are able to work are a liability to businesses. I am constantly advocating for our citizens with disabilities by educating business partners, community leaders, and anyone that I may come in contact with. The majority of workplace accommodations come at a low cost and the impact is high, positively impacting the workplace in many ways. Also, studies have shown that hiring a person with a disability results in a loyal, reliable, hardworking employee with low absenteeism and a long tenure. It is important for me to help others understand that the citizens we serve have abilities that far outweigh any disability or functional limitation they may have; it is all about finding the proper fit. Finding the proper fit regarding employment is relevant to us all regardless of physical, emotional, intellectual and/or cognitive ability.
create a talent pipeline for the business. VR consumers interested in working for this particular business partner were referred to the technical college for training, specific to the needs of the business, and upon successful completion of the training were eligible for employment opportunities with the business. Several of our consumers were hired by the business partner and have successful careers.
HBCU Times: What are new steps that are being made to promote continuing growth and development of VR and to sustain interest in the welfare of those you serve?
Felicia Johnson: I would have to say that the most pressing issues
Felicia Johnson: On a national level, the VR program is
concentrating on enhancing contributions to the nation’s workforce needs. The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) is helping to drive this shift in the program’s culture. Here in South Carolina, we are always looking for ways to enhance our program and improve the level of quality that we provide in serving our consumers, while meeting the workforce needs of our business partners. We are in the process of bringing new and innovative training opportunities to our Job Readiness Training Centers. These opportunities are designed to provide our consumers with hands-on career exploration in demand driven jobs that are available in their local areas. We are also bringing new training to our employees to ensure they have the skills, knowledge and resources needed to maintain their expertise in serving our consumers. HBCU Times: What unique workforce development opportunities is VR collaborating on with other organizations/ agencies/institutions? Felicia Johnson: I serve as a member on the State Workforce
Development Board, as well as one of the Board’s subcommittees that is mandated to serve “Targeted Populations”; the disability community being one of those populations. VR realizes the importance of partnerships and building relationships in an effort to ensure our consumers maximize the services available to them. We have ongoing partnerships with agencies and organizations throughout the state to receive referrals for our services. We serve every high school in the state and have partnerships with the technical school system, and several colleges and universities. We partner with over 400 businesses in our state to provide training opportunities for our consumers through the provision of contract work in our Job Readiness Training Centers. Many of the partnerships through our Job Readiness Training Centers result in employment opportunities for our consumers. About two years ago, the agency was able to embark upon a unique partnership with a technical college and a business partner to
HBCU Times: As an alumna of South Carolina State University, please explain what you think are the most pressing issues and challenges being faced by HBCUs and what kind of solutions are needed for them to be relevant around five years from now?
and challenges being faced by HBCUs is decreasing enrollment. I read an article that stated less than 10% of all African American college students attend an HBCU. As enrollment in HBCUs continues to decline, financial challenges in sustaining these institutions of higher learning will increase and cause devastating problems such as program cuts, loss of accreditation, possible closings, etc. In order to maintain relevance, I would suggest earlier education and recruitment. It might help to begin exposing our youth to the value of HBCUs at an early age. Partner with the Boys and Girls Club to bring students to campuses for field studies or organizations like Jack and Jill of America, any opportunity to spark interest in the minds of our youth and let them know what is available to them. We also need to ensure degree programs are relevant and proactively updated, and that there are support services to foster successful completion; and, where possible, partnerships for job placements upon graduation.
HBCU Times: In what ways do you think HBCUs in South Carolina and/or nationally could better serve those living with disabilities? Felicia Johnson: Ensure there is an active and proactive
Disabilities Services Department that recruits students with disabilities, ensures ADA compliance throughout the campus, provides support services and advocacy, and educates the campus and community on disabilities and disability rights. HBCU Times: Wife, mother, community leader - you like so many women wear many hats. When the commander-in-chief seems to blatantly disregard the contributions of women of color to our city, state or nation what is your response? Felicia Johnson: It is abhorrent and disrespectful. That type of
disregard discounts the hard work, dedication, achievements, and value women of color have added to this country and the world.
HBCU Times 2020 Winter Issue | 13
