Jodi Shearer

Virginia is reaching out to recruit and hire a diverse workforce including workers with disabilities. Gov Tim Kaine signed Exe Dir # 8 in the fall of 2007 calling for State agencies to review their recruitment and hiring procedures pertaining to individual with disabilities. One way agencies can hire workers is through a contact with several approved staffing agencies. In Va, state agencies work with Caliper and Abacus staffing firms to recruit workers. These two staffing organizations are working with VCU-RRTC, Va DRS, and local community rehab programs to place people with disabilities in employment. Jodi Shearer with Caliper Staffing will share her perspective on developing relationships with state agencies and the rehab community to assist in recruiting, hiring and accommodating good workers with disabilities. You will receive information on what has worked as well as some recommendations to generate more success in the employment of people with disabilities in Va government agencies.