VIDEO: Disabilities Segment at Wells Fargo Presented ‘Hiring/Managing People with Disabilities’

Wells Fargo’s Kathy Martinez offers valuable advice.

By Sheryl Estrada

Kathy Martinez, leader of the People with Disabilities segment at Wells Fargo (No. 12 on the 2016 Fair360, formerly DiversityInc Top 50 Companies for Diversity list), presented “Hiring/Managing People with Disabilities” at Fair360, formerly DiversityInc’s fall conference, “Best Practices on Conquering Recruiting Challenges,” on September 14 in Newark, New Jersey.

In her talk, Martinez gave advice on recruiting, such as “marketing collateral including brochures, ads and social media should include people with disabilities.” She also recommended equal employment opportunity statements on company websites include information on employees with disabilities.

Martinez said that during the interview process, access for people with disabilities is “critical.”

“Interviews must be in accessible places,” she said. And during the interview, “ask about somebody’s capabilities, not disabilities.”

Before going into the private sector, Martinez served as assistant secretary for the Office of Disability Employment Policy for five years.

Martinez was born blind, as was her younger sister. One of six children, she grew up in Southern California. Her life story illustrates how people with disabilities can overcome both systemic obstacles and cultural stereotypes. And Martinez was determined to help others achieve maximum potential.

“Access for people with disabilities ultimately means access for all of us,” she said.

View full presentation.

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