Disability Inclusion and Accommodation in the Workplace

Eric Pines
Disability Inclusion and Accommodation in the Workplace

According to the World Health Organization, 1.6 billion people in the world presently have a significant disability. That’s around 1 in 6 people living with a medical condition that potentially affects their ability to perform the essential functions of their position if they are members of the workforce.[1] Disabled employees often face obstacles that prevent them from performing their desired or obtained job completely. When working without proper accommodation, it also reduces their productivity in the workforce, harming their employers. Sadly, a significant number of employers and job opportunities fail to adequately accommodate them, resulting in a substantial gap in productivity or inability to work at all. This not only hinders businesses from accessing the finest talents but deprives disabled individuals of the most fitting career prospects that align with their abilities. Discover solutions on Disability Inclusion and Accommodation in the Workplace, a podcast uniting disabled individuals, employers, HR officers, and legal experts. This podcast is the ultimate guide to advocating for accessibility. Empower yourself to assert your needs and let your employers provide the necessary support to enhance your productivity, regardless of personal difficulties. Empower your business by assisting your disabled employees with accommodations they need for a productive work environment. For employers, consider this a guide to creating an inclusive workplace where all feel welcome. Learn to make employees comfortable and valued while ensuring compliance with employment laws. Gain insights from industry leaders in the United States and worldwide as they share inclusive approaches implemented in their professional setups. This show delves into the crucial role of HR officers in shaping workplace culture; enhance your knowledge of creating an inclusive hiring and onboarding process. Explore the most effective approaches to attract and recruit talented individuals with disabilities for your team. This podcast caters to lawyers who specialize or work on legal matters related to workplace compliance. Keep abreast of the most recent updates and changes in corporate and business law that impact disabled employees. Esteemed host Eric Pines brings a wealth of experience as a labor and employment attorney. His practice focuses on representing United States federal employees who require reasonable accommodation and/or disability retirement. Mr. Pines is in-house counsel for the largest federal employee labor union representing employees at the Social Security Administration, the V.A., and all other federal agencies. With a strong background in collective bargaining, fighting disability discrimination under the ADA/Rehabilitation Act of 1973, assisting with reasonable accommodation, mediation and dispute resolution, Eric possesses exceptional skills to navigate the intricacies of workplace dynamics. What distinguishes Eric is his professional expertise and his personal connections. Having close family members with disabilities, he is driven by a profound passion to empower employees and employers in fostering inclusive workplaces. Eric believes in providing people with the opportunity to showcase their abilities and thrive in a fair and fulfilling work environment. Eric draws from his expertise as a Federal Employee Mediator at the Library of Congress, ensuring well-rounded, captivating, and enlightening discussions. It is crucial to create a workplace environment free from discrimination and belittlement towards disabled employees. They demonstrate that their circumstances do not hinder them from pursuing fulfilling careers or contributing valuable skills. They exhibit remarkable talents and abilities, defeating significant challenges in life while undoing social barriers and overcoming career obstacles. Listen to Disability Inclusion in the Workplace at www.pinesfederal.com.

  1. 11/15/2024

    How HR Tech Makes A Difference For Diversity And Inclusion With Charley Zuidinga

    In this episode of the Disability Inclusion and Accommodation in the Workplace podcast, Eric Pines interviews Charley Zuidinga, CEO and co-founder of Qualee Technology, to explore how businesses can foster inclusivity for employees with disabilities. Charley shares his journey from Formula 1 racing to HR technology, bringing valuable insights into using technology to enhance diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace. Listeners will learn how Qualee Technology’s innovative platform collects real-time data to empower organizations with actionable insights, allowing them to swiftly respond to employee needs, promote inclusivity, and ensure everyone, including employees with disabilities, feels supported and valued. Charley discusses the importance of leveraging HR technology to create workplaces where employees of all backgrounds feel comfortable and accommodated. Qualee Technology’s platform offers a unique approach to inclusion, combining AI and employee engagement surveys to identify areas for improvement and address issues like unconscious bias, accessibility, and equitable advancement opportunities. Through real-time analysis, Qualee enables companies to make informed, data-driven decisions that transform workplace culture and improve employee retention and satisfaction, particularly for individuals needing reasonable accommodations. For organizations striving to improve disability inclusion and accommodation, Charley’s insights provide a practical roadmap to creating a more inclusive work environment. This episode delves into the critical role of AI in streamlining feedback, allowing HR teams to quickly assess and address inclusivity challenges. With a global team across five continents, Charley brings a multicultural perspective to the conversation, underscoring the value of diversity in shaping a forward-thinking workplace culture. Join Eric and Charley as they discuss actionable strategies to enhance disability inclusion, foster equity, and create lasting positive change for employees across industries.

