On October 17, 2016 the Little Rock Workforce Development Board’s (LRWDB) Executive Director, W. J. Monagle, and WIOA Project Director, Farrah Hammond, attended the Arkansas Rehabilitation Business Summit. The theme of the summit, “Inclusion Works and Improves Your Business Bottom Line,” illustrates the event’s focus on hiring persons with a disability.
The keynote speakers, Randy Lewis, Founder and President of the Nogwog Fund and retired Senior Vice President of Walgreens, and James Ashworth, Managing Director Customer Support for Southwest Airlines, made a “Business Case for Hiring People with Abilities.” Panel discussions emphasized “Moving Beyond Diversity to Active Inclusion” and “Unconscious Biases.” Breakout sessions highlighted topics like “Access & Accommodations” and “Sensitivity & Disability Etiquette.”
The summit was sponsored by Arkansas Rehabilitation Services (ARS), a division of the Department of Career Education. The LRWDB is pleased to partner with ARS to provide opportunities for Arkansans with disabilities to lead productive and independent lives. For more information, you may view the program flyer.