Latest news with #GeographicSolutions
Forbes
2 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
VR: Bridging The Employment Gap For Americans With Disabilities
Paul Toomey is the President of Geographic Solutions. He's an expert in labor market data, workforce development and unemployment insurance. getty Nealy one in four adults in the United States reported having a disability in 2022, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Despite representing a significant portion of the population, individuals with disabilities face disproportionate challenges in securing employment opportunities. As of April 2025, the unemployment rate for people with a disability (8.2%) was twice as high as those with no disability (3.6%), according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) programs play a crucial, yet often overlooked, role in helping individuals with disabilities overcome barriers to employment. As the American workforce continues to evolve amid technological advancements and shifting economic landscapes, VR programs can serve as an important bridge connecting skilled workers with meaningful employment opportunities. They also offer a strategic approach to expanding labor force participation while also creating pathways to economic independence for millions of Americans with disabilities. The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and its subsequent amendments, including significant expansions through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), established the framework for today's VR programs. These landmark legislations aim to empower individuals with disabilities to find gainful employment, become economically self-sufficient and contribute to their local communities and economies. The scope of VR services is intentionally broad to address the diverse needs of individuals with physical, cognitive or mental health disabilities. These services can include career counseling, skills training, career placement, post-employment support and workplace accommodation. However, the importance of VR extends beyond assisting individuals with disabilities in finding jobs. It plays a pivotal role in fostering a more inclusive and equitable society by helping to break down barriers that have historically excluded individuals with disabilities from the workforce. According to the BLS' latest report, only 22.2% of Americans with disabilities are currently participating in the workforce, compared to 65.6% of individuals without a disability. Bridging this gap and creating new pathways for people with disabilities not only has the potential to transform an individual's life, but can also provide significant benefits to businesses and the U.S. economy as a whole. If businesses actively participated in hiring individuals with disabilities, they would have access to a talent pool of millions of skilled, highly motivated workers. A 2023 Accenture study found that companies that actively embrace disability inclusion see nearly double the revenue and 2.6 times more net income. Researchers also found that these companies are 25% more likely to outperform in terms of productivity compared to their industry peers that don't prioritize inclusion. Additionally, studies have shown that individuals with disabilities are great problem solvers and tend to have lower absenteeism rates. They also report high job satisfaction, which can lead to lower employee turnover and higher returns on investments in training and development. The future of VR programs is being driven by technological advancements, changing societal attitudes and a deeper understanding of disability inclusion. To effectively tailor VR services to the unique needs, preferences and goals of each individual, many state agencies and businesses are exploring assistive technology and digital tools to provide greater accessibility. This includes the integration of AI into specialized software and other adaptive tools. AI-powered tools can assist with job matching, skills assessment and personalized training. AI also has the potential to streamline case management processes, enhance client services and improve employment outcomes for people with disabilities. However, human oversight is still recommended to combat potential bias. The rise of remote work opportunities has also opened new doors for individuals with disabilities, providing them with greater flexibility, accessibility and savings in commuting time and expenses. Building on the lessons learned from flexible work arrangements, state agencies have adjusted their VR services to offer training for individuals to learn digital skills, remote communication tools and effective strategies for working from home. I believe businesses can do the same. VR plays a crucial role in fostering a more inclusive and economically vibrant society and workforce. VR programs can not only empower individuals with disabilities to secure meaningful employment, but they also provide them with valuable skills, resources and support to help them achieve financial independence. These services also unlock an untapped and highly motivated talent pool for businesses. As technology and changing societal attitudes continue to reshape the employment landscape, it is crucial that we continue to invest in programs that eliminate barriers to employment, bridge the persistent employment gap and cultivate a society that acknowledges the unique potential of an individual with a disability. Forbes Business Council is the foremost growth and networking organization for business owners and leaders. Do I qualify?
Malaysian Reserve
3 days ago
- Business
- Malaysian Reserve
Geographic Solutions Named Honoree in Fast Company's 2025 World Changing Ideas Awards
The Annual Award Recognizes Innovative Companies and Projects Addressing the World's Most Urgent Challenges PALM HARBOR, Fla., June 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Geographic Solutions, a leading provider of workforce development software for government and public sectors, has been named a honoree of Fast Company's 2025 World Changing Ideas Awards in the Enduring Impact: 15+ Years in Business category. The annual recognition honors bold and transformative efforts that tackle the world's most pressing issues—from fresh sustainability initiatives and cutting-edge AI developments to ambitious pursuits of social equity that are helping mold the world. This year's award recognized Geographic Solutions' work in developing and launching the Entry to Employment (E2E) Network in partnership with the California Prison Industry Authority and the California Employment Development Department. The E2E Network leverages Geographic Solutions' Virtual OneStop Reentry Employment Opportunities system to provide justice-involved individuals with the necessary tools and resources to help them find employment before reentering society. 'We are incredibly honored to be recognized by Fast Company for our impactful work on the E2E Network,' said Paul Toomey, the Founder and President of Geographic Solutions. 'This award underscores our enduring commitment to using our software in transformative ways to help individuals find employment, minimize unemployment durations, reduce recidivism, and enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of workforce development agencies.' This year's awards, featured on showcase 50 winners across 12 categories and 50 additional winners across industries, for a total of 100 outstanding projects. A panel of Fast Company editors and reporters selected the winners from a pool of more than 1,500 entries and judged applications based on their impact, sustainability, design, creativity, scalability, and ability to improve society. 'The World Changing Ideas Awards have always been about showcasing the art of the possible,' says Fast Company editor-in-chief Brendan Vaughan. 'We're proud to recognize the organizations and leaders that are making meaningful progress on the biggest issues of our time.' About Geographic SolutionsGeographic Solutions is the leading provider of integrated software for state and local workforce agencies in over 40 states and U.S. territories. The company's online solutions manage all federally-funded partner programs under WIOA, labor exchange, job aggregation, labor market information, service and fund tracking, human services, and unemployment insurance benefits. Geographic Solutions' software is currently being utilized by over 1,200 American Job Centers to serve more than 204 million individuals—reaching over 75% of the job seekers and employers in the country. For more information, visit ABOUT FAST COMPANYFast Company is the only media brand fully dedicated to the vital intersection of business, innovation, and design, engaging the most influential leaders, companies, and thinkers on the future of business. Headquartered in New York City, Fast Company is published by Mansueto Ventures LLC, along with our sister publication Inc., and can be found online at
Yahoo
07-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Kansas unveils TOTO, a new career exploration tool
TOPEKA, Kan. (KSNW) — The Kansas Department of Labor's Labor Market Information division has partnered with Geographic Solutions to create a new website focused on students and career seekers. The website is called Today's Occupations, Tomorrow's Opportunities, or T.O.T.O., a reference to Dorothy's cairn terrier in the Wizard of Oz. It is designed to help students and career seekers explore different career paths. The department says the website features self-service tools so people can explore their interests, develop potential career paths, and find employment opportunities in Kansas. It also features specially curated worksheets and guides that offer direction on career development, job searching strategies, and interview preparation for facilitators. Stocks fall in a manic Monday after Trump doubles down on tariffs Other features include: Wizard of Jobs – Reality CheckHelps users estimate the salary needed for their desired lifestyle, bridging the gap between financial planning and career decision-making. Virtual Career Center – Comprehensive Career Exploration and PlanningConnects users to localized occupation data and education and training programs aligned with their interests and salary goals. It also provides real-time Kansas job postings, résumé and interview preparation tools, and access to apprenticeships and internships. Electronic Portfolio – Portable Record of Career Development and ReadinessTracks student progress through personalized dashboards and profiles, saving interest inventories, preferred careers and programs, and other career development activities and artifacts. Curated Resources – Support for Students and FacilitatorsProvides students and facilitators with user-friendly materials to guide students throughmeaningful career exploration and planning. Partnering Schools and Institutions – Student ManagementEnables student service and tracking tools for partnering schools and institutions with customization options and detailed reporting. 'The launch of T.O.T.O. represents a significant step forward in empowering the next generation of workers in the state of Kansas,' Labor Secretary Amber Shultz said in a news release. 'Through our partnership with Geographic Solutions, we can better equip students and career changers with advanced career exploration tools that will help them make informed decisions about their professional futures.' 'I am thrilled to support the launch of T.O.T.O. and am confident this new platform will help Kansans find meaningful careers,' Governor. Laura Kelly said. 'By investing in an updated, engaging, and comprehensive career exploration platform, we are showing our commitment to building a strong workforce in Kansas.' 'We are proud to partner with the Kansas Department of Labor to develop T.O.T.O. to help younger generations find their career path as they navigate today's ever-evolving job market,' Paul Toomey, Geographic Solutions president and founder, said. 'T.O.T.O is more than a job search board, it's an intuitive platform that will serve as a compass for students and career changers alike, guiding them towards opportunities that align with both their talents and the state's growing industries.' For more information about T.O.T.O., click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
