Discussion Guide for the Campaign for Disability Employment’s “I Can” PSA

Embed Size (px)

Citation preview

  • 8/8/2019 Discussion Guide for the Campaign for Disability Employments I Can PSA

    1/16

    Fostering CAN-Do

    Attitudes at Work

    Discussion Guide for the

    Campaign for DisabilityEmployments I Can PSA

    http://whatcanyoudocampaign.org/
  • 8/8/2019 Discussion Guide for the Campaign for Disability Employments I Can PSA

    2/16

    About theCampaign for

    Disability Employment

    The Campaign for Disability Employmentis a collaborative effort between several

    disability and business organizations thatseek to promote positive employmentoutcomes for people with disabilities byencouraging employers and others to rec-ognize the value and talent they bring tothe workplace, as well as the dividend tobe realized by fully including people withdisabilities at work.

    Partners

    American Association ofPeople with Disabilitiesaapd.com

    National Business & Disability Councilnbdc.com

    National Council of La Razanclr.org

    National Gay & LesbianChamber of Commercenglcc.org

    Society for Human Resource Managementshrm.org

    Special Olympicsspecialolympics.org

    U.S. Business Leadership Networkusbln.org

    Funding and Support

    Office of Disability Employment Policy,U.S. Department of Labor

    www.dol.gov/odep

    The Campaign for Disability Employmentisfunded under contract #DOLJ079426341

    from the Office of Disability EmploymentPolicy/U.S. Department of Labor.

    Technical assistance and support provid-ed by the Job Accommodation Network

    AskJAN.organd Disability Policy ResearchCenter at West Virginia University.

    Guide available in alternative formats.

    For more information, please visit:whatcanyoudocampaign.org

    The I Can PSA and Campaign for Disability Employmentare funded under contract #DOLJ079426341from the Office of Disability Employment Policy/U.S. Department of Labor.

    http://www.aapd.com/http://nbdc.com/http://www.nclr.org/http://nglcc.org/http://www.shrm.org/http://specialolympics.org/http://usbln.org/http://askjan.org/http://askjan.org/http://whatcanyoudocampaign.org/http://whatcanyoudocampaign.org/http://whatcanyoudocampaign.org/http://askjan.org/http://usbln.org/http://specialolympics.org/http://www.shrm.org/http://nglcc.org/http://www.nclr.org/http://nbdc.com/http://www.aapd.com/
  • 8/8/2019 Discussion Guide for the Campaign for Disability Employments I Can PSA

    3/16

  • 8/8/2019 Discussion Guide for the Campaign for Disability Employments I Can PSA

    4/16

    whatcanyoudocampaign.org Page 4

  • 8/8/2019 Discussion Guide for the Campaign for Disability Employments I Can PSA

    5/16

    whatcanyoudocampaign.org Page 5

    Because myths and stereotypes continueto create barriers to employment oppor-tunities for qualified people with disabili-ties, members of the CampaignlaunchedWhat can YOU do? a national publiceducation effort to emphasize the valueand talent people with disabilities add tobusinesses and organizations. As part ofthe Campaign, they decided to produce

    a public service announcement (PSA) fea-turing people with disabilities not actors

    who CAN and DO makevaluable contribu-

    tions to Americasworkplaces and

    economy everyday. The resultwas I Can.

    I Can features

    seven peoplewith disabilities

    sharing what theycan do on the job

    when given the opportu-nity. They represent different ages, gen-ders, ethnic backgrounds and disabilities some of which are apparent and somenot. The people in the PSA were chosen

    to reflect the diversity of skills people withdisabilities offer and to challenge com-mon misconceptions about disability andemployment.

    I Can was filmed in July 2009 at par-ticipants actual workplaces. The peoplefeatured include: Bob Boorstin, a Fortune 500 corpo-

    rate policy director Patty Rivas, a grocery store co-owner

    and manager Michael Saulter, a carpenter and

    landscaper Mat McCollough, a communications

    manager Josh Sundquist, an author and motiva-

    tional speaker Meg Krause, an Army veteran and

    public relations consultant

    Cheryl Collier, an elementary schoolteacher

    After sharing their job skills, participants re-mind viewers that at work, its what peopleCAN do that matters and ask the viewersto consider what they can do to advancedisability employment and Americas idealof equal opportunity for all.

