From the Kansas Commission on Disability Concerns, February 26, 2010
The Kansas Commission on Disability Concerns today launched its new employer-focused Web site, www.kansasemployability.com, as part of its local effort to support the national "Think Beyond the Label" marketing campaign to promote the hiring of workers with disabilities.
The $4 million national campaign will appear in print and on TV, the Web and billboards through 2010. The goal of the humorous, edgy campaign is to change attitudes about hiring people with disabilities, raise awareness of the need for diversity in the workplace, counter stereotypes about people with disabilities and encourage employers to visit www.kansasemployability.com to find local resources regarding employment and disability. States such as Kansas are participating with local marketing efforts, including the development of new Web sites designed to help employers learn the benefits of employing individuals with disabilities.
"We’re excited to unveil www.kansasemployability.com as part of the national ‘Think Beyond the Label’ campaign," said Martha Gabehart, KCDC Director. "Hiring and retaining good employees is the top staffing issue cited by employers, and it’s a concern that will become more pressing as we feel the crunch of a shrinking and aging workforce. That’s why it’s so important to inform employers about individuals with disabilities as a talented labor pool."
Created by the Chicago-based ad agency Wirestone, LLC, "Think Beyond the Label" emphasizes that all workplaces accommodate difference – from the "copy-incapable" office worker to the “pattern-deficient” dresser to the man with “volume control syndrome” (i.e., the loud-talking employee). The campaign acknowledges that workforce diversity is an asset to companies. Businesses are encouraged to visit the campaign hub at www.thinkbeyondthelabel.com for more information.
KCDC joins a collaborative of more than 30 states as part of the campaign. Health & Disability Advocates, a national policy and advocacy group, is managing the national campaign on behalf of the collaborative. Health & Disability Advocates, along with the Kansas Health Policy Authority, funded the development of www.kansasemployability.com.
KCDC is a statute-based commission of 30 members, 15 appointed by the Secretary of Commerce and 15 designated by statute. KCDC provides policy recommendations to the State of Kansas on changes to laws, regulations and programs that affect people with disabilities. KCDC also provides information and training to the public on legislative activities, Americans with Disabilities Act requirements and rights, and emergency preparedness for communities and people with disabilities. For details, visit www.KCDCinfo.com.
For more information, contact Martha Gabehart, Director of KCDC, at (785) 296-1722 or mgabehart@kcdcinfo.com.