City working with UC Riverside, California Department of Rehabilitation to raise awareness

[ecko_quote source=”Jadie Lee, Assoc. Vice Chancellor, UCR”]We are excited to join with our campus and community partners in celebrating the contributions of employees with disabilities…[/ecko_quote]

RIVERSIDE, Calif. – The City of Riverside is partnering with UC Riverside and the California Department of Rehabilitation to promote three events in October as part of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, which highlights the benefits of recruiting employees with disabilities and celebrating their contributions in the workplace.

“The City of Riverside is excited to work with such impressive partners to bring attention to the valued contributions made every day by our disabled employees,” Mayor Rusty Bailey said. “One of our City’s core values is inclusivity, and one of the ways we can demonstrate that is through worthy efforts such as this.”

The theme for the month’s events is “Inclusion Works.” All events are free, but a reservation is required.

“We are excited to join with our campus and community partners in celebrating the contributions of employees with disabilities while increasing awareness of the value of a diverse workforce inclusive of their skills and talents,” said UCR Associate Vice Chancellor of Human Resources Jadie Lee.

The events include:

• “A Piece of My Mind,” a one-man show by Eric Barr, a UCR professor emeritus who survived a major stroke. The performance, which is based on Barr’s struggle with grueling and frustrating rehabilitation sessions, and his gratitude for the support of family and friends, is at 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 1 in the University Theatre at UCR.
• A “Walk and Roll” event with UCR Chancellor Kim A. Wilcox, Vice Chancellor Ron T. Coley, Vice Chancellor James Sandoval and leaders from the City of Riverside. Students, faculty, staff and local community members are encouraged to arrive at the university flagpole near Hinderaker Hall at 11:45 a.m. Friday, Oct. 7 for a walk around the campus. Booths with disability resources and career information will be positioned along the path. Participants will receive bottled water, snacks and have an opportunity to win prizes.
• A “Windmills” workshop — a formal disability, sensitivity and awareness training — will be offered by UCR and the state Department of Rehabilitation to anyone who wants to interact more effectively with individuals with disabilities. It focuses on attitudes and human factors, as well as concerns and issues related to legal requirements and accommodation. The workshop will be held at the university’s Highlander Union Building (HUB), on Tuesday, October 18, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. A box lunch will be provided to all participants.

“It’s really gratifying to be able to combine our efforts with other great organizations in our community to provide these consciousness-raising events,” Mayor Pro Tem Andy Melendrez said. “We’re all better when we recognize that all people have a unique contribution to make to our community, and to the workplace.”

For more information or to reserve your seat, please visit: http://hr.ucr.edu/ndeam.html