    I Can PSA Discussion GuideIntroduction

    At work, its what people CAN do that matters. Thats the

    simple yet significant message that several leading disability

    and business organizations decided they wanted to commu-

    nicate when they joined forces to create the Campaign

    for Disability Employment.

    I Can features

    seven people

    with disabilities

    sharing what theyCAN do.

  • 8/8/2019 Discussion Guide for the Campaign for Disability Employments I Can PSA

    6/16

    whatcanyoudocampaign.org Page 6

    Suggested Use for Guide

    When it comes to doing business, anenvironment that is inclusive of people

    with disabilities in recruitment, retention

    and advancement can offer companiesa competitive edge. People with dis-abilities are experienced problem solvers

    who contribute to the development ofcreative business solutions and add valueto a business. Additionally, they representdifferent ages, genders and ethnic back-

    grounds and enhance the diversity of theworkforce. Whats more, people with dis-abilities mirror an important and expandingcustomer base.

    Everyonehas a role to play in, and ben-efits to gain from, improving employmentopportunities for people with disabilities.For this reason, the Campaign for DisabilityEmploymenthighly encourages the use ofthe I Can PSA as a tool to start a discus-sion about the benefits of fostering a workenvironment that is flexible and opento the talents ofallqualified individuals,

    including those with disabilities.

    This guide may be used to planand lead a discussion among

    employees in the workplaceor during work-relatedretreats and planningsessions. It can also be auseful tool for employeeresource groups (ERGs)

    or affinity groups to use in

    efforts to promote disabilityand diversity inclusion within

    their organizations. In addition,the I Can PSA and guide can be used tostimulate discussion among civic leadersand others involved in workforce issues,such as workforce boards and economicdevelopment councils.

    The objectives of such a discussion are toencourage people to:

    Recognize that incorrect assumptionscreate obstacles to employment suc-

    cess for people with disabilities Understand the benefits of a workenvironment inclusive of people withdisabilities

    Realize that by modeling positive andinclusive attitudes and behaviors,

    workplace leaders can play an impor-tant role in improving employment op-portunities for people with disabilities

    Planning for a

    Good Discussion

    A good discussion can take place any-where if the location is accessible to allparticipants and steps are taken to helpparticipants feel comfortable listeningand speaking without being judged. Thismeans making sure everyone has the op-portunity to contribute if they want to andencouraging participants to follow basic

    courtesies, such as taking turns to speakand respecting others comments even ifparticipants may disagree with them.

    A discussion about the I Can PSA is notmeant to be a formal training exercise.Rather, it is meant to help people thinkabout certain things more broadly spe-cifically assumptions they may make aboutpeople with disabilities. There are noright or wrong answers to any of the sug-

    gested questions included in this guide.It is not recommended that participantsbe required to take notes. However,participants might be provided with penand paper to write down any thoughtsor reactions they want to remember later.

    A discussion handout with brief informa-tion about the I Can PSA participants isincluded at the end of this guide.

    Fosteran

    environmentthat is

    flexibleandopen

    to thetalentsofall

    qualifiedindividuals.

  • 8/8/2019 Discussion Guide for the Campaign for Disability Employments I Can PSA

    7/16

    whatcanyoudocampaign.org Page 7

    When it comes to ensuring accessibility,the two main areas the leader needs toconsider are physical access to the meet-ing space and access to the discussioncontent. The discussion should take place

    at a location that is accessible to anyoneusing a wheelchair or other mobility aid(for example, there should be a rampedor level entrance to the building and ac-cess to an elevator if the meeting room isnot on the ground level), has accessiblerestrooms, and offers seating useable byall participants.

    If any print materials are used (such as therecommended PSA participant handout

    provided at the end of this guide), ver-sions in alternative formats, such as largeprint, CD or Braille, should be provided,if necessary. It is also important to deter-mine whether a sign language interpreter,realtime captioning or assistive listeningdevices are needed. Please keep in mindthat securing an interpreter, materials inBraille or other accommodations may taketime, so this should be taken into account

    when planning the discussion.

