Agenda Item

Discussion

Action Needed

Welcome

Call to Order

Voting Members

– Mark Sharrock, past Chairperson

Welcome! The Meeting was called to order at 11:02 AM by Mark Sharrock, past Chairperson. Steven Olson was excused from today’s meeting.

A quorum was present.

As a reminder to new and existing members, voting members of this committee can vote on matters. The committee also welcomes advisory committee member contributions to the meeting.

Mark reminded the committee that this meeting is being recorded.

Review and Approval of Minutes from November 4, 2020

-All

The committee reviewed the meeting minutes from November 4, 2020. Dylan McDonnell moved to approve the meeting minutes. Carolyn Johnson seconded the motion. All were in favor, none opposed. Motion approved.

Meeting Minutes from November 4, 2020 were approved as written

Presentation from Room Here

-Rachel Merrill

-Trent Mano

Rachel Merrill and Trent Mano were invited to today’s meeting and provide a presentation on their company called Room Here, a mental fitness for people and companies. Both Rachel and Trent are co-founders of Room Here. This company was founded in March, 2019. They provided an online presentation about this company and gave some background on how this company started. The link to the presentation is included in these meeting minutes:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nNh1voX3yeTkiLLipelSioI2-C7ABlpS/view?usp=drive_web

Room Here would love to partner with businesses in creating mental fitness within their workplaces. Please share broadly with your networks. This is an opportunity to gain exposure by partnering with Room Here. The website is https://roomhere.org/ where individuals or groups can sign the pledge to become a Roomie. Voting members of this committee will have an opportunity for the Governor’s Committee to make a commitment to Room Here as an organization.

Room Here is currently partnering with the Salt Lake Chamber of Commerce. Room Here’s focus is on the tech industry.

Both Rachel Merrill and Trent Mano provided their direct emails and can be reached at [email protected] and [email protected].

Windmills Training Discussion

-Leah Lobato

Leah reported on Windmills Training which is Disability Etiquette and Awareness training. Outside of Utah, Windmills is the most recognized disability training.

Leah Lobato, Jake Marino, and Douglas Allred have taken the Windmills course training and are certified trainers of the 12 modules that are included with Windmills. Some of the modules are geared towards businesses. If any business is willing to do a practice session, as well as virtual online training, please contact Leah.

More information on Windmills Training can be found at http://www.miltwright.com/products/windmills.htm. This link explains the training a bit more and describes each module in detail. If you have any questions, please reach out to Leah Lobato at [email protected] or Jake Marino at [email protected].

Department of Workforce Services

Newsletter

-Leah Lobato

Leah provided some information on the Department of Workforce Services Newsletter. The newsletter highlights what is happening in Utah around employment. There is discussion on adding a diversity piece which is all of diversity and gives this committee an opportunity to share on the Governor’s Committee. If anyone is interested in signing up for this newsletter, here is a link:

Workforce Advantage email:

https://mailchi.mp/b171cdd89b99/your-workforce-advantage-7034621?e=15e55516ca.

Update on Disability:IN Utah

Flash Mentoring Event

Disability:IN Utah Annual Report

2021 Calendar of Events

-Kim Belliston

Kim Belliston provided an update on some most recent activities happening with Disability IN: Utah. Disability:IN Utah provided a keynote speaker for the 46^th Annual Golden Key Awards Disability:IN Summit. Stephani Victor is a gold medal winning Paralympian in Alpine Skiing with a great and inspiring presentation on “The Ability Philosophy: Why Inclusion Matters”.

Another Flash Mentoring event is scheduled for January 27th – February 10th. If a business is interested in providing a one hour, one on one virtual meeting with job seekers, please contact Leah Lobato by January 20^th to be added to the participating partners list.

Information can be found here:

If a job seeker is interested in the Flash Mentoring Event, they need to register in Eventbrite at:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/flash-mentoring-event-individual-registration-tickets-136517695101 and they will be assigned to a business partner who will coordinate the meeting time.  

Disability:IN Utah is working on the annual report with hopes to have this report out in the near future.

The next Disability:IN Utah Steering Committee will meet virtually on January 19, 2021 @ 1:00 pm. If interested in attending, please reach out to Kim Belliston or Leah Lobato and they will make sure to provide access to this meeting.

Any upcoming trainings or topics that are available and would like to be included on the 2021 Disability:IN Utah calendar, please let Kim Belliston or Leah Lobato know. A suggestion is to add mental health topics to the calendar.

Next Virtual Steering Committee Meeting is January 19, 2021 @ 1:00 pm

USOR Update

New Executive Director for DWS, Casey Cameron

Work Ability Internships

-Sarah Brenna

-Leah Lobato

Organizational Changes

Sarah mentioned some updates within the Department of Workforce Services. Casey Cameron is the new Executive Director with Department of Workforce Services (DWS). She replaces Jon Pierpont who was recently appointed as Chief of Staff for the Governor’s Office. Greg Paras will remain as Deputy Director. Sarah Brenna will remain as USOR Director as well. Spencer Cox is our new Governor of Utah!

