Disability Business News
You Need to Know
August 2021
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2021 Affiliate of the Year: Disability:IN Wisconsin
The Affiliate of the Year honors a Disability:IN Affiliate that has demonstrated exemplary efforts in promoting the vision, mission and spirit of Disability:IN. This Affiliate helps their territory understand, utilize, and benefit from the valuable resources that people with disabilities present in the workplace, supply chain, and marketplace
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2021 Inclusion Award Winners
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The 2021 Disability:IN Inclusion Award winners are recognized as visionary brands and individuals that are advancing disability inclusion. Disability:IN is pleased to recognize these award winners during the 2021 Disability:IN Annual Conference taking place July 12-15.
There are eleven Inclusion Award categories, recognizing leaders across the enterprise. See below for the 2021 Inclusion Award winners, the award descriptions, and links to the videos for each award winner.
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2021 Top Corporation for Disability-Owned Businesses: Merck
The Top Corporation for Disability-Owned Business recognizes a corporation that has demonstrated outstanding inclusion of Disability:IN certified disability-owned businesses (including businesses owned by service-disabled veterans), and demonstrated commitment to disability business inclusion in their supply chain processes and corporate supplier diversity programs.
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2021 John D. Kemp Leadership Award: Catherine P. Bessant, Bank of America
The John D. Kemp Inclusion Award recognizes an individual who has developed or influenced the development of significant company disability employment programs and/or services that resulted in measurable, tangible and positive outcomes that dramatically improved disability employment opportunities.
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2021 ERG/BRG of the Year: Intel
The Employee/Business Resource Group of the Year recognizes a corporate employee resource group (ERG) or business resource group (BRG) as having exemplary programming and practices for its employee group that provides business value to the company and professional growth for its members
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2021 NextGen Alum of the Year: Ike Tallerine, Accenture
The NextGen Alum of the Year recognizes an alumnus who has gone above and beyond after participating in Disability:IN’s NextGen Leader Initiatives. This alumnus has not only demonstrated corporate leadership, but has also paid it forward for future NextGen Leaders.
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2021 Supplier Diversity Advocate of the Year: Kimberly Marcus, AARP
The Supplier Diversity Advocate of the Year recognizes a procurement champion who has demonstrated outstanding commitment to the utilization and growth of disability-owned businesses and also provided exceptional support for certified Disability-Owned Business Enterprises- DOBE®s, Veteran-Disability Owned Business Enterprises (V-DOBEs™) and Service-Disabled Veteran Disability-Owned Business Enterprises (SDV-DOBEs™).
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2021 Supplier of the Year: Certify My Company
The Supplier of the Year recognizes a certified Disability-Owned Business Enterprises- DOBE®s, Veteran-Disability Owned Business Enterprises (V-DOBEs™) or a Service-Disabled Veteran Disability-Owned Business Enterprises (SDV-DOBEs™) supplier that has provided excellent service and serves as a role model for disability business inclusion in the supply chain.
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2021 Marketplace Innovator of the Year, Advertising/Marketing Category: Comcast
Comcast is recognized as a visionary corporation for its work to tell the remarkable stories of people of all disabilities who are empowered by their inclusive technologies.
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2021 Marketplace Innovator of the Year, Product Category: Google
The Marketplace Innovator of the Year, Product Category recognizes an innovative product(s) that is inclusively designed, to be used for people of all abilities.
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2021 Employer of the Year: Salesforce
The Employer of the Year recognizes exemplary policies, strategies and initiatives that have resulted in measurable results in the areas of disability inclusiveness in the workplace, marketplace and supply chain.
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2021 ERG/BRG Executive Sponsor of the Year: Alleace Gibbs, Northrop Grumman
The ERG/BRG Executive Sponsor of the Year Award recognizes an Executive Sponsor of a company’s disability ERG/BRG who has had a measurable impact on disability inclusion at the company and champions disability inclusion across the enterprise.
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Equitable Access:
Technology Bridging the Employment Gap
For the
Deaf and Hard of Hearing Community
August 17,2021
12:00- 1:30 PM
Part 2 of 2
This educational interactive webinar will provide employers and employees, students and interns, as well as the deaf and hard of hearing community as a whole, the opportunity to engage in meaningful dialog focused on equitable access in employment. Hearing loss is a common problem caused by noise, aging, disease, and heredity.