    The I Can PSA is captioned and, thus,accessible to viewers who are deaf, hardof hearing or have difficulty processingaudible information. The discussion leaderis encouraged to use the audio intro-duced version of the PSA to ensure thatthe video is accessible to viewers whoare blind or visually impaired, and also as atool to teach the importance of descrip-

    tions when showing visuals.

    Further information to assist in ensuringaccessibility of a meeting site is availableatwww.ada.gov/business/accessiblemtg.htm.

    The recommended amount of time toallow for this discussion is about 45-60

    minutes. When possible, smaller groupsare preferred in order to more easily en-courage sharing of information and askingquestions. Group size should be takeninto consideration when setting up the

    meeting room. For example, circle stylemight work better for a small group (5-15people) while classroom style might workbetter for a larger group (15-30+).

    Materials Checklist

    ; Access to I Can PSA on DVD or viawhatcanyoudocampaign.org

    ; Audio/visual equipment (DVD player,computer, speakers, projector, exten-sion cords, etc.)

    ; Copies of recommended handoutincluded as page 14 in this guide

    ; Whiteboard or flipchart and markers; Blank paper and pens or pencils forgroup participants

    Discussion leaders new to the conceptspresented in this guide may want toreview information about recruiting andhiring people with disabilities, as well as

    basics of disability etiquette, prior to thediscussion. Relevant sources of informa-tion include:

    EARNWorks Fact Sheet, Focus onAbility: Interviewing Applicants withDisabilities: http://www.earnworks.com/docs/FactSheets/Employer/FS-ER-InterviewTips.pdf?article_id=2

    EARNWorks Fact Sheet, Creating a

    Welcoming Workplace for People withDisabilities: http://www.earnworks.com/docs/FactSheets/Employer/FS-ER-

    Welcoming.pdf

    Job Accommodation Network (JAN)Fact Sheet, Disability Etiquette Tips forSpeaking Engagements: http://askjan.org/media/disetispeakingfact.doc

    http://www.ada.gov/business/accessiblemtg.htmhttp://www.ada.gov/business/accessiblemtg.htmhttp://www.ada.gov/business/accessiblemtg.htmhttp://www.ada.gov/business/accessiblemtg.htmhttp://whatcanyoudocampaign.org/http://www.earnworks.com/docs/FactSheets/Employer/FS-ER-InterviewTips.pdf?article_id=2http://www.earnworks.com/docs/FactSheets/Employer/FS-ER-InterviewTips.pdf?article_id=2http://www.earnworks.com/docs/FactSheets/Employer/FS-ER-InterviewTips.pdf?article_id=2http://www.earnworks.com/docs/FactSheets/Employer/FS-ER-InterviewTips.pdf?article_id=2http://www.earnworks.com/docs/FactSheets/Employer/FS-ER-Welcoming.pdfhttp://www.earnworks.com/docs/FactSheets/Employer/FS-ER-Welcoming.pdfhttp://www.earnworks.com/docs/FactSheets/Employer/FS-ER-Welcoming.pdfhttp://www.earnworks.com/docs/FactSheets/Employer/FS-ER-Welcoming.pdfhttp://askjan.org/media/disetispeakingfact.dochttp://askjan.org/media/disetispeakingfact.dochttp://askjan.org/media/disetispeakingfact.dochttp://whatcanyoudocampaign.org/http://askjan.org/media/disetispeakingfact.dochttp://www.earnworks.com/docs/FactSheets/Employer/FS-ER-Welcoming.pdfhttp://www.earnworks.com/docs/FactSheets/Employer/FS-ER-InterviewTips.pdf?article_id=2http://www.ada.gov/business/accessiblemtg.htm
  • 8/8/2019 Discussion Guide for the Campaign for Disability Employments I Can PSA

    8/16

    whatcanyoudocampaign.org Page 8

    JAN Fact Sheet, Disability Etiquette inthe Workplace: http://askjan.org/media/employmentetifact.doc

    National Disability and Business Council

    Disability Etiquette Online Presenta-tion: https://admin.na6.acrobat.com/_a203284292/disabilityetiquette

    Office of Disability Employment Policy(ODEP) Fact Sheet, Effective Interac-tion: Communicating With and AboutPeople with Disabilities:http://www.dol.gov/odep/pubs/fact/effectiveinteraction.htm

