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New NIFA Partnership Enhances Workplace Inclusion

New NIFA Partnership Enhances Workplace Inclusion

Nifa Authors
Rachel Dotson, Public Affairs Specialist (Social Media)

October marks National Disability Employment Awareness Month, during this time we recognize and commemorate the contributions of people with disabilities to America’s workplaces and economy.

To further advance USDA-National Institute of Food and Agriculture’s diverse and inclusive workplace, the agency has partnered with the Center for Disability Inclusion, which works alongside companies to strengthen outreach, recruitment, hiring and retention of employees with disabilities.

This partnership will allow for additional disability training and networking opportunities with other agencies.
 
“We decided to pursue this collaboration in the winter of 2020,” said NIFA Director of Equal Opportunity and Civil Rights Drenda Williams. “The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Management Directive 715 (MD-715) report is required annually and provides guidance on how an agency can implement an Equal Employment Opportunity program. The agency applies the results from the MD-715 to improve participation of employees with targeted disabilities.” 
 
In addition to NIFA’s strides with the Center for Disability Inclusion, NIFA also uses the U.S. Department of Labor’s Workforce Recruitment Program to connect with highly motivated college students and recent graduates with disabilities who are eager to demonstrate their abilities in the workplace through summer or permanent jobs.
 
“Through these efforts, NIFA aims to create an environment that will improve the hiring, advancement, and retention of people with targeted disabilities at all grade levels,” Williams said. “Our goal is to ​advance NIFA’s disability inclusion efforts in the workplace.”  



 

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