Jess Aiello, Founder, The I Yellow Group, will share her passion for creating an inclusive environment for deaf, hard of hearing and hearing individuals. John Macko, Director and Dawn Lucas, Associate Director, NTID Center on Employment at the Rochester Institute of Technology, will share perspectives on how to educate and prepare both employers and prospective hires for success in the workplace.
The Human Connection Roundtable will be moderated by Jess Aiello and include John Macko, Dawn Lucas, Peter Hayes, CEO, TranslateLive, an Employer who has hired a deaf employee and a recent NTID graduate. Join us to hear unique perspectives, ask questions and share your experiences!
The session will include live captioning and ASL provided by IYellow.
Host Sponsor and Keynote
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Our Mission
“Building the Business Network for Disability Inclusion.”
Our Vision
“Cultivate workforces and workplaces where talent with disabilities are recruited, included, promoted, retained and valued as both internal talent and innovative vendors.”
"In This Together" Campaign Continues
Please Donate!
Shop Amazon Smile!
In these ongoing unprecedented times, non-profits face the situation of limited funding. The DC Metro Chapter is no different. As we continue to provide education and resources with the newsletters and free virtual programming, your support is needed now more than ever. Please consider a donation to support our mission in support of our monthly efforts! As most of us are shopping virtually these, days, please shop on Amazon Smile!
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Support Our Mission through your Membership
Be Recognized for your Leadership Brand
Annual Membership
Corporate - $2,000
Gold - $3,000
Diamond - $5,000
Platinum - $10,000
Non-Profit - $750
Small Business - $800
Government - $2,300
Individual - $200
Introductory Corporate Friends - $600
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COVID-19 Resources
NOW ON OUR WEBSITE!
As the leading regional business on disability inclusion, it seems critical to provide our employers with important information on COVID 19. Check out the listings on our website. Contact us if you have others to add!
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IN THE NEWS - Articles of Interest
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Our very own
Eduardo Meza-Etienne
included on the Top 50 Influencers in Diversity and Inclusion published by Onalytica
Diversity & Inclusion initiatives are part of a company’s practice and mission to create a non-biased, diverse, and inclusive workforce. With more and more research being done on D&I and organizations over the years, it is clear that the benefits to working toward a more diverse and inclusive workplace are many.
Companies with gender-diverse executive teams are more likely to financially outperform less diverse organisations by 25%. Teams with above-average diversity produced a 19% bigger proportion of revenue from innovation, suggesting that diverse teams make better decisions. What is more, customers are, now more than ever, interested in brands speaking out against injustice and discrimination. Brands that are vocal about social issues are 3X more trusted by customers than those who aren’t. Job seekers are interested in diversity within the workplace as well. 76% of employees and job seekers are taking diversity & inclusion into account when evaluating the company and the job.
The report looks at Diversity & Inclusion as well as its sister sub-topics: Gender Equality, Racial Equality and Accessibility as these are important parts of the overall D&I conversation. Within the report, we have identified a sample of influential personas and brand employees who are vocal online in regards to the aforementioned topics. Moreover, they have taken an in-depth look to see which big tech companies are being talked about within the topical communities to get a sense of which brands have the biggest share of voice when it comes to D&I topics.
The aim of the report is to shine a light on influencers and brand employees that are doing stellar work towards raising awareness, as well as providing insight on how well some tech brands are performing online when it comes to the Diversity & Inclusion related conversations.
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BLOG
The Hon. Katherine McCary, CEO, Disability:IN DC Metro, Founding chair of Disability:IN (formerly US Business Leadership Network), President C5 Consulting, LLC
Katherine.McCary@gmail.com
Do You Want to Know?
- How have employers hired individuals with disabilities during COVID?
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What is a Disability:IN affiliate and how do they support these efforts?
- How can you leverage an affiliate to support your placement efforts?
The Employer Engagement for the YES Center webinar on July 28th featured employers from Disability:IN DC Metro and Greater Kansas City who shared valuable insight on their efforts in recruiting, retaining, promoting, accommodation and how they leverage partner relationships for success.
As a business executive I have spent more than 20 years focused on disability inclusion and launching, leading and supporting Disability:IN and affiliates across the US. The organization was born of the understanding that business listens to business and within the disability space, businesses are open to sharing inclusion best practices. I am also an individual with a non-apparent disability, have adult children with disabilities and have been a caregiver for family members as recently as this year so I have both professional and personal perspectives.