    Facilitating the Discussion:

    Suggested Leaders Guide

    Below is a suggested script and structurethe discussion leader may follow to facili-tate a conversation among employees orothers about the I Can PSA. Please notethat the discussion leader is not requiredto follow this script. Rather, the suggesteddiscussion is meant to serve as a guideto assist in moving the conversation for-

    ward, if necessary. If the conversationprogresses naturally without participantsneeding to be prompted, then there is noneed to stick to the script, but the ques-tions may be helpful in directing the groupdiscussion. The discussion leader shouldpay attention to the conversation to deter-mine when more or less direction may beneeded.

    Before Showing the I Can PSA

    Group Leader:Introduce yourself and

    invite others to do the same.

    Were here today to talk about the impor-tance of welcoming the talents and skillsof all people in the workplace, includingpeople with disabilities. Every day, peo-ple with disabilities add significant valueto Americas workplaces and economy.

    Their skills and talents benefit businessesof all sizes and in all industries. They areentrepreneurs, innovators and communityleaders. However, in good economictimes or bad, people with disabilities still

    have far fewer job opportunities thanthose without.

    Before we get too involved in our discus-sion, I would like to make it clear that thisis not a formal training exercise and thereare no wrong answers to any questions Imight ask. Rather, were going to discusssome important issues about work andthe way we think about and treat oth-ers. In this spirit, please use respect andlisten to others. Everyone is encouragedto contribute to our discussion by takingturns and listening respectfully to whateach member of the group has to say.

    Now, as I mentioned, were here to talkabout the importance of having a work-place that is open to all qualified individu-als including people with disabilities.Disability is part of the natural diversity of

    life and touches all of us, whether throughour own individual experience or thatof a family member, neighbor, friend orcolleague. As a result, we all have a rolein and benefit to gain from advancingequality for people with disabilities in allsectors of society. As with other forms ofdiversity, experience with disability

    Welcomethe

    talentsand skills

    ofallpeople.

    http://askjan.org/media/employmentetifact.dochttp://askjan.org/media/employmentetifact.dochttp://askjan.org/media/employmentetifact.dochttps://admin.na6.acrobat.com/_a203284292/disabilityetiquettehttps://admin.na6.acrobat.com/_a203284292/disabilityetiquettehttps://admin.na6.acrobat.com/_a203284292/disabilityetiquettehttp://www.dol.gov/odep/pubs/fact/effectiveinteraction.htmhttp://www.dol.gov/odep/pubs/fact/effectiveinteraction.htmhttp://www.dol.gov/odep/pubs/fact/effectiveinteraction.htmhttps://admin.na6.acrobat.com/_a203284292/disabilityetiquettehttp://askjan.org/media/employmentetifact.doc
  • 8/8/2019 Discussion Guide for the Campaign for Disability Employments I Can PSA

    9/16

    whatcanyoudocampaign.org Page 9

    Group Leader:Share a skill or talent. The

    types of statements that might be appro-

    priate include:

    I can manage a staff.

    I can help customers.I can meet deadlines.I can multi-task.I can write.I can use computers.I can help people stay healthy.

    What can YOU do?

    Group Leader:Encourage each partici-

    pant to share something.

    Now Id like to introduce you to a fewother people and what THEY can do. Payattention to what the people in this videohave to say.

    Group Leader:Share PSA participant

    handout and show I Can PSA. May want

    to dim lights during showing.

    After Showing the I Can PSA

    First, Id like to ask what are

    your reactions to the video?

    What did you like about it? What

    didnt you like?

    Group Leader:Allow a few minutes for

    general responses.

    Now, Id like to tell you more about eachof the people in that video. There wereseven people altogether, and they are allpeople with disabilities, not actors playingroles. Eachof them has a disability. Someof their disabilities are visible, for instance,the woman who uses a wheelchair. Butothers are not.

    can offer varied perspectives on how toconfront challenges and achieve success,

    whether at home, school or work.

    Id like you to think for a minuteabout someone you know who has

    a disability. Do they work? Do they goto school? Do you think about their

    opportunities for employment differ-

    ently than you may others opportuni-

    ties? Do you think others do? Im notasking you to share this information, but

    just to think about it for a moment.

