Tony Evers, Governor
Amy Pechacek, Secretary

Department of Workforce Development
Secretary's Office
201 E. Washington Avenue
P.O. Box 7946
Madison, WI 53707-7946
Telephone: (608) 266-3131
Fax: (608) 266-1784
Email: sec@dwd.wisconsin.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Oct. 31, 2023
CONTACT: DWD Communications
CommunicationsOffice@dwd.wisconsin.gov

Meijer Recognized for Diverse and Inclusive Hiring Practices

MANITOWOC– Meijer demonstrates a commitment to employing people with disabilities, having hired six state vocational rehabilitation consumers to work at its Manitowoc and Two Rivers locations, and another five to work at its Sheboygan store. The company is open to job coaching, providing job shadow opportunities, and providing support and accommodations.

Because of its diverse and inclusive hiring practices that welcome individuals with disabilities into its workforce, Meijer was recognized as an Exemplary Employer by the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development at an Oct. 27 event at the Manitowoc store.

The award was presented as Gov. Tony Evers proclaimed the month of October National Disability Employment Awareness Month in Wisconsin to highlight businesses that recruit and hire people with disabilities. Last year, more than 2,000 employers created more inclusive workplaces in Wisconsin. Meijer is one of 25 businesses being recognized throughout the month for leading the way to building a more diverse workforce in the state.

“By hiring from the state's diverse and talented pool of career seekers, Meijer is setting an example for other Wisconsin employers to fill their workforce needs," DWD Secretary Amy Pechacek said. "We congratulate Meijer and all 2023 Exemplary Employer Award winners."

The award ceremony was attended by Manitowoc Mayor Justin Nickels, staff from local DVR service providers Aspiro and Beyond Possibilities, Meijer corporate representatives, Manitowoc store staff, and staff family members.

All Wisconsin employers are encouraged to reach out to the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development's Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DWD/DVR) to meet with a local Business Services Consultant who can connect them with a variety of free resources to help recruit and hire people with disabilities, build staff diversity, and retain well-trained employees.

DVR helped over 3,350 Wisconsin residents with disabilities find work over the past year. Individuals with a disability looking for ways to find a job, keep a job, or get a better job are encouraged to contact DVR at 800-262-0050, visit a local DVR office, or visit the DVR website.

DVR Consumer Joey Schultz (center) stands with Meijer's Exemplary Employer Award. Schultz is surrounded by Meijer corporate and regional representatives, local store staff, and local DVR and service provider staff from Aspiro and Beyond Possibilities. Manitowoc Mayor Justin Nickels and Schultz's grandparents were also in attendance.

New Job Accommodations Training

To help provide employers with educational resources to diversify their workplace and create work environments that help retain employees, and to give employees information about their rights and responsibilities in the workforce, the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development's Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) has created new online accommodation trainings for employers, workers, and job seekers.

The Accommodation Training Library consists of brief, informational videos that cover topics, including hiring people with disabilities, the reasonable accommodation process, disclosing a disability, disability discrimination, and other topics related to employment law. The new accommodation training videos can be found on the DWD Career Pathways website.

The videos were created as part of a U.S. Department of Education Career Pathways Advancement (CPA) Initiative grant awarded to DVR in 2021. The CPA Initiative is allowing DVR to create resources and opportunities to support DVR consumers as they advance in their careers.

ABOUT DWD

Wisconsin's Department of Workforce Development efficiently delivers effective and inclusive services to meet Wisconsin's diverse workforce needs now and for the future. The department advocates for and invests in the protection and economic advancement of all Wisconsin workers, employers and job seekers through six divisions – Employment and Training, Vocational Rehabilitation, Unemployment Insurance, Equal Rights, Worker's Compensation and Administrative Services. To keep up with DWD announcements and information, sign up for news releases and follow us on Linkedin, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.