Amplify! News Archives - Amplify! Improving Disability Inclusiveness in the Workplace

Amplify Rock Stars – 2019

by Cindy Bahl
Director of Business Development and Amplify! Events
Dirkse Counseling and Consulting, Inc.

Wow what a fantastic event we had on May 23^rd at Embassy Suites by Hilton, Portland-Washington Square with over 100 in attendance the energy was amplified! If you missed it, you missed a great time; but don’t worry, we are here for you to help you start your disability inclusion journey! Contact us today and let’s have a conversation! Until then, here is a brief recap:

Keynote Speaker Heather Weldon inspired us to “think differently”, she shared the challenges she faced at The City of Seattle and how she reversed priorities, making a business case for employment of people with Intellectual and/or Developmental Disabilities. To achieve her goals of 30 new positions, she shared her formula for success which included her top three tips for you:

Focus on workplace needs
One job at a time
Build an army of support

Success Stories are always my favorite to share and this year we acknowledged Michael Takata and his 5-year employment anniversary at Walmart Neighborhood Store. What a joy to see the smile on his face and to hear from Mom, Vicki Takata and how working makes such an impact not only on Michael, but on his community and our society. I had tears in my eyes and I’m sure others did too!

Michael & Vicki Takata with Dirkse CC Job Coach, Wynter Lyons

We also highlighted the Project Search Program, a 9-month Internship program where young adults with I/DD develop work skills, experience various job environments and tasks that help them identify and gain meaningful employment. We heard from 2 graduates and 2 current Interns who enthusiastically shared their stories with the crowd.

Project Search Interns & Graduates, Addie Connelly, Brandon Runyan, Wesley Aylward & Adam Parker

Awards and Acknowledgements were also a big part of the event, after all, it is Amplify! ROCK STARS and we have some Rock Star employers in our community! City of Beaverton Mayor Denny Doyle was on hand to help acknowledge and hand out the awards.

Advancing Employment Opportunities:

Tualatin Hills Parks & Recreation District
Jama Software
Pest Solutions
Nike WD+C
Oregon Health & Science University

Heidi Dirkse-Graw, Mayor Denny Doyle, THPRD Representatives Julie Rocha, Gretchen Gorman, Wendy Kroger & John Griffiths

Advancing Disability Diversity & Inclusion:

Nike, Ability Network – Host of Amplify! Success for 3 years in October!
Embassy Suites by Hilton, Portland-Washington Square – Host of Amplify! Rock Stars for 2 years!
Pamplin Media & The Business Tribune
Beaverton Resource Guide
Beaverton Chamber of Commerce
The City of Beaverton

Heidi Dirkse-Graw, Mayor Denny Doyle, Embassy Suites Representatives John DeRosa & Kelsey Card

Of course, we can’t thank our Sponsors enough! We could not do it without them!

Photos courtesy of Trillium Images

Thank you to all of our Rock Stars! Sponsors – VIEW SPONSORS

This year we also held our first Amplified Job Opportunity Fair and were very pleased to have 75 differently abled job seekers talking to five different employers, face-to-face about their opportunities. Thanks to our participating employers who are looking forward to 2^nd interviews with multiple candidates:

City of Beaverton
Columbia Sportswear
Chick-fil-A Raleigh Hills
Embassy Suites Portland Washington Square
Fred Meyer

Save-The-Date for Amplify! Success on Wednesday, October 16^th, 2019 @ Nike WHQ! It’s going to be bigger and better this year and you won’t want to miss it! More details to come soon!

Join the Amplify! Initiative! Contact Cindy Bahl, Director of Business Development & Amplify! Events at 503-258-7715 or cindy@dirksecc.com

Happy Anniversary!

by Cindy Bahl
Director of Business Development and Amplify! Events
Dirkse Counseling and Consulting, Inc.

Anniversaries commemorate special occasions in our lives; from first dates to wedding dates, and from first day-on-the-job to retirement, we like to celebrate milestone events in our lives.

I recently celebrated my fifth anniversary with Dirkse CC. I’m proud to say, I’ve come a long way in five years, learning and growing along the way and becoming more and more passionate about our mission and goals to increase employment opportunities for people with disabilities.

