2024 Employer summit schedule
9:30 AM
Check-In & Time with Vendors. Snacks will be available.
10:00 AM
Welcome
Reading of the Governor’s Proclamation for National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) by VR Commissioner, Felicia Johnson
10:15 AM
Speaker Session: Speaker, Jody Powell, host of Quotivation Podcast and HR/Communications Professional
Cultivating Mental Wellness at Work: Strategies for a Thriving Workplace
In today’s fast-paced and often high-pressure work environments, mental health support is more crucial than ever. This presentation delves into the importance of mental wellness in the workplace and provides actionable strategies for fostering a supportive and healthy work culture. Jody will incorporate the principles of civility in leadership, and how implementing this practice applies to all South Carolina employers, regardless of size, and increases open communication in the workplace.
11:00 AM
Break & Time with Vendors
11:10 AM
Panel: Discussion on Employee Resource Groups
Featuring panelists Allison Fleahman of Bon Secours, Matt Hall of Michelin, and Keela Glover of Dominion Energy of South Carolina
Three South Carolina Disability Employee Resource Group representatives will speak on steps taken for disability inclusion within their respective companies. Discussions will focus on what motivates each South Carolina employer to continue working toward disability inclusion, and the steps taken to provide staff with the support and resources needed to succeed. Panelists will speak to why disability inclusion is advantageous to fostering an inclusive workplace culture that supports and nurtures the success of their employees.
11:55 PM
Lunch
12:25 PM
Keynote Speaker: Alex Jackson, Public Affairs Specialist at the Naval Information Warfare Center Atlantic
Employing with Intention: A Focus on Multi-Marginalized Identities at Work
In a diverse and inclusive workplace, understanding the complex interplay between disability and race is crucial for creating equitable and supportive environments. This presentation explores how these intersecting identities affect employees' experiences and offers strategies for fostering inclusion and addressing disparities. The workshop will also provide tools and resources for employers, managers, and HR professionals supporting DEIA (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility) efforts in the workplace.
1:25 PM
Break & Time with Vendors
1:35 PM
Interactive Session with Able South Carolina: Plan, Prepare, Practice!
Featuring Able SC Director of Employment Programs, Marly Saade, and Director of Community Access, Mary Reaves
A roundtable discussion; Each table will review scenarios related to disclosure, accommodation requests, disability barrier removal, conflict resolution, etc. The objective is to discuss each scenario, find the barriers, explore solutions, and decide how to move through the interactive process.
2:45 PM
Closing & Call to Action
Able South Carolina