DRS LGBTQIA+ and PLHIV Inclusion Initiative consultation office hours are available for individuals and/or small groups to discuss challenges related to inclusion and counseling issues, role-play best practices, improve outreach strategies, etc. on the fourth Monday of each month between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. (other meeting times can be arranged as needed).
How can you utilize the consultation hours? Here are some example questions to ask the teams:
- How can our DRS office reach potential eligible individuals from LGBTQ+ communities and/or people living with HIV?
- How do I communicate confidently and develop rapport with new LGBTQ+ customers and/or customers living with HIV?
- How can supervisors support VR Counselors to effectively work with LGBTQ+ customers and/or customers living with HIV?
- What role do administrative staff play in creating an environment to work most effectively with customers from LGBTQ+ communities and/or people living with HIV?
- What are the most common issues VR Counselors and other DRS staff experience when serving LGBTQ+ customers and/or customers living with HIV?
- How can we best respond to the VR needs of specific DRS LGBTQ+ customers and/or customers living with HIV?
- What local resources may be relevant to DRS counselors for addressing VR needs of specific DRS participants from LGBTQ+ communities and/or people living with HIV?
- How can I as a VR Counselor respectfully and confidently ask our customers about their gender identity and sexual orientation?
- How can we build institutional trust in DRS as a welcoming, affirming, respectful, non-stigmatizing, and non-discriminatory vocational rehabilitation agency?
- What strategies can be effective to enhance systems and oversight to strengthen inclusion and rehabilitation outcomes of eligible individuals from these populations