    16 min
  2. 07/19/2024

    Amanda McDonald Of Unbound Disability Claims

    In this episode of "Disability Inclusion and Accommodation in the Workplace," host Eric Pines, a seasoned attorney with over two decades of experience, engages in a compelling conversation with Amanda McDonald, co-founder of Unbound Disability Claims. Amanda shares her personal journey with severe PTSD and how it fueled her passion for helping others navigate the complex Social Security disability system. Unbound Disability Claims assists applicants with Social Security disability applications, appeals, and post-entitlement issues, striving to reduce the average two-year wait time for approvals. Amanda's innovative platform, inspired by TurboTax, simplifies the application process through guided online interviews and comprehensive evidence collection, boasting an impressive 89% approval rate. Amanda’s story highlights the significant challenges and systemic issues within the disability claims process. Her dedication to transforming her hardships into a mission to support others is both inspiring and instructive. This episode delves into the intricacies of Social Security disability evaluations, the differences between federal employee disability retirement and Social Security disability, and the broader implications for creating inclusive work environments. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on the insights shared and consider how they can contribute to fostering inclusivity and understanding within their workplaces. For more information and to access valuable resources, visit Pines Federal. Books Discussed in the Episode:  Go for No Mindset: The New Psychology of Success

    26 min
  3. 07/05/2024

    Ted Drake Of Intuit And How Businesses Can Make Accommodations

    In this episode of "Disability Inclusion and Accommodation in the Workplace," host Eric Pines engages in a compelling discussion with Ted Drake, the Global Accessibility Leader at Intuit. Ted shares his journey into accessibility, starting from his early days in web development, where making websites accessible was a key requirement, to his impactful roles at Yahoo and Intuit. He emphasizes the importance of building products that cater to the needs of people with disabilities and how involving customers in the design process leads to better, more inclusive solutions. Ted explains the concept of accessibility in digital products, describing features like reduced motion for individuals with vestibular disabilities and how Intuit has open-sourced solutions to help other developers create accessible experiences. He also talks about the significance of understanding and respecting user preferences in accessibility, and how modern devices have built-in features to support diverse needs. Throughout the conversation, Ted underscores the transformative power of inclusive design and the ongoing efforts to create environments that are welcoming and accommodating for everyone. He shares insights into his work with various accessibility initiatives, including his involvement with TechnoLawmakers and the development of innovative solutions for people with disabilities. Eric Pines and Ted Drake discuss the legal aspects of accessibility, the role of reasonable accommodations in the workplace, and the importance of intersectionality in understanding and addressing the unique challenges faced by individuals with multiple marginalized identities. This episode is a valuable resource for employers, HR professionals, and anyone interested in creating inclusive workplaces that empower individuals with disabilities to thrive. Tune in to gain insights and practical tips on fostering a more inclusive and equitable work environment. Learn More Here: www.pinesfederal.com

    23 min
  4. 06/21/2024

    Executive Function Coaching: Supporting Individuals With Neurodiverse Conditions With Katey Treloar