The Employer Engagement for the YES Center webinar highlighted the major role employers play in partnering with each other to maximize employment of people with disabilities. Affiliates are local or regional non-profit business led educational organizations associated with Disability:IN, a national organization that supports disability inclusion. Employers join Disability:IN affiliates to learn from each other in order to address disability inclusion in employment, marketing, entrepreneurship and supply chain. An honest business dialog is key to the success of this organization. Utilizing the affiliate network of Disability:IN, directors and employers shared examples of pivoting their typical talent acquisition process in light of COVID.
In Greater Kansas City, Mercy Children’s Hospital of Kansas City applied new technology that enabled recruiters to view all applicants’ individual strengths, preferences, skills and experiences in order to match up ability with a variety of jobs. Both Affiliates in DC Metro and Greater Kansas City have been using virtual technology for interviewing applicants. Additionally, they support internships as a way for both the individual and the organization to test drive the fit. Inclusion Works an organization that supports a more diverse and inclusive workplace, utilizes their staffing firm model to expand employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
Did you know that that some businesses rely exclusively upon staffing firms for external hires?
Deloitte, a DC Metro Board Member, shared how building an inclusive workforce by leveraging their Employee Resource Groups representing veteran and disability- often cross-pollinating them with shared outreach activities including those hosted by DC Metro. While neither affiliate places talent, the Greater Kansas City affiliate uses OurAbility for employer members to post jobs expanding outreach to talent with disabilities. DC Metro has a focus on disabled-owned entrepreneurs, leveraging both Disability:IN DOBE certification and The Viscardi National Center for Disability Entrepreneurship. DC Metro lists COVID Resources from disability organizations on its website. Each of the 25 affiliates across the US operates independently with a shared mission of disability inclusion. If there is an affiliate in your geography, reach out!
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CEO and Executive Director
named one of Forbes' 50 Over 50 Women Making An Impact!
CONGRATULATIONS MARCIE!
- Roth has worked in disability rights throughout her career and, after 9/11, shifted her focus to the impact of disasters on disabled people.
- In 2019, at age 63, Roth was named president and CEO of the global disability rights organization The World Institute on Disability.
- As its head, she launched a 69-country coalition to accelerate disaster resources for local disability-led organizations.
- In 2009, at age 53, she joined the Obama Administration as a senior advisor for disability issues at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
- During her more than seven-year tenure, she launched the Office of Disability Integration and Coordination and was a U.S. representative to the U.N.
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Will You Qualify for the 2022 HIRE Vets Medallion Award?
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Now is the time to ensure you will qualify for a 2022 HIRE Vets Medallion Award.
Whether it’s your first time applying or you are a previous award recipient, applying for a 2022 award will highlight your ongoing commitment to those who have served our nation in uniform.
You have until December 31, 2021, to meet the criteria for an award in 2022.
Criteria vary by company size, but Gold-level may start at:
- Making 7% of new hires veterans in 2021; and/or
- Retaining 75% of your 2020 veteran hires
Platinum-level award criteria include greater hiring and retention percentages and meeting additional veteran integration assistance criteria like organizing a veteran resource group or leadership program.
If you apply and meet the criteria, you will be recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Labor on Veterans Day in 2022. Recipients receive a certificate, digital images of the medallion to use in marketing and promotional efforts, and are highlighted at HIREVets.gov/Awardees. This will help you attract top talent by letting veterans who are entering the workforce know that your business is veteran-ready.
We want to ensure you have the right resources and tools to prepare for the 2022 Award cycle. Please answer a few questions about your business, to help us send application information that is tailored for you.
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The Center launched a call for nominations for the 2021 Henry Viscardi Achievement Awards — an international award recognizing extraordinary leaders with disabilities. The deadline is September 17.
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Biden-Harris Administration ADA Anniversary Fact Sheet
The White House released the "Fact Sheet: Biden-Harris Administration Marks Anniversary of Americans with Disabilities Act and Announces Resources to Support Individuals with Long COVID." The fact sheet outlines policy actions, plans and resources from the administration that support inclusion, access and equity for people with disabilities. It also provides guidance and information for people with long COVID on their rights and protections under federal disability laws and regulations.
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CONGRATULATIONS JOHN!
Our Disability:IN Founding CEO/Executive Director
The Lakeshore Foundation Board of Directors has announced the appointment of John Kemp as president and chief executive officer effective November 1.
