At the University of Miami we are fortunate to be part of an incredibly diverse community that strives to create a supportive environment where our unique abilities come together to transform lives and create an inclusive culture of belonging. In honor of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, the University community has come together to enhance the conversation surrounding disabilities in the workplace and find ways that we can work together to improve our understanding of the contributions that people of all abilities make every day.
This October, faculty and staff are invited to celebrate all abilities and learn more about the resources available at the University and how to support an inclusive environment for people with disabilities. Here are a few ways you can get involved:
Be a part of the conversation
With events scheduled throughout the month on all three campuses, there’s something for everyone. Join your colleagues for conversations that are sure to provide insight, challenge assumptions, and guide you through an engaging and thought-provoking discussion. Find the full schedule and register ahead of time since space is limited. Employees enrolled in UM’s Well ’Canes incentives program can earn points by attending.
Explore resources
UM faculty and staff have access to resources that support various aspects of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace. Learn more about how to improve communicating with those who are deaf or partially deaf and explore additional resources available at the University for those who need assistance, including students. To request an accommodation or to learn more about HR workplace equity and performance, email wep@miami.edu, call (305) 284-3064, or complete the online form.
Collaborate to improve
At the University, the conversation surrounding accessibility extends beyond physical access. Instead, it requires collaborative conversations between employees, leadership, and HR partners regarding how programs, services, and activities are delivered, and how these programs can support an inclusive culture where all individuals feel valued and can add value.
Supporting each other
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in four adults in the United States has some type of disability. At the University of Miami, human resources and University leadership are passionate about our mission of transforming lives through through education, research, innovation, and service. Together, we will continue to cultivate our unique skills and empower each other to pursue career and personal goals, recognizing that we have different, yet extraordinary abilities. Do you have stories of colleagues who have inspired you to work toward fulfilling our mission? We’d like to hear from you. Email Lifeattheu@miami.edu with stories of inspiration and support.
For more information, visit hr.miami.edu/disabilities.
