As many companies work to quickly determine an effective strategy to address the safety of their employees and ensure business functions remain operational, iDisability would like to offer its support in providing resources to assist you with ensuring best practices are implemented that are inclusive of the disability community.

During this time, it is important, that we come together as a community to offer assistance to all that are affected by the COVID-19 epidemic. To do that, we believe, it is essential to share knowledge and resources that may contribute to building successful practices that are inclusive of people with disabilities.

In support of these initiates, Joyce Bender and Andy Houghton are offering two free modules from the disability learning suite that can be useful to your organization in navigating this process. 

• Understanding Mental Health Disabilities (SCORM or Video File): Explains mental health disabilities, distinguishes myths from facts, and addresses accommodations for mental health disabilities at work. 
• Emergency Preparedness for Individuals with Disabilities (SCORM or Video File): Provides guidance on ensuring safety for employees with disabilities during an emergency. This includes identifying individuals with disabilities who may require assistance, creating a support network to provide this assistance, and best practices to address specific disability needs.
• Coronavirus (COVID-19 Takeaway Resource): Provides guidance on applying these resources during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Visit iDisability to learn more about how you can download these files now.

Captioned video:

Video transcript:

Speakers: Andrew Houghton, Joyce Bender

   >> ANDREW HOUGHTON: At Disability Inclusion Solutions and Bender Consulting Services, we are deeply concerned about the wellbeing of all of our customers, our family, our friends, and specifically those individuals with disabilities who are the most vulnerable population.

   >> JOYCE BENDER: Hi, everyone. I’m Joyce Bender, the CEO of Bender Consulting Services and the co-founder of iDisability with Andy Houghton. I am also a disability-owned business enterprise and live with epilepsy. That’s how Andy and I met. When we talked, we wanted to do something to give back to help during this very difficult time as we deal with the coronavirus.

   >> ANDREW HOUGHTON: Joyce Bender and I wanted to do something to help support the most vulnerable population of individuals with disabilities, so we’ve decided to make available for free two of our 15-minute e-learning modules on the subjects of emergency evacuation and preparedness and mental health in the workplace.

   >> JOYCE BENDER: But this is a new venue for many people with mental health disabilities. You may be one of those people. You may need help. And I assure you, you have many employees with mental health disabilities that have not disclosed for fear of being treated differently. Well, right now, they are in a different situation. Some people are dealing with isolation. Some people are dealing with incredible anxiety, incredible, as they are put into this new world.

   >> ANDREW HOUGHTON: It’s times like these when we Americans come together and help each other out, and Joyce and I are pleased to be able to offer these two modules on mental health in the workplace and emergency preparedness for people with disabilities to all of you in hopes that it will make some minor impact on your workforce, and most importantly that it will preserve the jobs for people with disabilities. We wish everyone a safe and healthy journey over these next couple of weeks and months, and we look forward to being there for you as we always are. If you have any questions, please reach out to me, andrew@disabilityinclusion.com.