Diversity Employment: We’re Front and Center at the Table
Earlier this month, I attended the National Diversity Forum sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy. The forum was held in conjunction with the “Add Us In” Initiative spearheaded by Assistant Secretary Kathleen Martinez. You may recall I blogged about this initiative and occupational therapy’s involvement in it a few months ago. This initiative seeks to “identify and develop innovative strategies and models that increase the capacity of targeted small businesses to improve job opportunities for youth and adults with disabilities.” The kinds of targeted businesses include those owned and operated by minorities, LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) individuals, women, veterans and people with disabilities. I learned at the forum about how key elements of disability hiring differ for large and small businesses, how the benefits of diversity hiring can be better promoted, and how education and employment systems can be better coordinated.
I also was able to network with folks who are particularly effective in creating change and realizing the goals of the initiative. There was one group represented that I think is awesome—Homeboy Industries (www.homeboy-industries.org). This small business, founded decades ago and based in Los Angeles, is the world’s foremost gang-intervention organization. It has put hundreds of previously gang-affiliated individuals back to work. The organization initially made bakery items, and now has established a Homegirls Café, Homeboy Silkscreen and Embroidery, Homeboy Farmer’s Markets, and so on. (My husband John and I regularly buy Homeboy salsa and chips, which are fantastic!)
What does gang intervention have to do with occupational therapy? For the past three years, my colleagues and I have been conducting a community-based, randomized controlled trial on the effectiveness of Lifestyle Redesign® provided by occupational therapists in reducing the incidence of medically serious pressure ulcers in people with spinal cord injury. The leading cause of spinal cord injury in Los Angeles is a gunshot wound—and a majority of individuals with spinal cord injuries are, or have previously been, affiliated with a gang. So on both personal and professional levels, I am pleased that Homeboy Industries continues to be successful in achieving its mission.
The overlap in the expertise of Homeboy Industries and the key concerns of occupational therapy create wonderful synergies. Now, with the “Add Us In” Initiative, occupational therapists will be part of a consortium with Homeboy Industries and other private and public agencies. Together, we will develop a national model for creating diversity employment. This is a great opportunity to demonstrate the value that’s added when occupational therapy is included on teams that are judged by the outcomes they produce. I am thrilled we are at the table!