October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). During NDEAM, State Fund acknowledges the skills and contributions of employees with disabilities. Although recognizing NDEAM has become a tradition at State Fund, we participate in programs year-round to reach out to the disability community and to provide opportunities for persons with disabilities.

Ensuring Equal Opportunity

State Fund is committed to ensuring appropriate representation and equal employment opportunities for people with disabilities. Our Equal Employment Opportunity Unit (EEO) reviews hiring practices to identify any barriers to employment of individuals with disabilities. Also, together with our Disability Advisory Committee (DAC), EEO aims to eliminate any non job-related barriers to hiring individuals with disabilities. The DAC, composed of employee volunteers, addresses additional areas of concern on disability issues.

Getting Involved With the Community

State Fund is involved with the disability community through participation with various organizations. We are represented on the Statewide Disability Advisory Committee (SDAC) and the board of the San Francisco Mayor’s Committee for the Employment of Persons With Disabilities. We are also involved with the Bridges Advisory Committee. Each of these committees shares a dedication to enhancing the opportunities of individuals with disabilities.

Cooperating With Not-for-Profit Organizations

Project HIRED:
Through Project HIRED, State Fund employs individuals with disabilities as temporary staff. Many participants have become full-time employees with State Fund.

Transitional Employment Program:
State Fund participates in San Francisco Vocational Services’ Transitional Employment Program (TEP). Persons with disabilities are provided with on-the-job clerical training at State Fund for up to nine months. A number of TEP participants have also been hired as permanent State Fund employees.   

Marriott Bridges Program:
Bridges is a school-to-work program established by the Marriott Foundation for high school and college students with disabilities. State Fund hires these students as youth aids and student assistants.