However, what I’m really excited about is to share a special success story at Amplify! Rock Stars on May 23^rd. We will be celebrating another fifth anniversary of an individual we helped support and place in his very first job. Join me in acknowledging five years of successful employment for Michael Takata, a 2011 graduate of Beaverton High School and a 2014 graduate of the Beaverton Community Transition Program. Michael and his mom, Vicki Takata, with support from Job Coach, Wynter Lyons, will be sharing how working independently has affected his life and the impact it makes on the local community. You will not want to miss his story and the celebration of this milestone anniversary! We originally shared his employment journey in a story published in the October 2016 issue of The Beaverton Resource Guide, a community partner we will also acknowledge at the event.

Register Today for Amplify! Rock Stars 2019

Join us for our 2^nd annual Amplify! Rock Stars event, May 23^rd @ Embassy Suites by Hilton, Portland-Washington Square.

Secure your spot now and plan on another inspiring morning full of success stories and celebrations!

May 23, 2019 9:00am – 11:30am
Embassy Suites by Hilton Washington Square

Continental Breakfast & Networking
Inspirational Keynote Speaker: Heather Weldon, Strategic Advisor, City of Seattle
Success Stories from Individuals & Workforce Programs
Employer Awards & Recognition
Professional Development Breakout & More!

Partner with us! You too can become a sponsor and partner of Amplify! Help us promote diversity and inclusion in our workforce and community – ASK US HOW – contact Cindy Bahl @ 503-258-7715 or cindy@dirksecc.com

Got Jobs?

Thursday, May 23rd, 2019
12:00pm – 2:00pm
Embassy Suites by Hilton
Washington Square-Portland-Tigard
9000 SW Washington Square Rd., Tigard, OR 97223
MAP TO EVENT

Job Seekers – Register here to attend the Amplified Job Opportunity Fair! Bring your resume and meet employers on May 23^rd, 12-2pm @ Embassy Suites by Hilton, Portland-Washington Square.

For Job Seekers

Select employers who are interested in disability, diversity and inclusion will be on-site.
Talk to employers who have part time openings and are ready to hire now!
Job Coaches, Personal Service Workers and Employment Specialists are welcome!
Bring your resume and come prepared to share your career goal.

Participating Employers

City of Beaverton
Chick-fil-A
Embassy Suites
…More to Come!

For Employers

If you are an employer and need to increase your workforce with motivated, reliable candidates with skills and abilities to meet your business needs, join us for our Amplified Job Opportunity Fair on May 23^rd, 12-2pm, directly after the Rock Star event. Contact Cindy Bahl at info@amplifysuccess.org or 503-258-7715 today for more information and to register!

The day includes a 2.5-hour event (details below) and the Amplified Job Opportunity Fair directly after the main event that will help connect you to differently abled Job Seekers with the goal of helping you meet your disability diversity recruitment and hiring goals.

$150 Registration Fee Includes:

1 ticket to Amplify! Rock Stars event (9am – 11:30am)
1 boxed lunch during 11:30am – 12:00pm lunch break
1 table / 2 chairs for Job Fair (12:00pm – 2pm)
1 social media acknowledgement
Your logo on the Amplify! website and at the event

The Value of Testimony

by Cindy Bahl
Director of Business Development and Amplify! Events
Dirkse Counseling and Consulting, Inc.

I participate in networking events that typically offer attendees the opportunity to share testimonials about doing business with other members. I love to offer “kudos,” a “shout-out” or a brief testimony of my positive experience and I’m not shy about getting up front on the microphone. If I’ve had a great experience, good service, or used an exceptional product, I want to not only publicly thank that business, but I want to help them grow and attract new customers. Social media has provided the opportunity to instantly and publicly rate and review services and products which can be detrimental to a business if the ratings are consistently poor. In my opinion, the value of a good testimony or a positive rating is priceless!

Here is what Executive Coach, Lyn Cikara said about our last Amplify! Event:

“The Amplify! Success conference I attended last October had a significant impact on me. I learned so much! My profession as an occupational therapist for many years had me focusing on getting people back to work after physical, mental and emotional illness. I thought that I was pretty knowledgeable. At Amplify! Success, I heard stories and opportunities that were created for people with the desire to work who would not typically have had job opportunities.

