Global strategies to increase employment of women with disabilities

A new project to increase employment of women with disabilities around the
world has been awarded to Rehabilitation International and World Institute
on Disability.  The project is funded by the US Social Security
Administration and the Dept. of Education.  The project will:
1- connect women with disabilities with womens’ groups, mentors,
disability groups and agencies involved in employment initiatives.
2- increase public awareness about the employment of women  with
disabilities.
3- initiate or reinforce regional networks dedicated to improving
employment opportunities for people  with disabilities.

The two year grant will consist of  four US-based forums, regional forums
in Latin America, Asia, Africa and Eastern/Central Europe and the
development of training and resource manuals.
The initiative is a follow-up to the 1997 International  Leadership Forum
for Women  with Disabilities, which attracted over 600 participants from
80 countries.  Research conducted at the forum revealed that participants
identified economic self-sufficiency as their main goal and requested
additional training and networking.

DOMESTIC ACTIVITIES
Three-day forums in four US cities during 1999 and 2000 will enable
interaction among women  with disabilities, women entrepreneurs and
business leaders and employment service providers.  Preliminary programs
for the forums include:
• a series of presentations by representatives of minority, women’s and
disability communities about their various pathways to economic
self-sufficiency
• workshops on how to leave benefits for jobs, how to prepare resumes and
business plans, useful networks, exploring small business and
micro-enterprise opportunities  and connecting with international exchange
programs
• a “hands-on” employment emporium, featuring an array of mentors,
employment service and advice resources and networking opportunities
The first forum, “Global Strategies to Increase Employment of Women  with
Disabilities,” is in Oakland, CA this month.

INTERNATIONAL EVENTS
Four international training and information exchange opportunities for
selected women  with disabilities in developing countries will be held.
These are planned for Mexico City in October, New Delhi in early December
and Africa and Eastern/Central Europe in 2000.  Efforts are being made to
involve as many countries as possible within each region, with primary
emphasis on providing opportunities for participation from the poorest
countries.
The project will also feature the development of regionally specific
resource kits of success stories, materials and services related to
employment and women with disabilities.
For more info: Kathy Martinez, Project Director, World Institute on
Disability, 510 16 St.
Oakland, CA 94612, (510) 251-4326; e-mail, [log in to unmask]

•Source: TRN, Supported Employment Info Lines, May 1999.


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