2. News Room

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Duluth Trading Company Recognized for Diverse and Inclusive Hiring Practices

LA CROSSE – The Duluth Trading Company in La Crosse has gone above and beyond in efforts to hire and retain individuals with disabilities since it began partnering with state vocational rehabilitation staff in 2022. Store Manager Kyle Christopherson says the store been intentional "through some of the process change-over that we've been able to do, to be more accommodating, to be more accepting."

Because of its diverse and inclusive hiring practices that welcome individuals with disabilities into its workforce, Duluth Trading Company in La Crosse was recognized as an Exemplary Employer by the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development's Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DWD/DVR) during an Oct. 25 ceremony at the store.

"Employers of all sizes and in all industries are leading the way to ensure they are creating inclusive and productive work environments by hiring people of all abilities," DWD Secretary Amy Pechacek said. "We appreciate the way Duluth Trading Company in La Crosse has quickly set itself apart from other employers in these practices."

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. Duluth Trading Company is one of 25 businesses being recognized throughout the month for leading the way to building a more diverse workforce in the state.

All Wisconsin employers are encouraged to reach out to the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development's Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) to 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.

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.

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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 LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube.