Empowering Inclusivity in the Workplace ft. Kelly Klien & Cristen Reat

This episode celebrates Disability in Employment Awareness Month, acknowledging the valuable contributions of workers with disabilities and promoting inclusive employment policies, practices, and technologies that benefit both employers and employees. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) are fundamental to our culture, encouraging all employees to leverage their unique perspectives and experiences to drive business growth and cultivate a culture where everyone and every idea is valued.

In this episode, Yvonne Harris talks with Kelly Klein and Cristen Reat of the Easter Seals of Greater Houston (ESGH), a leading non-profit dedicated to serving individuals with disabilities and supporting service members, veterans, and their families. Their mission revolves around transforming lives through therapy, training, education, and unwavering support so that people with disabilities can actively participate in our various communities.

Kelly has been with ESGH for 28 years and is pivotal in overseeing fundraising efforts, ensuring funds are available to assist over 14,500 families annually. Her connection to family members with disabilities fuels her passion for this work. Cristen is the Co-Founder and Program Director of BridgingApps.org, an ESGH program that provides valuable resources and education about apps and mobile devices. This initiative helps individuals with disabilities enhance their physical, social, and cognitive skills, ultimately reaching their full potential.

Listen as they discuss ‘common language’ for conversations related to disabilities and highlight a few of the services ESGH offers, including BridgingApps. Employers are encouraged to leverage the resources provided by Easter Seals in support of their efforts to recruit and develop employees with disabilities.

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Episode Resource Links Kelly’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-klein-1a573813/ Cristen’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cristen-carson-reat-55509232/ Yvonne’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ynharris/ BridgingApps: https://eastersealshouston.org/tech-tools/bridgingapps/