People with disabilities are the nation's largest minority, and the only one that any person can join at any time. However, many people do not include disability in their diversity thoughts or practices. By raising awareness about this issue, we hope it will highlight this commonly isolated group and create an environment where people are welcome and are able to contribute to all aspects of community.
The Equity and Diversity Initiative works with a broad array of partners and community stakeholders to demonstrate how communities can address and remove the barriers that keep people with disabliities and other minorities from participating in and contrubuting fully to community life.
Projects:
Project MOVE
Mentoring youth with disabilities by providing encouragement and guidance while they transition from high school.
Plan to Work
Individualized benefits planning for people on SSI or SSDI who want to work.
Green Jobs Inclusion Initiative
A recruitment-based green jobs program that helps employers find qualified applicants from our region's untapped workforce.