EPSI’s Post

Driving Change for America’s Untapped Workforce: EPSI is advocating for policies that create jobs and economic inclusion for people with disabilities. ➡ Advancing Inclusivity - Together we can amplify the voices of those with differing abilities, driving a more accessible future of work. ➡ Backing AbilityOne® - As one of the nation's largest providers of jobs for people with significant disabilities, the AbilityOne Program contributes $4 billion in goods and services annually, supporting critical missions like military readiness. Let’s build a stronger, more inclusive economy. #meaningfulcareerpath #epsi

EPSI is advocating for a 1% AbilityOne set aside: ➡ Issue:  Underutilization of the AbilityOne® Program The AbilityOne® Program, one of the nation’s largest employers of people who are blind or have significant disabilities, remains underutilized within the federal government. Despite providing crucial jobs through federal procurement, it has stagnated while other socioeconomic programs have grown. ➡ Background:  In FY 2022, the federal government spent over $678 billion, yet only $3.7 billion (0.555%) was awarded through AbilityOne. The program currently employs 36,000 people with disabilities, including 2,500 veterans. A statutory 1% goal for federal agencies would boost this to over 60,000 jobs, including doubling employment for disabled veterans. ➡ Policy Recommendation:   SourceAmerica® advocates for a 1% government-wide contracting goal for AbilityOne. This would create tens of thousands of new jobs for people with disabilities and veterans. #SourceAmerica #epsi #DisabilityEmployment

EPSI is advocating for a 1% AbilityOne set aside: ➡ Issue:  Underutilization of the AbilityOne® Program The AbilityOne® Program, one of the nation’s largest employers of people who are blind or have significant disabilities, remains underutilized within the federal government. Despite providing crucial jobs through federal procurement, it has stagnated while other socioeconomic programs have grown. ➡ Background:  In FY 2022, the federal government spent over $678 billion, yet only $3.7 billion (0.555%) was awarded through AbilityOne. The program currently employs 36,000 people with disabilities, including 2,500 veterans. A statutory 1% goal for federal agencies would boost this to over 60,000 jobs, including doubling employment for disabled veterans. ➡ Policy Recommendation:   SourceAmerica® advocates for a 1% government-wide contracting goal for AbilityOne. This would create tens of thousands of new jobs for people with disabilities and veterans. #SourceAmerica #epsi #DisabilityEmployment

The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) is leading the way in promoting inclusivity in the workplace. The agency is expanding its pilot program to recruit individuals with autism, recognizing the unique talents and perspectives they bring to the workforce. This year, the NGA plans to hire a new cohort of "neurodivergent" individuals, demonstrating their commitment to creating a more diverse and inclusive workplace. This effort is part of the agency's broader persons with disabilities program. Kudos to NGA for taking these important steps towards inclusivity! In the same vein, SpatialGIS has its own neurodiversity plan to ensure that everyone gets equal opportunities to work and support our warfighters. Check out the link below for more information on the NGA's pilot program and to learn more about how SpatialGIS is striving towards inclusivity. https://lnkd.in/eCUymM4V

Remember, DEI goes beyond skin color! What about military veterans who still struggle to find work? What about recovering addicts who have been clean, wanting to get back to work? What about those released from prison who want to get back on their feet? What about someone with a handicap that doesn't allow them to get to an office and need to be remote? What about LGTBQ folks who are looking for a safe inclusive work environment? What about college graduates who still can't get experience after working so hard to get their degree? What about new mothers/fathers who are returning to work after maternity leave? What about those who had to leave the workforce temporarily to care for an elderly parent? I'm sure there's more to add to this list, but DEI is inclusive.

It's wonderful to hear about Craig Newmark's involvement in promoting the Campaign for Inclusion (CFI) at Blue Star Families. The values of CFI, as you've shared, are crucial in fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for military and veteran families. Let's break down the key components of these values: 1. **Commitment**: One of the foundational values of CFI is a strong commitment to strengthening military families by providing diverse resources and benefits to meet their various needs. This commitment underscores the importance of supporting and uplifting these families across different aspects of their lives. 2. **Family**: CFI recognizes the importance of ensuring that military families feel included and welcomed in the communities where they live and serve. By emphasizing the significance of family and community support, the campaign strives to create a sense of belonging and connection for these families. 3. **Impact**: CFI is focused on creating positive and meaningful impacts through its programs and engagements. By intentionally designing initiatives that directly benefit military and veteran families, the campaign aims to enhance their experiences and promote inclusion and belonging in communities nationwide. By embodying these values of commitment, family, and impact, the Campaign for Inclusion at Blue Star Families demonstrates a genuine dedication to supporting military and veteran families and fostering a more inclusive environment for them. It's heartening to see influential figures like Craig Newmark contributing to such important initiatives that can make a real difference in the lives of these families. #CFI #CampaignForInclusion #senseofbelonging #inclusion #militaryfamilies #diversity Kathy Roth-Douquet Lindsay Knight, PhD Thomas Bostick Gwen Bingham Justin Schmitt Mark Elliott Fernando Snowden-Lorence Anicia Myers Michele Matchett-Godfrey MBA, AFC® Danielle Lankford Tiffany King Anicia Myers

As the spouse of a military veteran, awareness of services and ways we can help support our veterans is very near and dear to my heart. It's crucial to recognize the challenges they face transitioning into civilian life, particularly in the job market. #EmployeeBenefits play a major role in this transition, offering much-needed support and stability. Veterans bring a wealth of skills and experience to the table, but navigating the nuances of the private sector can be daunting. Robust benefit packages not only attract top talent but also provide a safety net as veterans adapt to new roles and responsibilities. Benefits tailored to the needs of veterans ensure can help to address both physical and mental well-being needs. Furthermore, retirement plans offer long-term security, acknowledging the dedication veterans have shown to their country and their future endeavors. As we strive to create diverse and inclusive workplaces, let's not forget the invaluable contributions of our veterans. By prioritizing comprehensive employee benefits, we not only honor their service but also empower them to excel in their civilian careers. #Veterans #EmployeeBenefits #TransitionSuccess

The transition from military service to civilian life can be difficult for veterans, many of whom are people with disabilities. From mental health challenges to financial insecurity, Easterseals’ Disabled Veterans Study found only 28 percent of disabled veterans report an easy transition to civilian work. Easterseals CEO Kendra Davenport writes in a new Fast Company article that employers can help play a key role in helping ease this transition. By providing mental health care and coverage or emergency savings plans or creating safe and inclusive spaces for disabled veterans to disclose their needs, employers can be a crucial partner for veterans. It’s time for all of us to better serve those who have served us so honorably. https://lnkd.in/gXQF-Z5F

The Op COURAGE: The Veterans Mental Health and Wellbeing Service campaign is now live and the associated campaign toolkit and press release are available via these links. Also available here is the campaign film: Op COURAGE – We’re in it together | NHS - YouTube The purpose of the campaign is to raise awareness of Op COURAGE and encourage veterans, Armed Forces leavers and reservists who are struggling with their mental health to contact the service. The campaign will focus in particular on the following audiences who are underrepresented in Op COURAGE, but are at increased risk of mental health problems: Female veterans LGBT+ veterans Commonwealth and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic veterans Early Service leavers Veterans with experience of the justice system. #OPCOURAGE

If you are interested in some of the work being done to help improve transition from military to civilian life then take a look at Forces in Mind Trust Impact Report for 2023.