Tapping into Disabled Talent in Rural Communities

Wednesday, January 22, 2025 | 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. (Eastern Time)

Host: Employer Assistance and Resource Network on Disability Inclusion (EARN)

Hiring employees with disabilities can help businesses of any size fulfill their workforce needs and can be an important talent source for businesses in rural communities, who face unique challenges finding and keeping skilled workers.

Join the Employer Assistance and Resource Network on Disability Inclusion (EARN) on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, from 2:00-3:30 p.m. (Eastern Time), for the “Tapping into Disabled Talent in Rural Communities” webinar. Hear from:

Rebecca Holland, Vocational Rehabilitation Coordinator at Northern Arizona University’s American Indian Vocational Rehabilitation Training and Technical Assistance Center (AIVRTTAC) and Board Member of the Consortia of Administrators for Native American Rehabilitation (CANAR).
Catherine Ipsen, Director of the Research and Training Center on Disability in Rural Communities (RTC) and Associate Director for the Rural Institute for Inclusive Communities (RIIC) at the University of Montana.
Dan Alvey, Service Manager, Young GMC of Burley, Young Automotive Group.

During this panel presentation, these subject matter experts will discuss:

Effective strategies to recruit, hire, retain, and advance people with disabilities in businesses located in rural communities.
Unique challenges disabled workers face in rural communities and solutions to combat them, e.g., lack of transportation options, uneven broadband access, limited access to social services, geographical isolation, and uneven access to education and training.
Ways to connect with workers with disabilities, including how to partner with local agencies for support.

The presentation will feature a 1-hour panel discussion, followed by a 30-minute Q&A session with the panelists.