Workplace inclusion the focus of presentation on employment support for individuals with special needs

Workplace inclusion is the topic of an upcoming program co-presented by Jewish Family & Children’s Service (JF&CS) and Jewish Residential Services (JRS) as part of an educational series called AIM: Support for Families of Individuals with Special Needs. The presentation, “Inclusion in the Workplace: Employment Support for Individuals with Disabilities” will be held on Tuesday, November 18, from 6-8 p.m. at The Children’s Institute, located at 1405 Shady Avenue, at the corner of Northumberland Street in Squirrel Hill.

Keynote speaker Jeremy Shapira, Senior Director and HR Business Partner of Giant Eagle’s Market District and GetGo, will discuss Giant Eagle’s inclusion strategies, including hiring career transition liaisons to work directly with human resources personnel, trainers, supervisors and others to create a supportive culture and identify new opportunities for job candidates with disabilities.

“Building and fostering an inclusive workforce is key to helping individuals with special needs and disabilities lead fulfilling and independent lives,” said Linda Marino, Critical & Special Needs Resource Coordinator at JF&CS. “Our goal is to provide an opportunity for individuals with special needs and their family members to access information, resources and support related to employment and workplace issues. Hopefully, all family members will come away with a better understanding of what supports exist in the community and how to help foster inclusion in the workplace for themselves or their loved ones.”

Following the brief keynote presentation, attendees will have the opportunity to attend a resource fair and talk with professionals from local agencies that provide employment and training services and offer inclusive employment programs for those with disabilities. The resource and information fair will include representation from local organizations including ACHIEVA, Goodwill of Southwest PA, Howard Levin Clubhouse, JF&CS, JRS, United Way of Allegheny County’s 21 & Able and UPMC Vocational Training Center and Supported Employment Program, among others.

The presentation is free and open to the community and includes a light kosher meal at 6 p.m. Registration is required. For more information or to register, email info@jrspgh.org or call 412-325‐0039. Free parking is available at The Children’s Institute.

For more information about JF&CS, visit www.jfcspgh.org. For more information about JRS, visit www.jrspgh.org.