Kemp succeeds Jeff Underwood, who last year announced plans to retire this fall. Kemp currently serves as president and CEO of the Viscardi Center and Henry Viscardi School in Long Island, NY.
Kemp has many achievements in the corporate and nonprofit worlds. He has decades of experience in the disability movement as a disabled leader and is a co-founder of the American Association of People with Disabilities. His previous leadership roles include serving as the national executive director of United Cerebral Palsy Associations, president and CEO of VSA Arts and VSA Arts International, and as general counsel and vice president of development for the National Easter Seal Society, among others.
Kemp is a recipient of the Henry B. Betts Award, widely regarded as America’s highest honor for disability leadership and service, and the Dole Leadership Prize from the Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics at the University of Kansas, whose recipients include Nelson Mandela and former U.S. Presidents George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton.
“John will be only the second CEO in Lakeshore’s 30-year history,” said Board Chair Mark McColl. “It is important to our board that the new CEO be able to build on our strong foundation and continue to expand our mission to provide opportunities for individuals with physical disabilities to lead active, healthy lives. With his wealth of experience as a national leader and passion for our mission, John is a great fit for Lakeshore.”
As board chair/member or partner, Kemp has supported numerous leading disability and nonprofit organizations. In 2001, he became a partner in the Washington, D.C. law firm of Powers, Pyles, Sutter & Verville, P.C., where he developed an active federal legislative and lobbying practice. In 2019, he spoke at the inaugural Symposium on Disability Rights, co-sponsored by Lakeshore and the UAB Institute for Human Rights.
Kemp is a graduate of Georgetown University and Washburn University School of Law. He and his wife Sameta (“Sam”) will relocate to Birmingham later this year.
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Employer Partner Spotlight - The Cormac Group
The Cormac Group is a bi-partisan strategic consulting and lobbying firm in Washington, DC and dedicated to providing clients with a clear understanding of the governmental decision-making process. With over 60 years of combined experience, The Cormac Group has a vast area of expertise in developing results-oriented legislative and regulatory strategies at both the federal and state levels in the areas of higher education, healthcare, transportation and telecommunications.
The Cormac Group has been a long time employer partner and we are thrilled they are hosting another BroadFutures intern this summer. Jim Link, a Partner with The Cormac Group, wrote, "The Cormac Group Team fully understands the huge contributions people with learning differences can make when it comes to adding value and providing positive results to our clients. We fully support the mission of BroadFutures and appreciate being their partner." We look forward to our continued partnership!! You can learn more about The Cormac Group here
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Announcing: Pitch Perfect Supplier Diversity Event
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Are you a Disability-Owned Business Enterprise (DOBE) with a unique business idea, product, or service?
Are you an investor looking for the next greatest investment opportunity?
Are you a corporate buyer looking for an innovative solution to meet an unmet product or service need?
If you are, join us for Disability:IN’s 2021 Pitch Perfect Challenge!
As a certified DOBE, Service Disabled Veteran-DOBE, and Veteran-DOBE, you will have the opportunity to share your story and deliver a 5-minute (or less) elevator pitch in this exciting, multi-round virtual competition.
Get the attention of corporate decision makers and fellow entrepreneurs across the entire Disability:IN network by pitching your way to business opportunities!
Awards
Over $35,000 in cash and prizes
Entry Requirements: Certified DOBE, SDV-DOBE, or V-DOBE in good standing, in any industry or company size.
Timeline
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Entry Period Opens: Friday, August 6
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Application Deadline: Tuesday, August 24
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Semi-Finalists Announced: Tuesday, September 7
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Top Three Finalists Announced: Tuesday, Sept. 21
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Final Winner Announced: Tuesday, October 19
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2Gether-International Announces its first Tech Cohort
With support from Google for Startups, 2Gether-International (2GI) announces its first accelerator cohort exclusively focused on early-stage, technology-based startups.
"While there is still so much work to be done, I am proud that Google for Startups is helping to build a more accessible, diverse startup ecosystem. Founders with disabilities have unique insights and value to contribute to the tech sector. I hope this Accelerator program leads to more inclusive solutions, expanded support and programming for disabled founders around the world” said Lisa Gevelber, Google’s Vice President, Google for Startups"
"It is an honor to have the support of Google for Startups in the creation of the first 2GI Tech cohort by and for founders with disabilities. Our work together will set a precedent for what inclusion looks like at accelerators worldwide, impacting literally millions of people." said Diego Mariscal Founder, CEO & Chief Disabled Officer of 2GI.