Amplify! has created an opportunity to fill the current unemployment shortages in an innovative way where employers get their work done, and employees with disabilities can have dignity and purpose. Karen Gaffney, the keynote speaker at the conference, had an impact on me when she highlighted the fact that after school many young people with disabilities have no hope, no purpose for getting up in the morning and see no future. What Amplify! offers is hope, dignity and a future. What a special contribution to our community and society.”

We encourage you to take time out of your day to spend 2.5 hours with us; you will be encouraged, inspired and equipped to take action toward creating greater purpose and hope for people with disabilities.

We look forward to seeing you on May 23^rd, and we can’t wait to share your testimony!

Register Today for Amplify! Rock Stars 2019

Secure your spot now and plan on another inspiring morning full of success stories and celebrations!

May 23, 2019 9:00am – 11:30am
Embassy Suites by Hilton Washington Square

Continental Breakfast & Networking
Inspirational Keynote Speaker: Heather Weldon, Strategic Advisor, City of Seattle
Success Stories from Individuals & Workforce Programs
Employer Awards & Recognition
Professional Development Breakout & More!

Job Opportunity Fair

Thursday, May 23rd, 2019
12:00pm – 2:00pm
Embassy Suites by Hilton
Washington Square-Portland-Tigard
9000 SW Washington Square Rd., Tigard, OR 97223
MAP TO EVENT

For Job Seekers

Select employers who are interested in disability, diversity and inclusion will be on-site.
Talk to employers who have part time openings and are ready to hire now!
Job Coaches, Personal Service Workers and Employment Specialists are welcome!
Bring your resume and come prepared to share your career goal.

Participating Employers

City of Beaverton
Chick-fil-A
Embassy Suites
…More to Come!

For Employers

$150 Registration Fee Includes:

1 ticket to Amplify! Rock Stars event (9am – 11:30am)
1 boxed lunch during 11:30am – 12:00pm lunch break
1 table / 2 chairs for Job Fair (12:00pm – 2pm)
1 social media acknowledgement
Your logo on the Amplify! website and at the event

If you are an Employer who would like to participate in the Job Fair, please contact Cindy Bahl at info@amplifysuccess.org or 503-258-7715.

You’ll Never Know What You’re Missing

The Real Benefits of Hiring People with Developmental Disabilities

Guest Blog by Heather Weldon – Keynote Speaker at Amplify! Rock Stars 2019
Supported Employment Program Manager
City of Seattle, Human Resources Department

“Show me the money.”
“You complete me.”
“You had me at hello.”

What do these famous quotes from “Jerry McGuire”, the film starring Tom Cruise, have to do with lessons learned from the inclusion of people with developmental disabilities in our workplaces?

“Show me the money.”

Like many workplaces, ours has a variety of entry-level duties that are sometimes part of the work for higher-level positions. Then, there’s other entry-level work that often “falls through the cracks” because it’s not a high priority, but still must be done! We identify where those basic tasks are and bundle them into jobs for people with developmental disabilities. This results in a more efficient division of labor.

“You complete me.”

Several months after hiring Katie (an employee with a developmental disability), her supervisor told me “before Katie, we were incomplete”. But she didn’t know that until after Katie was hired. The supervisor went on to say, “it’s as if we are finally whole now. Katie makes our workplace complete.”

You never know what you’re missing when it’s not there.

So, whether you’re more of a “show me the money” kind of person or a “you complete me” type, you’ll benefit from inclusive hiring practices.

Oh yeah, what about “you had me at hello”? You’ll have to come to the Amplify conference on May 23 to get the answer to that!

Register Today for Amplify! Rock Stars 2019

Secure your spot now and plan on another inspiring morning full of success stories and celebrations!

May 23, 2019 9:00am – 11:30am
Embassy Suites by Hilton Washington Square

Registration is open, but we’re still building out the day’s agenda. Please continue to check back for updates!

Job Opportunity Fair

Thursday, May 23rd, 2019
12:00pm – 2:00pm
Embassy Suites by Hilton
Washington Square-Portland-Tigard
9000 SW Washington Square Rd., Tigard, OR 97223
MAP TO EVENT

For Job Seekers

Select employers who are interested in disability, diversity and inclusion will be on-site.
Talk to employers who have part time openings and are ready to hire now!
Job Coaches, Personal Service Workers and Employment Specialists are welcome!
Bring your resume and come prepared to share your career goal.

Participating Employers

City of Beaverton
Chick-fil-A
Embassy Suites
…More to Come!

For Employers

$150 Registration Fee Includes:

1 ticket to Amplify! Rock Stars event (9am – 11:30am)
1 boxed lunch during 11:30am – 12:00pm lunch break
1 table / 2 chairs for Job Fair (12:00pm – 2pm)
1 social media acknowledgement
Your logo on the Amplify! website and at the event

If you are an Employer who would like to participate in the Job Fair, please contact Cindy Bahl at info@amplifysuccess.org or 503-258-7715.

Amplified Job Opportunity Fair

Have you ever attended a local job fair? Maybe as a job seeker, or perhaps representing your business or organization looking to hire? What was your experience like? Did you have a successful outcome or the results you were hoping for?

In my experience, sometimes job fairs can be a bit disappointing. In my role as Director of Business Development and Amplify! Events at Dirkse CC, I’ve attended many in the area, especially those who target current buzz words, like “diversity” and “disability.” I often make some great connections at these job fairs, but I leave wondering if the job seekers are getting jobs. As I speak with folks on both sides of the table, I end up feeling like many are leaving empty-handed. I hear employers who want everyone to check off everything on their wish list to find the ideal candidate who would meet all their needs. On the other hand, I hear job seekers with unique skill sets often wanting part-time work, who simply walk on by because they don’t possess an Oregon driver’s license, are unable to lift 50 pounds, or have communication challenges due to their disability.

If you’ve had a similar experience, I invite you to participate in our upcoming “Amplified Job Opportunity Fair” on Thursday, May 23^rd, 12-2pm at Embassy Suites by Hilton, Portland-Washington Square. This job fair will be different! We will have employers who are not only interested in disability diversity but who are actually creating jobs and hiring people of all abilities. They are looking at the person and matching their skill sets to their business needs. Yes, a job description is still part of the equation, but it is a guide not a rule.

If you or your employer would like to be a part of this unique disability-diversity job fair, please contact me today for more information at 503-258-7715 or cindy@dirksecc.com

If you know a differently-abled job seeker, please encourage them to register at: https://goo.gl/jgV2Mr

Register Today for Amplify! Rock Stars 2019

Secure your spot now and plan on another inspiring morning full of success stories and celebrations!

May 23, 2019 9:00am – 11:30am
Embassy Suites by Hilton Washington Square

Registration is open, but we’re still building out the day’s agenda. Please continue to check back for updates!

We’d Like Your Feedback on Amplify!

Satisfaction surveys seem to be everywhere we turn; whether that’s at the bottom of our grocery receipts, at the end of a customer service call with your internet provider, and even at the end of making a purchase online. While they might be abundant and occasionally annoying to fill out, they can be of great use to companies to know how their customers feel about their products and services. Sometimes it can feel like we participate in these surveys to help companies (and maybe jump in on a chance to win a prize) but nothing about their services seems to change. If we don’t see a change, how do we know that companies are reading our reviews and taking our comments into consideration?

Dirkse CC uses several forms of satisfaction surveys to help improve our services and delivery. One method is using comment cards at the end of our Amplify! events to hear what attendees liked about the event and what they would love to see at the next one. It was through these comment cards that Dirkse CC found out that many people wanted to “amp up” the activities at the Amplify! events and add a professional development section. By listening to our attendees, we’ve increased attendance at our events and created more opportunities for employers to engage with one another.

While we only use comment cards at our events, we still love to hear from people like you about what you like about Amplify! and what you would like to see in the future. Click on the link below to take a brief, four question survey so we can hear what you have to say.

TAKE SURVEY

Register Today for Amplify! Rock Stars 2019

Secure your spot now and plan on another inspiring morning full of success stories and celebrations!

May 23, 2019 9:00am – 11:30am
Embassy Suites by Hilton Washington Square

Registration is open, but we’re still building out the day’s agenda. Please continue to check back for updates!

Broadcasting the Message

by Cindy Bahl
Director of Business Development and Amplify! Events
Dirkse Counseling and Consulting, Inc.

Have you ever been on TV? Ever had an interview, live or recorded? If you have, you know it’s a little nerve-wracking for anyone, even those who have done it before. I’ve been given the opportunity multiple times throughout my career, having worked in social/human services and community engagement for many years. However, it had been a few years since my last “5 minutes of fame” when I was asked by a friend to do a recorded interview. I jumped at the chance, not because I want the fame or relish being in front of a camera (I really don’t like hearing myself talk!). However, I readily agreed because I do love sharing my passion and our Dirkse CC and Amplify! story with others.

For me, when I’m passionate about something, I want to share with anyone who will listen. Whether it’s on public television, a podcast, a written article or on Facebook, I want people to know what we do to make a difference in the lives of people with disabilities. I hope that someone will watch, listen or read and be inspired to get involved in some way. So, I seek out opportunities to share our story, to educate, and perhaps motivate, because it’s not about me, but for those we serve and for those who are often left out of the conversation.

I hope you’ll take a few minutes and watch this short interview with me and my friend and associate, Mr. Philip Mandel, an accomplished pianist, proud Toastmaster and Realtor at Ascend Realty and Property Management in Beaverton. Thanks for the opportunity, Phil!

Save the Date: Amplify! Rock Stars 2019

Secure your spot now and plan on another inspiring morning full of success stories and celebrations!

May 23, 2019 9:00am – 11:30am
Embassy Suites by Hilton Washington Square

Registration is open, but we’re still building out the day’s agenda. Please continue to check back for updates!

A New Year Challenge – New Year, New Employer, New YOU!

Featured image above: Amplify Success! October, 2018 Success Story – Abby Monger, employed at 5 Guys Burgers & Fries, pictured with Dirkse CC Employment Specialist, Chris Perry

by Cindy Bahl
Director of Business Development and Amplify! Events
Dirkse Counseling and Consulting, Inc.

A New Year Challenge – New Year, New Employer, New YOU!

The New Year brings many opportunities for change. Resolutions abound to lose weight, exercise more, eat less, drink less; read more books, and so on. There is potential for a resolution for everyone and just about everything; so how about a resolution to help your workplace have a more inclusive culture toward people with disabilities? It’s a resolution that is pretty easy, unlike so many others we tend to make and quickly break.

This past year our team at Dirkse CC assisted over 30 individuals who experience various disabilities in obtaining employment in our community, many of whom were featured in previous posts or at Amplify! events. The success stories happened because, in many cases, employers made a commitment to become more inclusive and look at the skills and abilities of each candidate, matching them with their business need.

How can YOU create a success story in your workplace?

It all starts with YOU! Here are a few tips or possible New Year’s resolutions to consider:

Increase your knowledge about disabling conditions – Participate in trainings, read articles and books that focus on disabilities.
Advocate for people with disabilities – Volunteer, offer support, participate in Employee Resource Groups (or form one at your workplace!)
Check your unconscious bias – Be aware of labels, assumptions and pre-conceived notions based on myths, experience or what you think you know about disabling conditions.
Put PEOPLE first – Use “people first” language, such as “a person with a disability” versus “a handicapped person.”

Become a catalyst for change in 2019 – it all starts with YOU, wherever you are; see the ability in others!

If your workplace needs a challenge to become more inclusive in the New Year, we can help! Our Dirkse CC training team provides complimentary consultations and customized training to help employers meet their disability diversity and inclusion goals. We also offer workshops for individuals and businesses throughout the year. Visit our website and join our email list to learn more and stay informed. www.dirksecc.com

The Amplify! initiative was created by Dirkse Counseling and Consulting, Inc. with the support of Oregon Employment First and is sustained by collaboration with numerous employer and community partners. For more information or to be involved in the Amplify! Initiative, please contact Cindy Bahl, Director of Business Development and Amplify! Events at 503-258-7715 or cindy@dirksecc.com.

