State of North Carolina reduces employment barriers for people with disabilities

This article was written for our sponsor, North Carolina Office of State Human Resources

Jan Withers is well aware of challenges faced by people with disabilities. She directs North Carolina's Division of Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing and she is deaf.

When she first began working for the State in the 1990s, it took great determination and the guidance of others to find her career path. While North Carolina has come a long way in increasing accessibility as an Employment First state, Withers hopes to pay that guidance forward and ensure that people with disabilities know they have an important role to fill by bringing their perspectives to State government jobs.

"The old adage 'knowledge is power' is very much applicable," Withers said. "Perhaps the most important 'accommodation' is the mindset of [what is] possible, and trusting people with disabilities to know best what works and take the lead."

Kathie Trotter, Director of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (DVRS), is also dedicated to the goal of ensuring people with disabilities can be matched with great career opportunities. She spends her days linking people with disabilities to the tools and resources they need to succeed in a State job.

Much of this work is focused on changing perceptions and building awareness among hiring managers about the value of difference.

"The large majority of people we work with have disabilities that need no physical accommodation," Trotter said. "They just need somebody who doesn't prejudge and say, 'A person with a disability can't do my job.'"

As an Employment First state for individuals with disabilities, North Carolina has made strides in making its workplaces more inclusive and reflective of the people it serves. Job seekers who identify as having a disability are encouraged to attend the State of North Carolina Career Expo on October 4 at the McKimmon Center to learn about career opportunities and resources that may help them be successful. Free and open to the public, the event will provide all job seekers the chance to speak face-to-face with recruiters from statewide agencies as well as the university and community college systems.

Opening the door to greater diversity

In March 2019, Governor Cooper signed Executive Order 92, committing state government Cabinet agencies to engage with Employment First, a national movement that champions employment rights of persons with disabilities. Employment First opens doors by sharing information and shining a light on people who are successful in their jobs despite their physical or mental challenges.

The Office of State Human Resources (OSHR) was charged with ensuring that individuals with disabilities have equal opportunity to succeed in the state government workplace. OSHR provides policies and training to state agencies to help guide and assist them with recruiting, hiring and retaining qualified individuals with disabilities. DVRS also offers their specialized staff, engineers, and assistive technology team to help hiring managers across agencies expand job opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

"Now more than ever, there's so much support for difference, which is exciting. It brings so much creativity, acceptance, and belonging to the table," Trotter said.

"We work with everyone, regardless of their disability," Trotter said. She added that instead of focusing on the challenges, they look at the potential. For example, they ask candidates, "What are your skills? What can you do? What are you interested in doing? And if there are areas where you have limitations, how can we help accommodate those limitations as it pertains to your job?"

Training and tools for multi-level success

Building an inclusive, diverse and positive workplace in state government requires training. DVRS provides Tilting at Windmills disability awareness classes to help state agencies understand barriers to access. In the training, hiring managers hear directly from people with disabilities whom Trotter says are "willing to answer any questions and discuss anything to help break down barriers to employment."

When tools and assistive technology are needed to make jobs more accessible, state

government agencies are ready to accommodate. OSHR revamped the state application software to be more accessible to the visually impaired and they provide resources and support to agency recruiters as they identify qualified candidates who request accommodations during the hiring process. Screen readers, speech interpreters, accommodations for aides and service animals all are examples of the many tools the State makes available to reduce limitations. In recognition of the exceptional abilities of state employees with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), OSHR manages the NC Career Advancement Resources for State Employees on the Spectrum Program (NCCARES which provides up to five hours of career coaching to state employees who need support in applying for promotions or job changes.

State government jobs, internships, and apprenticeships are available to those age 14 and older with all forms of disabilities, including mental health issues, intellectual and developmental disabilities, physical impairments, or neurological challenges like autism.

Trotter advises anyone with a disability who is seeking state employment to contact DVRS. Staff will work with eligible people to map out a plan which helps them achieve their goal to find a state job. The support provided may include:

• Tuition or fees for college or training
• Assistive technology
• Medical assistance
• Help completing a state application
• Help with interview preparation, including any needed clothing

Withers encourages people with disabilities to reach out with confidence no matter where they are on their career journey. "As a person with a disability, be comfortable with who you are and confident in yourself; your disability is your superpower!" said Withers. "The unique perspectives and skills you bring as a person with a disability are great assets in the workplace."

"We want that diversity and that skill and talent in state government," Trotter agreed. "It's vital we have that type of diversity because the people we serve are just as diverse. They need to see themselves when they come to us and when we go to them."

Visit the Employment First website to see testimonials of people with disabilities working in state government. To review job opportunities currently available, visit the State of North Carolina Careers portal.

This article was written for our sponsor, North Carolina Office of State Human Resources