2. News Room

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RRD Supply Chain Solutions Receives Exemplary Award for Diverse and Inclusive Hiring Practices

PLOVER – Since Amy Pinkalla began partnering with the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development's Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DWD/DVR), the human resources manager and other staff at RRD Supply Chain Solutions have been proactively working with individuals with disabilities and offering solutions to obstacles that may come up within the workplace.

Because of its diverse and inclusive hiring practices that welcome individuals with disabilities into its workforce, RRD Supply Chain Solutions in Plover has been recognized as an Exemplary Employer by the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development.

"Gov. Tony Evers and his administration have made it a priority to ensure that individuals with disabilities can access a full range of choices and opportunities when it comes to living and working in Wisconsin," said DWD Secretary-designee Amy Pechacek. "Wisconsin employers hiring people with disabilities aren't simply helping someone get a job; they are changing lives – the lives of those they employ, their family members, and of others in their community who see the work employers are doing and start believing that they can also be a part of something great."

At any given moment, DVR is working with 15,000 individuals around the state who are preparing themselves or ready to join the workforce. In Program Year 2021 alone, over 2,000 employers hired 3,500 consumers as a result of working with DVR.

The awards are being presented as Gov. Tony Evers has proclaimed the month of October Disability Employment Awareness Month in Wisconsin to highlight businesses that recruit and hire people with disabilities and encourage other businesses to provide opportunities for this skilled, dedicated and capable workforce.

National Disability Employment Awareness Month began 77 years ago in 1945. Congress passed a law declaring the first week of October, "National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week." In 1962, the word "physically" was removed to acknowledge the employment needs and contributions of individuals with all types of disabilities. In 1988, Congress expanded the week to a month and changed the name to National Disability Employment Awareness Month. Each year a theme is chosen by the Office of Disability Employment Policy under the U.S. Department of Labor.

A recent recognition event at the RRD Supply Chain Solutions featured remarks from Pinkalla along with DVR Administrator Delora Newton, Plover Village Community Development Director Steve Kunst, and Portage County Business Council Executive Director Michael Witte.

Wisconsin employers are encouraged to contact DVR and meet with a DVR Business Services Consultant who can connect them to no-cost services that will help recruit qualified workers with disabilities, build staff diversity, retain well-trained employees, and access workforce planning resources.

Individuals with disabilities looking for assistance finding, keeping, or getting a better job can contact DVR at 800-261-0050 or learn more and apply for services with the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation.

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ABOUT DWD

Wisconsin's Department of Workforce Development efficiently delivers effective and inclusive services to meet Wisconsin's diverse workforce needs now and for the future. The department advocates for and invests in the protection and economic advancement of all Wisconsin workers, employers and job seekers through six divisions – Employment and Training, Vocational Rehabilitation, Unemployment Insurance, Equal Rights, Worker's Compensation and Administrative Services. To keep up with DWD announcements and information, sign up for news releases and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.