Save the Date: Amplify! Rock Stars 2019

May 23, 2019 9:00am – 11:00am
Embassy Suites by Hilton Washington Square

Registration is open, but we’re still building out the day’s agenda. Please continue to check back for updates!

Disability Workplace Inclusion: What is Your Vision?

by Cindy Bahl
Director of Business Development and Amplify! Events
Dirkse Counseling and Consulting, Inc.

Disability Workplace Inclusion: What is Your Vision?

This was the theme of the second annual Amplify! Success event held on October 23, 2018 at Nike World Headquarters. The goal of Amplify! is to improve access to competitive integrated employment for job seekers with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities by engaging employers and the community in creating a culture of workplace inclusion. Over 150 people gathered for a high energy morning where they heard stories of challenge, tenacity, success and visions of inclusion from people who have been in the trenches and others who are leading new efforts in the cause. Attendees collaborated to explore and formulate their own personal vision and action plan to promote change, no matter what position they hold within a company or the community.

As one Amplify! attendee John Paul Devires, Nike Senior Application Engineer, stated, “Amplify! is the bridge between where companies are and where they need to be.”

If you missed Amplify! Success you can still join the initiative to change culture right where you are and we can help! Click below and complete the “Oregon Disability Diversity Challenge” and let’s talk about your diversity and inclusion goals.

Take the Challenge!

Thank You to our Sponsors and Collaborating Partners

Delivering the Amplify! event takes a community of engaged sponsors and partners. We couldn’t provide such a robust program without their help. Follow the links below to view our Fall 2018 Sponsors and Partners!

Upcoming Events

Opportunities To Build An Inclusive Workforce

Do you want to learn more about the Project Search Internship Program? Join us for the Project Search Power Hour – Education and Cultivation – A New Networking Event

Tuesday, November 13, 2018
9:00-10:00am
Kaiser Westside Medical Center

Oregon Conference Room (Lower Level)
2875 NW Stucki Ave.
Hillsboro, OR 97124

CLICK to RSVP

Amplify! Rock Stars

SAVE-THE-DATE!

May 23, 2019
Embassy Suites by Hilton, Washington Square, Portland, Tigard
9000 SW Washington Square Rd.
Tigard, OR 97223

Disability Diversity Workshop – Normalizing Disability: Creating a Culture of Inclusion

December 5th, 2018 – 12-3pm
The Beaverton Round Executive Suites

This interactive workshop is designed to take participants into a deeper dive regarding the world of disability as it relates to the employment experience. Participants will explore their personal experiences, perceptions and beliefs about disability, gain knowledge about common conditions and learn the building blocks of what it takes to create an inclusive workplace. Workshop registration fee includes lunch.

Celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month!

by Cindy Bahl
Director of Business Development and Amplify! Events
Dirkse Counseling and Consulting, Inc.

“America’s Workforce: Empowering All” is the theme for the 2018 National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) (DOWNLOAD the poster) that occurs each October since 1945. The purpose of NDEAM is to educate and celebrate the contributions of workers with disabilities. “Americans of all abilities must have access to good, safe jobs,” said U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta. “Smart employers know that including different perspectives in problem-solving situations leads to better solutions. Hiring employees with diverse abilities strengthens their business, increases competition and drives innovation.”

The Portland Metro area has an opportunity to acknowledge NDEAM and the achievements of individuals with disabilities by attending the 2nd annual Amplify! Success event, October 23rd, 9-1pm at Nike WHQ in Beaverton.

Attendees of this high-energy, motivational event will experience a continental breakfast, lunch, networking, professional breakout sessions, insights from Nike Inclusion Leaders and an inspirational story from local athlete and public speaker, Karen Gaffney. Karen’s story features the challenges she faced while swimming the frigid cold waters of Lake Tahoe and the motivation behind her accomplishments; including finding meaningful employment as a person with Down Syndrome.

Amplify! Success is a program of Dirkse Counseling and Consulting, Inc. A local agency serving the Portland Metro area for 21 years with a mission of connecting job seekers with disabilities to their employment goals and providing disability diversity training and consultation services to employers.

For more information or to become a Sponsor of Amplify! Success 2018, contact Amplify! Event Coordinator, Cindy Bahl at: 503-258-7715 or cindy@dirksecc.com.