    Group Leader:Allow a few seconds for

    reflection.

    What do you think happens

    when people make assumptions

    about what a person can or cant do?

    Again, Im not asking you to share this outloud, but just to think about it.

    Every day, people with disabilities CAN

    and DO add significant value to Americasworkplaces and economy. Their skills andtalents benefit businesses of all sizes andin all industries. But despite the achieve-ments of many talented individuals withdisabilities, negative stereotypes aboutdisability and employment persist. Manyof these stereotypes exist because somepeople focus only on what someone witha disability cant do. But at work, its really

    what people CAN do that matters.

    Before we move on, lets talk a little about

    what each of us can do. Specifically, Idlike to invite you to share one of your skills.

    This skill could be related to your currentjob or your previous work experience, ormaybe a skill you hope to use in a job. Illstart.

    ?

    ?

    ?

    ?

  • 8/8/2019 Discussion Guide for the Campaign for Disability Employments I Can PSA

    10/16

    whatcanyoudocampaign.org Page 10

    Meet the I Can PSA

    Participants

    The first person was Bob Boorstin, whosaid,I can

    solve difficultproblems for aFortune 500company.Bob is anexecutive for

    the company Google and a formerspeechwriter for a U.S. president. Heearned a degree from Harvard University.Bob has bi-polar disorder, a mental health

    condition. Bob feels key factors in hiscareer success have been taking care ofhimself and understanding how to managehis condition.

    The woman who said, I can run a suc-cessful business is named Patty Rivas.

    Patty co-ownsand manages a

    grocery store.She holds a

    mastersdegree insocial work

    and worked as a social worker beforebecoming an entrepreneur. She decidedto join members of her family in openingthe grocery store because she thought itseemed like an exciting challenge andliked the idea of being her own boss.Patty also has paraplegia. Patty says the bigfactor in her career success has beensupport and encouragement from herfamily and friends.

    The man who said, I can manage yourhome im-provements isnamed

    Michael

    Saulter.Michael is alandscaper

    and carpenter. Since the time he wasyoung, he always enjoyed building thingsand so Michael chose this line of work

    with this interest and skill in mind. Michaelhas an intellectual disability that impacts hisreading and writing. He says his disability

    wasnt a factor when deciding what job topursue, but that he has had to develop

    different ways to make sure he under-stands his customers needs. He sayseven though he works with his hands,comprehension and communication skillsare an important part of the job.

    Mat McCollough is the man who said,I can publi-cize yourmessage. Matis a communi-cations direc-tor for anoffice within a

    large city government. His job involves alot of writing, working with the press andstrategic planning with city leaders. Mathas an undergraduate degree in politicalscience and a masters in public adminis-tration. His first professional job was as a

    grants manager. Mat has cerebral palsy

    and uses crutches tohelp him walk.His speech isalso impact-ed by hiscerebralpalsy.

    I CAN

    add value

    to your

    workplace.

  • 8/8/2019 Discussion Guide for the Campaign for Disability Employments I Can PSA

    11/16

    whatcanyoudocampaign.org Page 11

    The woman who said, I can put my mili-tary experience to work for your

    company isMeg Krause.Meg is an

    Army reservist.She servedtwo tours ofduty in the Iraq

    war as an Army medic. When she re-turned, she earned her degree and today

    works as a public relations consultant. Hereducation was supported by the GI Bill,

    which helps active service members andveterans pursue higher education. Meghas post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

    Meg says the key to not letting PTSDprevent her from succeeding on the job iseffective communication with her employ-er and co-workers.

    The man who said, I can motivate youraudience isnamedJoshSundquist.

    Josh is amotivationalspeaker andbest-selling

    author who earned an undergraduatedegree from the College of William andMary and masters degree from the Univer-sity of Southern California. He is also askier who competed in the 2006 Paralym-pics in Italy. Josh has one leg. His left leg

    was amputated due to cancer when hewas nine years old. He got started speak-

    ing after hearing a motivational speaker atschool and realizing that his experiencesmight also help others confront challengesin their lives.

