Governor’s Committee on Employment of People With Disabilities

(GCEPD) FULL COMMITTEE MEETING

MINUTES

CT DOL Rooms A & B

2nd Floor

Thursday, April 9, 2015

9:14 a.m. – 10:05 a.m.

Attendance

Members & Designees:

Jonathan Slifka, Sharon Palmer, Andy James, Jim Amis, Jessica Cabanillas, Jeffrey Beckham, Anna M. Barry, Virginia Sampietro, Joe Wendover, Lisa Weisinger-Roland, Jessica Rival, Linda Guillorn, Deborah Bradley, Greg Gray, Terri-Lynn Johnston, Samuel McKnight, Mary Silverberg, Brian Sigman, & Lewis Letang,

Guest:

Kerri Fradette

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Mr. Johnathan Slifka, Chairperson, opened the meeting at 9:14 a.m.

Welcome

Mr. Johnathan Slifka, Chairperson, introduced himself and asked members of Committee to introduce themselves.

Approval of Minutes

  • Motion: To approve the minutes for Wednesday, December 10, 2014

Vote: Motions carried

Resolved: Minutes from the meeting on Wednesday, December 10, 2014 approved without modification

Presentation on Employers Study Conducted on the Employment of Individuals with Disabilities & DORS – Connect-Ability Website

Presenter: Kerri Fradette, DORS –Connect-Ability

  • Discussed the Connect-Ability State Employee Survey
  • The State Employee Survey is part of the Connect-Ability program. The survey is administered by a research team from the University of Connecticut Health Center (UCHC).
  • The purpose of the survey is to collect feedback directly from state employees who voluntarily agree to participate. The feedback will help Connect-Ability learn more about the diversity of the state workforce, how well the state provides support to employees and how the state could improve support to employees.

(Connect-Ability Survey is attached to the Minutes)

  • Reviewed the Connect-Ability (DORS) Department of Rehabilitation Services website

(www.ct.gov/connect-ability)

  • Reviewed the following tabs: Career Center, e-Learning, Employers & Transportation
  • Media Gallery which is a showcase for Connect-Ability’s communication and awareness campaign. A list of videos and advertisements that are allowing people all over the State of Connecticut to see the ability.
  • Watched video and TV Add success story of James Devoe, an individual who refused to let being a paraplegic crush his dream to drive a truck. He owns and operates J. DeVoe Trucking.
  • Walgreens Diversity – viewed video showing how Connect-Ability Staffing of Connecticut’s Bureau of Rehabilitation Services (BRS) helps employers build a more competitive workforce with qualified people who happen to have a disability.

Discussion:

  • Members congratulated Joe Wendover, Walgreens/CT Business Leadership Network, for building a competitive workforce at Walgreens with qualified people who have a disability.

New Business - Next meeting:

  • Mr. Johnathan Slifka, Chairperson, shared that the next committee meeting will be held at Walgreens.
  • Our next meeting is scheduled for June 11, 2015. 9 a.m. to 11a.m. at Walgreens.

Walgreens

80 International Drive

Windsor, CT 06095

Meeting was adjourned at 10:05 a.m.

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