QWE Practice Guideline: 311 – Develop relationships with local organizations and the business community to provide opportunities for enhancing skills development and employment

Target group: Any organization employing and/or supporting individuals with disabilities.

Practice Description

Toastmasters group that offers individuals a chance to practice their speaking and presentation skills.

Resources Needed

Subject matter experts/trainers

• Staff or volunteer with speaking and Toastmaster experience

Labor hours

• Time for staff to attend Toastmaster meetings and run program

Implementation

Process

• Connect with the local Toastmasters to begin program with staff
• Develop program and content related to needs of individual participants
• Hold weekly meetings to address skill building and offer feedback
• Skill building can include
  • Communicating
  • Presenting
  • Networking
• Host meetings for members of local agencies and offer individuals the chance to present
• Presentation topics can include
  • Accessibility
  • Disability awareness
  • Disability employment

Documentation

• SOPs
  • Policies and procedures for implementing and managing the program
• Training
  • Staff training to run and manage program

Outcomes/Results

• Increase in communication
• Increase in comfort with job interviews and other social events
• Increase in community understanding of people with disabilities

NPA: Bayaud Enterprises
Location: Denver, CO
Date Submitted: 2022
Website: https://bayaudenterprises.org/

Resources: Quality Work Environment Workbook