    The woman who said, I can teach yourchildren isCheryl Collier,an elementaryschool teacher

    who is deaf.Cheryl teachesat the Mary-

    land School for the Deaf and uses signlanguage to communicate with her stu-dents and others. She went into teachingbecause she has always liked working with

    young children. When not in her class-room, Cheryl provides mentoring andsupport to middle school students as a

    volleyball coach.

    Challenging Assumptions

    Each person in the video shared whatthey can do when given the opportunity what they can do on the job. But theyalso said some statements that go beyondtheir skills and talents. These statements

    were:

    I can boost your bottom line I can add value to your workplace I can be a loyal and productive

    employee

    What do you think these state-

    ments mean?

    Group Leader:Allow a few minutes for

    general responses.

    What are some of the ways you

    think organizations can benefit

    from the talents and perspectives of

    people with disabilities?

    Group Leader:Allow a few minutes for

    ?

    ?

  • 8/8/2019 Discussion Guide for the Campaign for Disability Employments I Can PSA

    12/16

    whatcanyoudocampaign.org Page 12

    general responses. You could mention

    that people with disabilities often have

    new and creative approaches to solving

    problems and accomplishing tasks.

    In the video, we also heard the peoplefeatured say they cant put their skills to

    work:

    If Im not given the opportunity If you dont recognize my talents and

    ability If you dont hire me If you dont have an open mind and a

    workplace that is open to everyone If you dont realize that America works

    best when EVERYBODY works

    Why do you think someone

    might not give a person with a

    disability an opportunity whether

    that opportunity is a job or anything

    else?

    Group Leader:Allow a few minutes for

    responses.

    What do you think hap-

    pens when people make

    assumptions about

    what a person can

    or cant do?

    Group Leader:

    Allow a few minutes

    for responses.

    In some circumstances,denying someone with

    a disability an opportunitymay be illegal. There are laws in

    place to protect people from discrimina-tion based on disability. One of the most

    well known and wide reaching of these

    laws is the Americans with Disabilities Act(ADA). The ADA was enacted to make

    Americas communities and workplacesfully accessible to people with disabilities.

    Were you surprised by the type

    of job some of the people in the

    video have? Why?

    Group Leader:Allow a few minutes for

    responses.

    Can you think of people with

    known disabilities who are in

    careers or jobs that you might notexpect?

    Group Leader:For example, President

    Franklin D. Roosevelt, 32nd President of

    the United States, was a polio survivor and

    used a wheelchair; Stevie Wonder, award

    winning singer-songwriter, is blind; former

    Major League Baseball pitcher Jim Abbott,

    who pitched for several Major League

    teams, has one hand; Aimee Mullins,athlete, actress and model, had both legs

    amputated below the knees when she

    was a child; Steve Jobs, co-founder and

    chief executive officer of Apple and previ-

    ously Pixar Animation Studios, has dyslexia;

    and Robert David Hall, an actor known for

    his role as Dr. Albert Robbins on the show

    CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, has two

    prosthetic legs.

    How can changing what we

    assume about what people

    CAN do impact others successes and

    failures?

    Group Leader:Allow a few minutes for

    responses.

    ?

    ?

    ?

    How can changing

    what we assumeabout what people

    CAN do impact

    others successesand failures?

    ?

  • 8/8/2019 Discussion Guide for the Campaign for Disability Employments I Can PSA

    13/16

    whatcanyoudocampaign.org Page 13

    Conclusion

    As the people in the I Can PSA said,when it comes to work, its what peopleCAN do that matters. As an organization

    or business, we need to focus on howpeoples talents and skills come togetherto help us all succeed at work. Work isimportant to everyone, not just a businessor employer, and means more than just apaycheck. Having a job or a career meansbeing able to make your own choicesabout how you want to live your life. Theright to work and be recognized for youraccomplishments is an important aspectof Americas ideal of equality and oppor-tunity for all.

    I hope todays discussion will help youthink more about the many things YOUcan do, not just in your everyday life andactivities, but also in the way you treat andinteract with other people. By recogniz-ing, respecting and welcoming the skillsand talents each person has, YOU can playan important role in sharing the message

    that its what people CAN do that matters.

    Everyone has a role to play infostering inclusive attitudes in the

    workplace. When we leave here, whatis one positive thing you can do in

    your workplace to share this can-do

    message and make a difference?

    Group Leader:Allow a few minutes for

    each participant to respond. Considercapturing participants responses on a flip

    chart.

    The video we saw is calledI Can and was created by theCampaign for Disability Employment apartnership of leading disability and busi-ness organizations, funded by the Officeof Disability Employment Policy, U.S. De-partment of Labor. Its easy for everyoneto help drive positive change by partici-pating in the Campaign. For example, the

    Campaignmaintains a website,whatcanyoudocampaign.org, that includespractical information about disabilityemployment efforts and provides the op-portunity for employers to share positiveemployment experiences and best prac-tices. Please visit the site to learn moreabout the importance of welcoming thetalents and skills ofallpeople in the work-place.

    As an organization, we are proud to sup-port the Campaign for Disability Employ-mentand commit to workplace policiesand practices that promote equality andfull access for people with disabilities.

    Group Leader:Thank everyone for par-

    ticipating and share with participants any

    information about diversity and/or disabili-

    ty-oriented initiatives within your organiza-

    tion. Examples of such initiatives include

    corporate policy statements on disability,

    employee resource groups (ERGs) or affin-

    ity groups related to disability, and

    centralized accommodation units.

    ?

    What will YOU do

    to help spread the

    message that at

    work, its what

    people CAN do

    that matters?

  • 8/8/2019 Discussion Guide for the Campaign for Disability Employments I Can PSA

    14/16

    whatcanyoudocampaign.org Page 14

    At work, its what people CAN do that matters. People with disabilities CANand DO make important contributions to Americas workplaces and economy.

    The I Can public service announcement (PSA) introduces us to seven peoplewith disabilities not actors playing roles showing what they can do onthe job when given the opportunity.

    What Can YOU Do?

    I can solve difficult problems for a Fortune 500 company.-Bob Boorstin

    Bob is a corporate policy director for technology provider, Google.As one of the millions of Americans living with bi-polar disorder,he works to reduce the stigma associated with mental health conditions.

    I can run a successful business.

    -Patty Rivas

    Patty, who uses a wheelchair, co-owns and manages a grocery store.Her customers evaluate her on her ability - not her disability.

    I can manage your home improvements.

    -Michael Saulter

    Michael owns a successful landscaping and carpentry business.He also has an intellectual disability that impacts his reading and writing.

    I can publicize your message.

    -Mat McCollough

    Mat McCollough has a challenging career as a communications manager.

    Every day, Mat, who has cerebral palsy, puts his talent and skills to workfor his employer, the Government of the District of Columbia.

    I can motivate your audience.

    -Josh Sundquist

    Josh is a motivational speaker, author and business owner.Joshs left leg was amputated due to cancer when he was nine years old.

    I can put my military experience to work for your company.

    -Meg Krause

    Meg is a public relations consultant and Army veteran. She has not let herpost-traumatic stress disorder prevent her fromsucceeding on the job.

    I can teach your children.

    -Cheryl Collier

    Cheryl, a teacher who is deaf, proves everyday that at work, its what people CAN dothat matters.

    Meet

    the

    ICanPSA

    Participants

    http://whatcanyoudocampaign.org/http://whatcanyoudocampaign.org/http://whatcanyoudocampaign.org/http://whatcanyoudocampaign.org/http://whatcanyoudocampaign.org/
  • 8/8/2019 Discussion Guide for the Campaign for Disability Employments I Can PSA

    15/16

    whatcanyoudocampaign.org Page 15

    www.wha tcanyoudocampa ign .org

    View theI Can PSA atwhatcanyoudocampaign.org.

  • 8/8/2019 Discussion Guide for the Campaign for Disability Employments I Can PSA

    16/16

    The Campaign for Disability Employment is funded under contract #DOLJ079426341 from the Ofce of Disability Employment Policy/U.S. Department of Labor.

    http://askjan.org/http://nglcc.org/http://www.nclr.org/http://whatcanyoudocampaign.org/http://www.usbln.org/http://www.shrm.org/Pages/default.aspxhttp://www.dol.gov/odep/http://www.specialolympics.org/http://nbdc.com/index.aspxhttp://www.aapd.com/site/c.pvI1IkNWJqE/b.5406299/k.FBCC/Spotlight.htm