The Greater Henry County Society of Human Resources Management (SHRM) - Chapter Meeting

Empowering Inclusivity: Actionable ADA Strategies for HR Professionals

A thriving, competent, and collaborative workplace is built on the foundational pillar of inclusivity. In this session, HR professionals will explore the intersection of ADA compliance, emotional intelligence, and inclusive hiring and retention strategies. By understanding how these elements work together, attendees will gain actionable strategies to create and sustain an accessible, empowering environment for all applicants and employees throughout the employment lifecycle. We will take a deep dive into the legal requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), as amended, and discuss how emotional intelligence enhances interactions to ensure diverse needs are understood and respected.

Session Highlights:

1.   Navigating the ADA and Legal Requirements
Gain a comprehensive understanding of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), including key legal requirements and updates following recent Final Rules and the new Georgia law, G.A.M.E. (Georgia As Model Employer).

2.   The Role of Emotional Intelligence in Inclusivity
Explore how emotional intelligence enhances HR practices by fostering self-awareness, active listening, empathy, cultural awareness, and stress management.

3.   Building Inclusive Hiring Practices
Learn how to develop and implement inclusive hiring strategies that attract candidates with disabilities. This includes adapting recruitment processes, ensuring accessibility in job postings, interviews, and onboarding, and providing necessary accommodations for candidates with diverse abilities.

4.   Retention Strategies for an Inclusive Workplace
Explore effective retention strategies that support employees with disabilities and promote long-term success. We will discuss career development opportunities, ensuring a seat at the decision-making table for a diverse group, and the importance of creating an environment where individuals with disabilities feel empowered to contribute and grow.

 

 

Biography of Cheryl Ann Frazier, CEO, Humanity Consideration Consultants

Cheryl Ann Frazier is the Founder and CEO of Humanity Consideration Consultants (HCC), which specializes in delivering operational models aligned with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), its subsequent Amendments Act, related mandates, and best practices. HCC works closely with businesses, government entities, and educational institutions to identify opportunities for improvement in employment strategies, training, client-facing programs, and the execution of specified policies and practices related to Title I (Employment) and Title II (State and Local Governments) of the ADA. Cheryl affirms, "If you focus on the people, the ADA law will manifest itself."

Cheryl served over 32 years across international and state governments. She most recently supported the Consulate General of Israel to the Southeastern United States (Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, South Carolina, North Carolina, Kentucky, and Tennessee) in Public Diplomacy as the Director of Community Affairs, creating and sustaining relationships between Israel and African American, Latino, and Asian American communities working collaboratively with Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Chambers of Commerce, and Faith-based and Social Justice focused community organizations and ministries. During her time with the State of Israel, Cheryl also advised the Consul General of Israel regarding media affairs and incidents of challenged community relationships around the current Israel-Hamas war.

In 2023, Cheryl retired as the Assistant State ADA Coordinator for Georgia at the State ADA Coordinator's Office after over 31 years of cumulative service with the Georgia State Financing and Investment Commission, Georgia Department of Corrections, and Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice. She served in several other capacities with the State of Georgia, including Assistant Regional Director overseeing eighteen (18) secured facilities in the Southwest region of Georgia’s prison system. Cheryl assumed the role as the first Agency ADA Coordinator for the Georgia Department of Corrections, serving over 50,000 offenders, 10,000 employees, and countless citizens of Georgia while creating a new ADA program and composing policies.

During the last six (6) years of her career with state government, Cheryl trained over 15,000 employees, sworn officers, agency leaders, contractors, physical and mental health professionals, attorneys, and human resource professionals throughout the United States and the U.S. Virgin Islands on the ADA. Cheryl has served as an ADA subject matter expert on panels with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Center for Inclusive Design and Innovation (CIDI) at Georgia Tech, and the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM) Chapters in Greater Rome, Allatoona, and the Greater Henry County, as well as the SHRM-Atlanta 2023 Conference.

Cheryl Ann served as a featured conference speaker for the following entities in 2024:

SHRM-Atlanta Conference 2024

National ADA Conference for State and Local Government 2024

Georgia Council for Human Resources Conference

MassCUE (Massachusetts Computer Using Educators 2024) – Gillette Stadium

Cheryl will serve as the featured speaker for the Greater Henry County SHRM Chapter 2025 Speaker Series in January. She will present, “Empowering Inclusivity: Actionable Strategies for HR Professionals.” Cheryl’s speaking engagements and event appearances can be viewed by accessing this link, Events | HCC

Cheryl is a Certified ADA Coordinator through the ADA Coordinator Training Certification Program (ACTCP), with advanced ADA certifications in ADA Title I, ADA Title III, Healthcare, and Law Enforcement. She is a certified compliance auditor under the National Institute of Corrections and a certified POST Instructor with the Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council. Cheryl is also a member of the American Correctional Association (ACA) and the National Certified Public Manager® Consortium.

Link to Cheryl Ann Frazier’s Career Portfolio - Cheryl Ann Frazier - Career Portfolio - Cheryl Ann Frazier - Career Portfolio