Podcast Series: Let’s Get to Work – Reimagining Disability Employment Policy
The Burton Blatt Institute at Syracuse University, in collaboration with Harvard Medical School, Rutgers University, Cornell University, and Mathematica, invites you to listen to our podcast series: “Let’s Get to Work: Reimagining Disability Employment Policy”. “Let’s Get to Work” features guests with unique knowledge and experience who share their perspective on disability employment policy as part of the work of the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR)-funded Disability Employment Policy Rehabilitation Research and Training Center. Join us and Let’s Get to Work!
Drawing on decades of experience supporting people with disabilities, Marco discusses his journey from working as a direct support professional to leading one of the largest organizations supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the U.S. He highlights the movement from institutionalization to community-based supports and services and the importance of self-advocacy, self-determination, and Supported Decision-Making.
In this episode of Let’s Get to Work: Reimagining Disability Employment Policy — Blessing Nwulu-Njoku Jacqueline Hinds of AHRC New York City Job Connection Center Clubhouse, discuss the power of employment and how it facilitates individuals with psychiatric disabilities in their journey to recovery and independence. Blessing highlights the Clubhouse model of employment for individuals with psychiatric disabilities and how through the Clubhouse model, members achieve confidence and learn new skills that will aid in successful and meaningful employment. The two further explore topics of supported decision-making and digital psychiatric advance directives and how both aid in ensuring that individuals with psychiatric disabilities have a voice in all decisions affecting their life.
Dr. Purvi Sevak, Senior Director of Mathematica’s Disability Practice, discusses her path from an undergraduate student studying health policy to her work at Mathematica, the evolution and importance of disability employment policy, and her research with the DEP RRTC examining how local infrastructure affects employment opportunities for people with disabilities.
Lex Frieden, one of the foremost disability rights advocates today, talks about the importance of independent living and equal access and opportunities to work for people with disabilities. He discusses the importance of employment to people with disabilities and the value that they bring to our economy.
Jonathan Martinis and Barry Whaley discuss knowledge translation highlighting, its role in connecting research, policy, and real-world impact. Martinis describes knowledge translation as “the bridge between knowledge and action.” Whaley emphasizes the importance of meaningful stakeholder engagement in translating knowledge to ensure that the information developed is useful. Knowledge translation is critical in turning good information into useful policy and practice.
Beth Sirull, President and CEO of the National Organization on Disability (NOD), discusses the future directions for disability employment policy. She emphasizes the employment of people with disabilities is critical to promote independence and economic opportunity for people with disabilities. Employees with disabilities bring unique value to a corporation in that they are dedicated employees who want to perform at their best to be good employees.