HeartShare Human Services of New York will host the inaugural AI360° Ability and Inclusion Summit in November 2018, following October’s National Disability Employment Awareness Month. The two-day event will bring together corporations engaged in disability and inclusion initiatives, as well as organizations like HeartShare that support people with I/DD seeking employment. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, not only are 8 out of 10 people with any kind of disability underemployed, but they also are more likely to secure part-time positions and work in service occupations.
HeartShare will host a series of panel discussions, roundtables and trainings for employer partners throughout the year. These events will culminate with the Summit and its job fair, putting qualified candidates with disabilities from HeartShare and beyond in conversation with prospective employers. The targeted trainings, for example, aim to equip employers who want to create a more inclusive workforce, but do not necessarily have a human resources department readily prepared to manage or support an employee in their daily work at the company.
HeartShare Human Services of New York, a non-profit organization supporting and empowering children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, has a growing employment program, which trains and places candidates in competitive positions in corporate offices, community organizations, higher education and beyond. HeartShare’s network of nearly 100 valued employment partners, include the National September 11 Memorial & Museum, The Salvation Army, Meals on Wheels, Sean Casey Animal Rescue, Bread & Life Food Pantry, and Queens College.
The FAR Fund, the founding sponsor of AI360°, provides funding to programs that promote healthy social and emotional development in children and families, particularly people with developmental disabilities.
For sponsorship or partnership opportunities, please contact Meredith Beck, HeartShare Vice President for Development at meredith.beck@heartshare.org.
