Dates and Times

Employment Works
Friday, October 20, 2023
12:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Zoom link will be sent week-of

Employer Impact
Friday, October 27, 2023
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Zoom link will be sent week-of

Attendance is FREE
Click title of webinar to register

FREE Professional Photo

Freeflight Productions is offering one FREE professional photo / portrait to support your employment endeavors ($250 value).
No purchases will be offered; this is FREE to support inclusive and accessible employment.

All attendees will be eligible for one free professional headshot to help you create your own personal brand. If you attend both events, you will receive two free photos.

Photoshoots will be available during scheduled hours at one of Independent Living’s office locations in Newburgh, Middletown and Monticello.

You will receive your voucher to sign up for your professional photo after the event. When you receive your voucher, please sign up for the date, time and location that is best for you.

Photos will be provided in a digital format.

How to use your photo:

  • LinkedIn
  • Other professional Social Media
  • Your Resume
  • Professional Biography
  • Virtual Interview Sessions
A South Asian person in her wheelchair takes notes by hand during a meeting.

Chona Kasinger for Disabled And Here

This month, we introduce our transformative “Inclusive Employment Works” initiative. With an unwavering dedication to fostering a more inclusive society, we are taking proactive steps to bridge the gap between people with disabilities and employers by promoting a culture of awareness, accessibility and inclusivity in the workplace.

Through a comprehensive range of training programs and services, Independent Living will equip individuals with education and support to claim their independence and seize the many benefits that meaningful employment can offer.

Employment Works: Impact of Employment

Round QR Code with ILI logo - Employment Works landing page

QR Code – Employment Works

Friday, October 20 | 12:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

[geared toward people with disabilities, support networks, service providers, but open to all]

“People with disabilities possess immense talents, skills, and aspirations that deserve to be recognized and cultivated within the workforce,” said Kathy Giraud, Vice President of Human Resources at Independent Living, Inc. “Our ‘Inclusive Employment Works’ initiative will provide individuals with disabilities the education and tools they need to unlock the countless incentives that returning to work can bring, including improved health and mental well-being, financial stability, and a sense of purpose.”

  • How does Independent Living support employment?
  • What are the benefits of employment for people with disabilities?
  • How does employment impact benefits?
  • What rights do people with disabilities have in the workplace?
  • What resources are available?
  • Q & A with our Benefits Advisement Team

Employer Impact

Round QR Code with ILI logo - Employer Impact landing page

QR Code – Employer Impact

Friday, October 27 | 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

[geared toward employers and service providers, but open to all]

Within this initiative is an educational mission designed to enlighten employers about the various means to and advantages of fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. By embracing employees with disabilities, employers stand to gain, not only socially but also economically; diverse teams are proven to drive innovation, enhance productivity, and enrich workplace culture.

  • What are the benefits of employing people with disabilities?
  • What does accessibility have to do with employment or DEI?
  • Who does accessibility impact?
  • Who does inclusion impact?
  • How can an employer become more accessible?
  • What services and resources are available?
  • Q&A with Independent Living’s Chief Executive Officer, Doug Hovey, and VP of Human Resources, Kathy Giraud

Independent Living offers Employment Services, including support through our Independent Living Skills Specialists, Job Coaches in our OPWDD Program, Connection to Vocational Rehabilitation Services, and Benefits Advisement and Work Incentives Planning Assistance.

Find all of our updated brochures on our All Services Brochures Page.

A photo of a webinar series announcement. Primary colors are shades of purple and white. Independent Living logo in upper left with Live Webinar announcement in upper right. On the left, a circle-shaped QR code for an Employment Works webinar. On the right, a circle-shaped QR code for an Employer Impact webinar. Text: Inclusive Employment Works. Join us for our Inclusive Employment Works webinar series! Independent Living, Inc. invites the community to celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), known in New York as Disability Rights Employment Awareness Month (DREAM). Employment Works. Friday, October 20 12:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Employer Impact. Friday, October 27 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Employment Works: How does Independent Living support employment? What are the benefits of employment for people with disabilities? How does employment impact my benefits? What rights do people with disabilities have in the workplace? What resources are available to me? Get your questions answered by experts. Employer Impact: What are the benefits of employing people with disabilities? What does accessibility have to do with employment or Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI)? Who does accessibility impact? Who does inclusion impact? How? How can an employer become more accessible? What services and resources are available? Ask your questions about employment and disability to the experts.

Thank You To Our Sponsors

Impact of Employment

Amazon Logo - all lowercase letters in navy blue with a gold arrow beneath, in the shape of a smile

At Amazon, we believe we work best when our associates reflect the diversity of their communities. We make it a priority to ensure everyone gets the support they need to succeed. When it comes to raising the bar on creating the best workplace for everyone, we’re proud to share that Amazon has been named the 2023 Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion. This is due to our dedication to ensuring that all associates get what they need to succeed.

Employer Impact

HVCU Logo

Hudson Valley Credit Union (HVCU) is a leader in Diversity, Equity, Accessibility and Inclusion. HVCU is dedicated to progress through self-evaluation, actively listening to feedback, and actionable changes that make HVCU increasingly accessible; they have set an intentional path to provide an inclusive working environment and customer experience.