    In this episode of "Disability Inclusion and Accommodation in the Workplace," host Eric Pines welcomes Katey Treloar, an independent executive function coach. Eric Pines, an attorney with over 20 years of experience, specializes in representing federal employees with disabilities. Together, they explore the essential role of executive function skills in fostering inclusivity in professional settings. Key Discussion Points: Understanding Executive Function Skills: Katey explains the importance of executive function skills such as organization, goal-directed persistence, working memory, task initiation, and prioritization. Supporting Neurodiverse Individuals: Katey shares her approach to coaching clients with ADHD, autism, and other learning disabilities, focusing on building effective strategies for success at home and in the workplace. Coaching for All Ages: While Katey’s personal focus is on college students and working professionals, she highlights the availability of coaching for individuals of all ages, including children. Overcoming Barriers: Eric and Katey discuss the spectrum of disabilities, emphasizing the importance of a comprehensive support system that includes coaching, academic tutoring, life coaching, medication, and therapy. Implementing Reasonable Accommodations: Practical advice is given on how employers can support employees with disabilities through reasonable accommodations and coaching, creating a more inclusive and supportive work environment. Notable Quotes: "We can give them very small goals with manageable steps and scaffold those until they become a habit." – Katey Treloar "It's important to identify struggles and capitalize on superpowers to help individuals be successful." – Katey Treloar Resources Mentioned: Atomic Habits https://a.co/d/1fDNPWn Percy Jackson Series: https://a.co/d/f4oofgT ADHD Rewired Podcast: https://www.adhdrewired.com/podcast/ Neurotribes: https://a.co/d/dtOsQaI https://www.efcsessions.com/ Read about Katy Here: https://medium.com/authority-magazine/disability-inclusion-in-the-workplace-katey-treloar-of-executive-function-coaching-on-how-5a8ddaab8a7f Join Eric and Katey for an enlightening conversation on how to create empowered and welcoming professional settings for all employees. This episode is packed with valuable insights for business owners, employers, HR officers, and individuals seeking to foster growth and success irrespective of their challenges. Tune in to be part of the transformative movement towards inclusivity. Keep listening to more episodes at PinesFederal.com for valuable insights and resources to break down barriers and end workplace discrimination.

    21 min
5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

According to the World Health Organization, 1.6 billion people in the world presently have a significant disability. That’s around 1 in 6 people living with a medical condition that potentially affects their ability to perform the essential functions of their position if they are members of the workforce.[1] Disabled employees often face obstacles that prevent them from performing their desired or obtained job completely. When working without proper accommodation, it also reduces their productivity in the workforce, harming their employers. Sadly, a significant number of employers and job opportunities fail to adequately accommodate them, resulting in a substantial gap in productivity or inability to work at all. This not only hinders businesses from accessing the finest talents but deprives disabled individuals of the most fitting career prospects that align with their abilities. Discover solutions on Disability Inclusion and Accommodation in the Workplace, a podcast uniting disabled individuals, employers, HR officers, and legal experts. This podcast is the ultimate guide to advocating for accessibility. Empower yourself to assert your needs and let your employers provide the necessary support to enhance your productivity, regardless of personal difficulties. Empower your business by assisting your disabled employees with accommodations they need for a productive work environment. For employers, consider this a guide to creating an inclusive workplace where all feel welcome. Learn to make employees comfortable and valued while ensuring compliance with employment laws. Gain insights from industry leaders in the United States and worldwide as they share inclusive approaches implemented in their professional setups. This show delves into the crucial role of HR officers in shaping workplace culture; enhance your knowledge of creating an inclusive hiring and onboarding process. Explore the most effective approaches to attract and recruit talented individuals with disabilities for your team. This podcast caters to lawyers who specialize or work on legal matters related to workplace compliance. Keep abreast of the most recent updates and changes in corporate and business law that impact disabled employees. Esteemed host Eric Pines brings a wealth of experience as a labor and employment attorney. His practice focuses on representing United States federal employees who require reasonable accommodation and/or disability retirement. Mr. Pines is in-house counsel for the largest federal employee labor union representing employees at the Social Security Administration, the V.A., and all other federal agencies. With a strong background in collective bargaining, fighting disability discrimination under the ADA/Rehabilitation Act of 1973, assisting with reasonable accommodation, mediation and dispute resolution, Eric possesses exceptional skills to navigate the intricacies of workplace dynamics. What distinguishes Eric is his professional expertise and his personal connections. Having close family members with disabilities, he is driven by a profound passion to empower employees and employers in fostering inclusive workplaces. Eric believes in providing people with the opportunity to showcase their abilities and thrive in a fair and fulfilling work environment. Eric draws from his expertise as a Federal Employee Mediator at the Library of Congress, ensuring well-rounded, captivating, and enlightening discussions. It is crucial to create a workplace environment free from discrimination and belittlement towards disabled employees. They demonstrate that their circumstances do not hinder them from pursuing fulfilling careers or contributing valuable skills. They exhibit remarkable talents and abilities, defeating significant challenges in life while undoing social barriers and overcoming career obstacles. Listen to Disability Inclusion in the Workplace at www.pinesfederal.com.

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