Work Ability Internships

USOR was asked about a year ago to take on a project to increase internships to help the people in Utah with disabilities. A big thank you to Leah Lobato and her team for the successful outcome of hiring interns for USOR and other state agencies.

State as A Model Employer/Alternative State Application Program

Leah went on to mention that the Alternative State Application Program (ASAP) is still active within state government. The State as a Model Employer (SAME) initiative did not go through. It was decided through the Governor’s Office on Management and Budget (GOMB) to provide internship opportunities for employees with disabilities rather than sign an executive order for SAME. State agencies were on board with this, but due to COVID pandemic, some agencies have struggled with this initiative.

Within the past year, the Utah State Office of Rehabilitation has had 15 internships, including DSBVI and DSDHH, located from Salt Lake City, Taylorsville, South Jordan, Provo and St George. Great news, 14 out of the 15 individuals hired have successfully completed their internship. That’s a 93 percent success rate! Eight individuals obtained employment after completing their internship. That’s 53 percent who have moved on to regular, permanent employment. Six individuals obtained employment within state agencies, that’s 40 percent!

The internships go for 12-20 weeks up to 32 hours per week and paid a minimum of $11 per hour and up depending on the type of work. DTS has 3 interns providing support as of right now. After the internship, DTS is looking to hire the interns within their agency. This program will continue on since it’s been successful so far. Business Relations is planning on having another intern hired in the near future.

Governor’s Committee

46^th Annual Golden Key Awards Event

Mark Sharrock Award Presented

Calendar for 2021

Business Relations Events

Moving Forward in 2021

Mentoring

Virtual Training

Suggestions to keep momentum through the winter months

Disability Advocacy Day

46^th Annual Golden Key Awards Event

The 46^th Annual Golden Key Awards Event was held December 15, 2021 on a virtual platform. This was the first time this event was done virtually with a good attendance and positive comments from a few in attendance.

The keynote speaker for this event was Stephani Victor who provided an outstanding speech regarding her life and disability.

With the backlog of our own DWS Communications Division, photos and videos were needed showing the recipient awards. A big thank you goes out to Jake Marino and Gordon Swensen with the Utah State Office of Rehabilitation for providing photos and videos of the Golden Key and Walmart Scholarship recipients. DWS Communications is working on more videos on the backside. Leah will share this information with the committee once she receives it.

Here is a link to the blog post showing the awards and videos from Golden Key:

https://jobs.utah.gov/blog/post/2020/12/15/utah-employers-recognized-for-commitment-to-individuals-with-disabilities-and-veterans-in-the-workplace

Leah presented a plaque to Mark Sharrock for his outstanding work as Chairperson for the Governor’s Committee. Thank you Mark for everything that you have done.

Discussion was to plan for the next Golden Key Awards Event on a virtual perspective. However, a physical location should be reserved just in case. The Golden Key Event will be scheduled for some time in October, 2021. Some entities are planning on going virtual for this year instead of juggling back and forth.

Kristy provided an example with the Salt Lake Chamber that just held an in-person event with everyone wearing a mask and staying at least 6 feet apart. She suggested to reach out to the Chamber. This was also presented online. Kristy highly recommended hiring a professional to help setting up the event virtually since Columbus Community Center’s virtual presentation was done very well and well worth the cost.

Shannon Williams mentioned the possibility of releasing the application for Walmart scholarships within the next couple of weeks which is earlier and would give time for students as well as photos and videos in place. Leah asked Shannon to send an email to Kim, Obed and Leah requesting this. Leah will verify with Walmart on scholarship funding once again.

Golden Key Subcommittee Volunteers

Mark Sharrock, Shannon Williams, Sharon Cook, and Russell Pixton, have volunteered for the Golden Key subcommittee.

Calendar of Events 2021

TASK: Please notify Leah Lobato at [email protected] by January 29, 2021 on discussions or presentations that partners would like to see on the calendar. This can piggyback on the Disability:IN Utah calendar as well.

Business Relations Events

SAVE THE DATES:

Spring 2021 Virtual Employer Workshop on March 9, 2021

Spring 2021 Virtual Work Ability Career Fair on April 13, 2021

Please save these dates as there are no flyers available for distribution. Also, discussion was made with DWS on the EVF virtual platform used for the Work Ability Career Fair to include a screen reader for those job seekers that need this accommodation. This should be ready by the April event.

Flash Mentoring

Leah would love each committee member or business partner to take 1 hour of time to mentor one on one with people with disabilities. The timeline is January 27 to February 10, 2021. Email Leah directly if interested. Again, here are the flyers and Eventbrite link for job seekers:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/flash-mentoring-event-individual-registration-tickets-136517695101

Goldman Sachs is interested in the Flash Mentoring event.

If interested in being on the Golden Key subcommittee, please email Leah Lobato

Calendar of Events 2021, please notify Leah of any discussions or presentations by January 29, 2021.

