Tony Evers, Governor
Amy Pechacek, Secretary

Department of Workforce Development
Secretary's Office
201 E. Washington Avenue
P.O. Box 7946
Madison, WI 53707-7946
Telephone: (608) 266-3131
Fax: (608) 266-1784
Email: sec@dwd.wisconsin.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Oct. 26, 2023
CONTACT: DWD Communications
CommunicationsOffice@dwd.wisconsin.gov

Ducommun Recognized for Diverse and Inclusive Hiring Practices

APPLETON – To Ducommun Performance Director Eric Dudek, working with state vocational rehabilitation experts and hiring people with diverse backgrounds and abilities is about opportunity.

"We want to create opportunities for long-term success for employees and any individuals who have aspirations for working in our community and industry," Dudek said. "We want to create a workplace that allows them to do what they love, and love to come to work and appreciate what the company provides."

Because of its diverse and inclusive hiring practices that welcome individuals with disabilities into its workforce, Ducommun was recognized as an Exemplary Employer by the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development's Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DWD/DVR) at an event at Ducommun on Oct. 24.

The award was presented as Gov. Tony Evers proclaimed the month of October National Disability Employment Awareness Month in Wisconsin to highlight businesses that recruit and hire people with disabilities. Last year, more than 2,000 employers created more inclusive workplaces in Wisconsin. Ducommun is one of 25 businesses being recognized throughout the month for leading the way to building a more diverse workforce in the state.

"National Disability Employment Awareness Month offers an opportunity to celebrate the tremendous contributions that individuals with disabilities make as members of our state's workforce," DWD Secretary Amy Pechacek said. "In addition, Gov. Evers' Exemplary Employer awards elevate the deep commitment that employers like Ducommun make toward hiring, retaining, and supporting these workers."

The award ceremony featured remarks from DVR Business Services Consultant Nicole Greetan, DVR Administrator Delora Newton, and Dudek.

"We want to help all Wisconsin employers create a workforce that reflects the diversity of our state," said Pechacek. "We believe that when we all work together, we can create a more inclusive and equitable Wisconsin for everyone."

All Wisconsin employers are encouraged to reach out to DVR and meet with a local Business Services Consultant who can connect them with a variety of free resources to help recruit and hire people with disabilities, build staff diversity, and retain well-trained employees.

DVR helped over 3,350 Wisconsin residents with disabilities find work over the past year. Individuals with a disability looking for ways to find a job, keep a job, or get a better job are encouraged to contact DVR at 800-262-0050, visit a local DVR office, or visit the DVR website.

Ducommum was presented with Gov. Tony Ever's Exemplary Employer Award on Tuesday, Oct. 24, at its Appleton office during National Disability Employment Awareness Month. Pictured, from left, Chris Grunske, HR Generalist; Lee Thao, HR Generalist; Dan Mielke, Production Manager; Darren McDougal, Sr. Supply Chain Manager; Jeff Loritz, Operations Manager; Beth Kerrigan, Sr. HR Business Partner; Delora Newton, DVR Administrator; Eric Dudek, Performance Center Director; Heather Prosek, Proposals Supervisor; Adam Rindfleisch, Recruiting and Branding Supervisor; and Santiago Onuchuku, Sr. Test Engineering Manager.

New Job Accommodations Training

To help provide employers with educational resources to diversify their workplace and create work environments that help retain employees, and to give employees information about their rights and responsibilities in the workforce, the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development's Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) has created new online accommodation trainings for employers, workers, and job seekers.

The Accommodation Training Library consists of brief, informational videos that cover topics, including hiring people with disabilities, the reasonable accommodation process, disclosing a disability, disability discrimination, and other topics related to employment law. The new accommodation training videos can be found on the DWD Career Pathways website.

The videos were created as part of a U.S. Department of Education Career Pathways Advancement (CPA) Initiative grant awarded to DVR in 2021. The CPA Initiative is allowing DVR to create resources and opportunities to support DVR consumers as they advance in their careers.

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 LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube.