MUSC supports disability employment awareness: 10/19

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MUSC supports disability employment awareness

The U.S. Department of Labor has declared October as National Disability Employment Awareness Month. The purpose of this declaration is to celebrate and recognize the diverse workforce including those employees with disabilities.

MUSC ensures that inclusive workplace policies and practices are woven into the fabric and culture of the organization to create an environment that supports MUSC Excellence as it relates to diversity, respect, inclusion and professionalism. The MUSC Equal Employment Opportunity Policy states that the institution is to recruit, hire, train and promote into all job levels, the most qualified persons without regard to disability (and other covered categories as outlined per law).

MUSC President Ray Greenberg, M.D., Ph.D., praised the contributions of all employees in this special recognition. "MUSC's focus is on Changing What's Possible, and one of the most tangible things we can do in that regard is to make sure that students, faculty, and staff with disabilities are welcomed and supported here. Inclusiveness makes us a stronger, more vibrant and more a capable university and health care provider."

The institution participates in programs to include: the Disabilities Board of Charleston County, Charleston County Department of Social Services, S.C. Department of Disabilities and Special Needs, S.C. Department of Mental Health, S.C. Vocational Rehabilitation and the Veterans Administration. Notification of hiring opportunities, participation in mentoring and job shadowing programs, and job coaching are provided to enhance the skills and talents of participants.

A key component of National Disability Employment Awareness Month is to make others aware of legislation and policy in support of those with disabilities. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Rehabilitation Act, National Defense Authorization Act, and Family and Medical Leave Act are some of the most common laws.

In addition, MUSC leaders and managers receive additional training under University Human Resources' (HR) Employee 101/Selecting Talent training course for university hiring managers and the MUSC Excellence program's Peer Interview Matrix tool, which addresses ADA policies.

MUSC university HR policies are available for review at http://academicdepartments.musc.edu/hr/university/policies/. MUHA HR policies are at http://mcintranet.musc.edu/hr/employee_corner/ and requires a Net ID access. The university and medical center HR offices may be contacted with any questions.

The Office of Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Compliance is responsible for overall compliance with federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations concerning employment of the disabled, and is represented by Wallace T. Bonaparte, director, at 792-1568, and Michael Vanderhurst, EEO consultant, at
792-1282.

Friday, Oct. 19, 2012

The Catalyst Online is published weekly by the MUSC Office of Public Relations for the faculty, employees and students of the Medical University of South Carolina. The Catalyst Online editor, Kim Draughn, can be reached at 792-4107 or by email, catalyst@musc.edu. Editorial copy can be submitted to The Catalyst Online and to The Catalyst in print by fax, 792-6723, or by email to catalyst@musc.edu. To place an ad in The Catalyst hardcopy, call Island Publications at 849-1778, ext. 201.