By Lori Richardson Northwest Bureau Chief
(Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, Washington, Oregon)
In Oregon, a trailblazing network of leaders is helping business and society as a whole. The Oregon Business Leadership Network (OBLN) offers companies in the state of Oregon networking opportunities, education, and resources to help increase understanding and awareness of disability issues in the workplace.
According to the OBLN, "The OBLN provides workshops, trainings, tools and resources to make it easier for employers to support current employees with disabilities as well as those who become diagnosed with a disability during their working years. The OBLN can also help you recruit qualified candidates with disabilities and provide a comfortable and supportive workplace for everyone."
In 1994 the BLN was begun because it was realized that more than 70% of adults with disabilities were unemployed. There currently are BLNs in several states in addition to Oregon.
The OBLN is overseen by a Board of Directors and headed by President Jilma Meneses, Director of Risk Management of Oregon Health Sciences University. The organization has a robust website with many resources and articles for employers to learn more about hiring people with disabilities, retaining them, and about the aspects of the ADA.
In addition to articles on the website, there is a 200 page manual for downloading as wll as videos to educate and inform the business community in really helpful ways.
There are over 43 Oregon-based companies and organizations who make up the affiliates of the OBLN. Their annual membership luncheon was most recently held on January 22nd, with a talk on cultural competence and the need for a culturally diverse workforce.
Lori Richardson is the B2B "Sales Detective" helping companies grow business through connection and referral. Lori is the author of, "50 Ways in 50 Days: Inspiration and Tips to Fearlessly Energize Your Business and Score More Sales". Lori is also a fundraising auctioneer and can be reached through her Score More Sales website.
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1 comment:
Lori, you are tapping in to a fabulous resource in Oregon. My sister lives in your lovely state.
People with disabilities (my new sweetie has Cerebral Palsy) bring much to the table. These are only a few: creativity, street smarts and a sensitivity to others that we can all benefit from. Challenges are their constant companion and most jobs need good problem solvers to flourish in this crazy economy.
They did a study that showed countries that suppress women suffer financially. I dare-say they would find the same to be true when people with disabilities are not encouraged to flourish to their full potential.
Next topic seniors in the workplace...
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