Perspectives Corporation
HOME »
BLOG »
COVID »
 LOGIN »
Perspectives Corporation
BLOG

Working Towards Accessibility and Inclusion with HR Generalist Richelle

By Sara Porcaro | Dec 1, 2020
  read
DHOH, Deaf Culture, Rhode Island, Disabilities, IDD, Inclusion, Accessibility, Human Services
HR Generalist Richelle Hurley

At Perspectives, we're always striving for a more inclusive work environment that lets every professional's talents shine. That's why both Deaf and hearing professionals work alongside one another, with a team of skilled American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters there to bridge communication not only between everyone at the (virtual) office, but also between individuals we support, their families, and the greater community. Beyond that, our professionals in Adult Services and Youth and Family Services who work with Deaf individuals are required to know ASL in order to communicate; they're able to take Perspectives' ASL classes for free to advance their knowledge of both the language and Deaf culture.
 
 
But one place where the agency's leadership saw an opportunity to improve was by bringing a more Deaf-friendly focus to HR--a person who understood Deaf culture well and could help facilitate trainings while also reaching out to the Deaf community to recruit new members of our teams--and that's why we're excited to have talented professional Richelle Hurley join us as the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Department's HR Generalist!
 
 
"Every day, I'm learning something new," Richelle says about her first month and a half with the agency. "I'm excited to keep learning from other leaders within the agency, and I want to do my best to help the department reach their goals."
 
 
Richelle, the child of two Deaf parents, has had Deaf culture be a part of her upbringing from the very beginning--and from there, it seemed only natural that she would have an interest in communication. Knowing both ASL and English, she decided to study communications, receiving her bachelor's and master's degree in it. She started her college career at Villanova University in Pennsylvania, enjoying college basketball alongside her studies, and that was where she also started as a Resident Assistant in the dorms--a job she found she enjoyed, and one she pursued at a different college in Worcester, Massachusetts later on, as her original goals of working in Public Relations turned out to be something she wasn't interested in.
 
 
"I always loved the 'nerd side' of communication," she said, "but I knew I wanted to do something helpful, impactful, more like what I was doing as an RA than what I experienced in my public relations internships."
 
 
"I wanted to do something helpful, impactful, more like what I was doing as an RA than what I experienced in my public relations internships."
 
 
While she never saw herself working in human resources, Richelle finds that the position with Perspectives is a place she can do exactly that: help others, answer questions, and be a bridge for communication with those in the Deaf community who are looking to start a new career path. There are many pieces to the role of an HR Generalist; some responsibilities include interviewing applicants, attending job fairs like the virtual job fair at Gallaudet University, and facilitating training for new employees, all with Deaf culture and ASL in mind to make it more accessible to those joining the Perspectives team. She and the rest of the department also make sure to stay connected via Slack It's important work that Perspectives values, and Richelle notices just how much emphasis the agency puts on accessibility.
 
 
"There's so much accessibility for Deaf team members here," she says. In that regard, Perspectives is cutting edge for the sake of its professionals and individuals it supports, as Richelle says, "When I went to the Gallaudet career fair, I remember students being impressed with us having a full-on DHOH department with Deaf leadership and ASL interpreters and staff. It's really cool to be a part of something new like this."
 
 
For Richelle, whose goal is to bring her talents to a place she knows they'll make a positive impact, the role is something exciting--especially as she surrounds herself with like-minded teammates. While there's much to learn in her new role, she knows she's part of a team that's always there to support and encourage her, and she notes just how welcoming and friendly everyone has been since she's joined the agency. Perspectives is excited to have Richelle aboard as she works to help the DHOH department achieve their goals, as well as establish the department within the Deaf community, and we're looking forward to the great things she'll continue to achieve!


 

Read More From Perspectives ...

Honoring Achievements in Inclusive Employment
October 15, 2024
Wrapping up NDEAM by celebrating the success of workers with disabilities and the impact of inclusive employment.

Celebrating Leah’s 10 Years at Applebees
September 30, 2024
Leah celebrates 10 years at Applebee's with support from Perspectives' Employment Services.

Perspectives Celebrates at the 36th Annual DSP Celebration
September 25, 2024
36th Annual DSP Celebration honors exceptional support for individuals with disabilities. Judy Niedbala and Kyle Lemery of Perspectives recognized.

Perspectives Honored with Prestigious 2024 Moving Mountains Award
July 15, 2024
Perspectives' Project Align cuts turnover rates and elevates DSP profession with award-winning initiatives.

Meet Mike: 12 Years of Making a Difference at Stop and Shop
April 17, 2024
Meet Mike: Over a decade of growth at Stop and Shop, supported by Perspectives

Shifting the Narrative: #REDInstead Advocates for Autism Acceptance
March 27, 2024
Join us this April for #REDInstead, a movement changing how we view and celebrate autism, advocating for true acceptance.

Building Brighter Futures One LEGO Brick at a Time
March 17, 2024
Bricks and Minifigs and Perspectives spark creativity and community success.

Shaping the Future at Perspectives: 3D Printing for Assistive Technology
March 1, 2024
Explore how 3D printing is revolutionizing assistive devices in our March 2024 newsletter.

Perspectives DSPs Shine in Frontline Initiative Publication
November 27, 2023
Spotlight on Perspectives DSPs in Frontline Initiative. Real stories of dedication and care. Join us in celebrating their impact

MORE BLOGS
HOME
ABOUT
SERVICES
CAREERS
SIGN LANGUAGE
BLOG
COVID-19
CONTACT
 SIGN IN