service providers together and show them what has been done in other businesses? Or should we get together a handout on some bullet points and talk to business owners 1 on 1? How would you recommend spreading the word?I've heard you speak at an Autism Community Connection Meeting in Naperville a couple years ago. You are very knowledgable and an engaging speaker. We need your expertise throughout the state!!! Maybe you could train us to be effective job advocates for our children in our own communities:)

[Guest guest]

Hi . I am a mother of a 14 year old boy with Autism. You have

given me hope that my son can work in the community he has lived his

whole life in. I agree with your Sept. 25 posting to this group

that we need to put a greater emphasis on educating the business

community that hiring our children will benefit their businesses.

All of the wonderful work you have done with Walgreens and other

companies has proven that, with the right supports, our chilren can

be successful and productive employees. Diversity and inclusion are

hot topics now and many companies are more sensitive to hiring and

marketing to all people in the community.

How do we best do educate our local communities? I live in

Naperville but this could apply to any town. Do we get the Chamber

of Commerce members, Vocational teachers from the High Schools and

local service providers together and show them what has been done in

other businesses? Or should we get together a handout on some

bullet points and talk to business owners 1 on 1? How would you

recommend spreading the word?

I've heard you speak at an Autism Community Connection Meeting in

Naperville a couple years ago. You are very knowledgable and an

engaging speaker. We need your expertise throughout the state!!!

Maybe you could train us to be effective job advocates for our

children in our own communities:)

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

I know of a few individuals with disabilities who work in different parts of schools - library, kitchen, the front desk- it is a great foot in the door to volunteer. What specific suggestions are you looking for?

Emmett

In a message dated 11/6/2006 12:07:37 PM Pacific Standard Time, cathynesbit@... writes:

Please forward to Emmet. Thanks

Do you know of any mentally impaired adults working in an elementary school? My daughter has been volunteering. She is 20. I would really like any suggestions you may have.

Thanks,