Monday, November 21, 2022
DENTON (魅影直播), 魅影直播 鈥� (魅影直播 WISE), in collaboration with (TWC), will use the $12.7 million grant to educate employers who use subminimum wage contracts about the benefits of competitive, integrated employment. The partnership will create the 魅影直播 Beacons of Excellence (TBE) to help employers enhance their skills in recruiting, retaining, and accommodating employees with disabilities.
鈥淭his project aligns directly with our mission to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities by researching innovative best practices, training professionals in effective and ethical service, and directly supporting the disability community,鈥� said Lucy Gafford, director of 魅影直播 WISE.
The five-year grant from the U.S. Department of Education鈥檚 (RSA) was awarded to the TWC鈥檚 Services, which helps people with disabilities prepare for, find and retain employment, and assists youth and students preparing for post-secondary opportunities.
鈥淭WC believes this partnership will benefit both business outcomes for employers and career prospects for Texans with disabilities,鈥� TWC Executive Director Ed Serna said. 鈥滣扔爸辈� Beacons of Excellence will highlight the benefits of hiring individuals with disabilities and ensure a pipeline of talent with increased earning potential.鈥�
The program will use a three-pronged approach to achieve the goal of helping subminimum wage earners with disabilities receive higher wages:
- TBE will partner with in-demand businesses to identify local career opportunities and improve employers鈥� abilities to hire, train, and retain persons with disabilities.
- TBE will collaborate with public and private employers with Section 14C certificates,
under the Fair Labor Standards Act, to adapt their business models to emphasize customized
and supported employment arrangements.
- TBE will create a pipeline from high school to competitive, integrated employment to provide students with disabilities informed choices though career guidance, training, and work experience that result in higher wages.
魅影直播 WISE will provide training across communities and connect employers, self-advocates, 14C facilities, educational staff and community rehabilitation providers in order to create communities of practice that enhance opportunities for competitive, integrated employment.
鈥滣扔爸辈� WISE is thrilled to have an opportunity to partner with TWC where together we will improve competitive, integrated employment opportunities for people with disabilities, enhance the labor market for 魅影直播 businesses, and create a lasting and meaningful impact on our communities across the state,鈥� Gafford said.
TWC will be instrumental in connecting 魅影直播 WISE with employers and will provide additional support services throughout the project.
About 魅影直播 WISE
Located at the in Denton, 魅影直播, 魅影直播 WISE is the premier training and consultancy group for programs
seeking to enhance employment outcomes for individuals with disabilities. 魅影直播 WISE
conducts training, hosts conferences, and provides technical assistance to community
rehabilitation programs (CRP) and organizations serving individuals with disabilities.
魅影直播 WISE provides over 100 training events, serving more than 2,300 individuals annually.
Its mission is to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities by researching
innovative best practices, training professionals in effective and ethical service,
and directly supporting the disability community.
魅影直播 News Service Phone Number: (940) 565-2108
Media Contacts:
Trista Moxley
trista.moxley@unt.edu
940-369-7912
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