Spring 2021 Employer Workshop is March 9, 2021

Spring 2021 Work Ability Job Fair is April 13, 2021

Disability Advocacy Day, January 28, 2021

Roundtable

Columbus Community Center

Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health

Hamilton Relay

Utah Center for Assistive Technology

UVU

Edwards LifeSciences

Assistance with Videos

Myths and Etiquette Tips

State Workforce Development Board

Disability Advocacy Day

-All

Kristy mentioned a tremendous relief in vaccinating their staff and clients at Columbus. They are grateful. Dylan mentioned the first round of vaccinations brought a lifting spirit and the first time to see some clients in months.

Sharon provided an update to for the Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health (DSAMH). The new Executive Director for DSAMH is Tracy Gruber who comes from the Department of Workforce Services. She was over the Office of Child Care and the intergenerational Poverty Initiative. Sharon will hold a training called “Intellectual Disability Developmental Delay and Mental Health Dual Diagnosis Training”. DSAMH will continue webinars for the public with a 3-part series on resiliency and coping through COVID. January 26^th is on compassion and resiliency. DSAMH has hired a new person named Brad to assist Sharon and her division with individuals who are deaf and hard of hearing.

Brey mentioned information on Hamilton Scholarships for senior high school students wraps up this month. The last day to submit apps needs to be postmarked by the end of January, 2021. Brey thanked everyone for sharing this information. The scholarship program will be an annual event. Webinars are continuing so if any business is looking for relay training, please let Brey know.

Ken mentioned that the Utah Center for Assistive Technology (UCAT) is operating as normal, but staying safe. They limit the number of folks coming into the office for evaluations.

A sponsor contacted Ken and donated 4 ride-in kid cars to Go Baby Go for children with disabilities and made these accessible for kids. There were 2 ambulance and 2 fire trucks for kids.

Carolyn mentioned an upcoming Autism Conference on May 4-5, 2021. There will be a keynote speaker and pulling in more information for businesses this year. Registration is required. If you register by Friday, January 15^th it is $10 less.

Kim Belliston mentioned that Edwards LifeSciences is getting their BRG calendar ready for the year with some trainings and the best format to present these on.

Jake is hoping to prepare early and is calling out on business partners to assist. He is looking for assistance on a video involving business people and/or hiring and people who have disabilities and willing to discuss etiquette, issues, etc. to speak to their personal experiences. Goldman Sachs can assist on the business side. Ken Reid has volunteered to assist with one video.

Jake provided these myths and etiquette tips to share with the committee:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1MDYfNvwUSmDHU8EI2rAKdoir16IjOfaxzVEZtxdAqMI/edit?usp=sharing

SWDB Representative from Governor’s Committee. This Board would like a business from this committee to volunteer on the State Workforce Development Board beginning April, 2021.

Here is some information on Disability Advocacy Day:

Disability Advocacy Day: 

Hello!

Join us and our partners for Disability Advocacy Day on Thursday, January 28th from 1:00-5:00pm.

Disability Advocacy Day is an opportunity to highlight the issues and concerns facing people with disabilities in Utah. Disability Advocacy Day this year will be completely virtual and will include an advocacy workshop conducted by the Utah Developmental Disabilities Council and the Utah State Independent Living Council. This event will provide opportunities for self-advocates and family members to learn about the legislative process and will provide information on how to get involved in virtual advocacy during the COVID pandemic. This event will also highlight the policy issues that impact people with disabilities during the 2021 session of the Utah Legislature through speakers from various disability-related agencies and lawmakers.

Individuals with disabilities, family members, professionals, and the general public are welcome to attend. Registration is FREE!

To learn more about the event, please click here. https://cpd.usu.edu/disability-advocacy-day

To register, please click here. https://usu-edu.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ka8BxdC4SxyrrFWiAE26Yg

If you have any questions, please reach out to me at [email protected].

In partnership with: Utah Parent Center, Utah Developmental Disabilities Council, Disability Law Center, and Utah Statewide Independent Living Council

Social Media Links

Governor’s Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities:

Facebook: UtahPWDNET https://www.facebook.com/UtahPWDNET/

Twitter: GovCommDis

Webpage: https://jobs.utah.gov/usor/vr/employer/govcommittee.html

Disability: IN Utah (formerly Utah Business Leadership Network):

Facebook: Disability IN: Utah

Twitter: DisabilityINUtah

Webpage:  https://disabilityin.org/what-we-do/affiliates/utah/

Utah State Office of Rehabilitation:

Facebook: UtahVocRehab

Twitter: UtahVocRehab

Webpage:  https://jobs.utah.gov/usor

This Meeting is Adjourned

Mark Sharrock announced to close this meeting. Dylan approved the closing of the meeting. Kim Belliston seconded the motion. All were in favor, none opposed. The meeting adjourned at 12:50 PM.

Next Meeting

The next Governor’s Committee Meeting will be held March 10, 2021 on Zoom Virtual Platform from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm.