8] In addition, we recommend the following actions be prioritized and implemented:

a]  Develop materials to help promote State Government as a good employer of individuals who have disabilities. Expand recruitment of PWDs.

b] Identify, compile and share best disability employment practices of California State agencies.

c]  Review Federal Civil Service and other state's disability exam and placement programs that could be of effective use in California.

d]  Actively encourage the use of student assistant positions and expand intern work experiences across State departments for PWDs.

e]  Enhance resources available to SPB for disability employment responsibilities, including monitoring, enforcement, and timely generation of disability/disability useful IT/DP reports. 

f]  As more PWDs enter State service via regular exams than LEAP, develop and implement an increased effort to enhance PWD participation in regular exams.

g]  Require disability parity in occupational groups.

h]  Collect current/ongoing data on disability adverse actions.  Determine why adverse actions are so high against PWDs and develop corrective actions.

i]  Determine why PWDs file so many discrimination complaints and develop corrective steps.

j]  Provide guidance and establish expectation that departments will review work culture and promote improved integration of PWDs.  This should include mentoring.

k]  Review State fringe benefits to determine if PWDs are excluded or treated differently.  Address findings.

l]  Review employment related items such as reasonable accommodation; interpreter and service assistant availability; other communication issues;  alternative formats; emergency evacuation, and address any inadequate findings.  

m]  Establish monitoring process such that departments that may have lower level of PWDs this year than last can be identified as soon as possible and remedial steps taken. Also, take steps to ensure that departments that need to submit disability employment goals do so on a timely basis.

(See Attachment I:  The Numbers Behind The Review )

(See Update 1: PWDs In State Government )