As diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives grow across the country, employers are working hard to not only educate themselves about compliance issues, but also to understand how to create more inclusive workplaces.

26 percent of adults in the U.S. have some type of disability [CDC] and, here in Indiana, it’s estimated that about six percent of the population is Deaf or hard of hearing [Census].

Join us as we learn about the following items from a trainer with the EEOC and a Deaf professional at LUNA Language Services:

• Key ADA compliance issues to watch for
• Suggestions for reasonable accommodations
• Accommodations for the Deaf and hard of hearing community
• Best practices for creating an inclusive workplace for Deaf and hard of hearing people

🎟 RSVP using the "Register" button to receive the link to the online event.

🎥 We will be recording the session and sending a link of the recording out to all registered participants.

🤟 An ASL interpreter will be provided for this event.

About the speakers:

👤 Brien Shoemaker, Outreach Education Coordinator, U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission

Brien Shoemaker is the Outreach Education Coordinator for the Indianapolis District of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Brien has been with the EEOC since 2001 and has served as an investigator and a supervisor. As an investigator Brien earned the Commission’s CORE award for outstanding contributions to the EEOC during his work as the lead investigator in a multi-agency class case involving hiring discrimination. Brien has presented outreach programs on the EEOC laws and regulations, and has given Respectful Workplace training to private companies and advocacy groups.

👤 Betsy Payne, Language Coordinator — State, LUNA Languages Services

Betsy Payne was born Deaf and uses American Sign Language as her native and preferred language, while utilizing English as a second language. Working as a language coordinator for LUNA, Betsy manages the execution of a contract with the State of Indiana, organizing and scheduling their high volume of interpreting requests and managing their complex billing processes. Due to her interest in accounting and proficiency with invoicing, Betsy was recently promoted to working in the Accounting department at LUNA and will begin her new role as a finance specialist in the coming weeks. Betsy is also working toward becoming a certified Deaf interpreter (CDI) to help fulfill the community’s needs. Betsy is passionate about accessibility and advocates for the Deaf community and their rights to equitable access to communication regularly through her work with LUNA as well as in her private life.