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Education in Action: Advancing Access and Equity

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Name: Education in Action: Advancing Access and Equity
Date: October 26, 2023
Time: 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM CDT
Registration: Register Now
Event Description:
October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) and this year's theme is Advancing Access and Equity. With Iowa's unemployment rate at 2.7% and a decrease in a qualified workforce, it is essential to look towards untapped talent for your employment needs.  Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation (IVRS), Iowa Department for the Blind (IDB), and Easter Seals of Iowa are partnering to deliver a presentation on "Disability and Belonging in the Workplace"  This presentation will bring awareness to the deaf and hard of hearing as well of blind cultures, how to create an inclusive work environment to increase the feeling of belonging,  learning about accommodations in the workplace and the resources available to assist you with diversifying your workplace. American Sign Language interpreters will be present during this event. 

Speaker Information:
Kimberly Chance is currently the Rural Solutions and Assistive Technology Program Team Lead at Easterseals Iowa. Kim supports farm family members with disabilities and provides assistive technology support statewide for children and adults with various diagnosis. Kim holds a Bachelor of Science from Iowa State University, as well as her Masters in Rehabilitation Counseling and Mental Health Counseling from Drake University. Kim is a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) and Assistive Technology Professional (ATP).  

Sarah Baebler has worked for the Iowa Department for the Blind (IDB) for the past five years. She is currently a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor for the central and southwest territories. She has worked in the blindness rehabilitation field for the past ten years as a youth service manager, rehabilitation teacher, and college prep instructor. She has a BS in Education from Edgewood College and is pursuing an MA in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling at Texas Tech University. Sarah is active in the advocacy consumer organizations for blindness and disability groups. 






Kensie Channon has worked as a Rehabilitation Counselor with Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services since 2019 and serves the Deaf and Hard of Hearing population in Des Moines and central Iowa. She obtained a BA in Criminal Justice from Rochester Institute of Technology and a MA in Social Work from Gallaudet University in Washington D.C. Kensie has lived experience as an individual who is Deaf and uses American Sign Language for communication. Her personal experience provides valuable insight when assisting individuals through their own college and employment journeys and providing resources to employers who are looking to hire and retain employees who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing.
 
Location:
In-person:
Greater Des Moines Partnership
Conference Center
700 Locust Street, Suite 100
Des Moines, IA 50309

Virtual:
Zoom information will be sent to registrants via confirmation email. 
Date/Time Information:
1-2:30 p.m. 
Contact Information:
Stacey Robles
Send an Email
Fees/Admission:
Free