Texas Workforce Commission-Vocational Rehab - National Disability Employment Awareness Month Business Symposium

Compliance Officer (CO) Carmen Felton-Barner attended the TWC’s Disability Employment Awareness Month Business Symposium. Fernando Rivera (fernando.rivera@twc.texas.gov) and Miesha Smith (miesha.smith@twc.texas.gov) led the symposium. The symposium was an in-person event, and there were about 35 attendees which included businesses and TWC staff.

The symposium began with introductions to key TWC Vocational Rehabilitation management and staff. The symposium agenda included a presentation from TWC about important topics to include: an overview of TWC Vocational Rehabilitation Services; the challenges, benefits, and strategies for retaining employees with disabilities; the challenges, benefits, and strategies for hiring employees with disabilities. Following TWC’s presentation, there was a brief question and answer period.

During the event, CO Felton-Barner provided introduction to the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP). CO Barner also presented the “50th Anniversary of the Rehabilitation Act” PowerPoint presentation, which provides an overview of the Rehabilitation Act, past and present. The presentation by CO Barner also included a brief discussion of the National 7% utilization goal for individuals with disabilities, as well as the contractor thresholds. At the conclusion of the presentation, CO provided contact information for the HDO should anyone have any questions or would like to receive compliance assistance. CO opened the floor for questions. CO engaged with potential outreach customers who expressed interest in having HDO attend future engagements.

The Conclusion of the symposium included a round table panel discussion and an extended question and answer period.