2. News Room

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Chartwells Higher Education Recognized for Diverse and Inclusive Hiring Practices

RIVER FALLS – Chartwells Higher Education has been recognized as an Exemplary Employer by the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development's Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DWD/DVR) for the company's diverse and inclusive hiring practices that welcome individuals with disabilities into its workforce.

"Chartwells Higher Education is making a difference in River Falls and serves as a great example of how local employers can meet their workforce needs while having a positive impact not only on their employees, but on their communities as well,” DWD Secretary Amy Pechacek said. “They demonstrate that hiring people with disabilities is not only the right thing to do, but it's good for business, too."

DVR officials presented the company with the award this week during an event at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. The award was presented as Gov. Tony Evers proclaimed 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. Chartwells Higher Education is one of 25 businesses recognized throughout the month for leading the way to building a more diverse workforce in the state.

The award ceremony, held in the university's Falls Room, was attended by representatives and staff from Chartwells Higher Education, UW-River Falls, and local DVR staff and service providers.

All Wisconsin employers are encouraged to contact 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.