2GI accelerators bring together cohorts of 12-15 disabled founders (like you!), virtually, to learn about key areas of business including product market fit, management, sales, marketing, financial projections, and negotiations. Throughout this program, founders will engage with world-class speakers, be supported by accredited leadership coaches, have access to Google mentors and product experts, have an opportunity to compete for seed funding, and more...
We encourage you to apply early! The application deadline is August 27, 2021. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and finalists will be announced mid-September 2021.
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NEW SECTION!
NOW RECRUITING FOR...
Let us know if you have a position to post!
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- Business Development Specialist
- UX Specialist
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- Staff Accountant
- Director
- AT Trainer
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LARGEST U.S. BLIND ADVOCACY GROUP BANS WEB ACCESSIBILITY OVERLAY GIANT ACCESSIBE
The National Federation of the Blind, America’s most powerful civil rights and advocacy group for the visually impaired has launched a scathing attack on web accessibility overlay market leader accessiBe, accusing the company of engaging in “harmful” practices. Israel-based accessiBe provides a web overlay solution that sits on top of web pages for the purposes of automatically scanning and reformatting them to ensure they are accessible and able to work with assistive solutions such as screen readers and keyboard navigation…
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CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW?
How Companies can ensure that employees with hearing loss are supported
Unfortunately, hearing loss is a growing problem around the world. According to the World Health Organization, by 2050, approximately 2.5 billion globally are “projected to have some degree of hearing loss.” As hearing loss cases increase, forward-looking companies are taking steps to ensure their products are accessible to those with this or other medical issues. TikTok, for example, added automated captions to videos on its platforms in April 2021. Instagram followed similarly by offering a captions sticker for its “Stories” feature…
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Events In The DC Metro Area and Beyond
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Telework in Action: A Disability Inclusion Practice Whose Time Has Arrived
Thursday, August 12, 2021 from 2-3 p.m. ET
During the COVID-19 pandemic, many companies quickly transitioned to telework. As a result, much has been learned about conducting business in a teleworking environment. Once considered a workplace accommodation or employee benefit, telework is now a common workplace practice.
Join EARN and the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) for the webinar. Learn how organizations and employees have adapted to telework and why it's likely to remain an integral part of the future workplace. This is the third and final webinar in EARN and ODEP's Summer Workplace Inclusion Series.
This webinar will focus on the many benefits of telework and the impact of expanded use of remote work on employment of people with disabilities. Participants will also learn about best practices for providing remote workplace accommodations and ensuring accessibility of recruiting, onboarding, communication and training platforms.
Speakers:
- Lane Erwin, Director, Organizational Effectiveness, American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO)
- Neil Barnett, Director of Inclusive Hiring and Accessibility, Microsoft
- Terri Rhodes, Chief Executive Officer, Disability Management Employer Coalition (DMEC)
Moderator:
- Nakisha Pugh, Senior Policy Advisor, U.S. Department of Labor Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP)
Participation is free, but space is limited.
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Elevate your DEI initiatives!
Date: August 19, 2021
Time: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Price: $199
Scholarships are available for those who cannot afford the registration fee. Please contact Emily Schettler, emily.schettler@drake.edu.
Location details: This hybrid event will offer opportunities to attend in-person and online. The in-person event will take place at the FFA Enrichment Center in Ankeny, Iowa. The online event will take place on the Harkin Institute website and Zoom.
Contact Emily Schettler, emily.schettler@drake.edu, to learn more about attending in person. In-person registrations are due on Friday, August 13.
Attend the upcoming Iowa Summit on Disability Employment to learn how you can recruit, hire and engage qualified Iowans with disabilities who are eagerly looking for work!
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Webinar: Accessible Technology in the Workplace
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August 17, 2021 – 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM ET
Featuring Frances West, founder of global advisory company, FrancesWestCo and former Chief Accessibility Officer, IBM
As more and more employers incorporate remote access and technology into their company structure, we will discuss the value of accessible technology as a disability inclusion best practice with Frances West, an internationally recognized thought leader and technology executive known globally for her work in digital inclusion, emerging markets, and organizational transformation, founder of global advisory company, FrancesWestCo and former Chief Accessibility Officer at IBM.
During this Office Hours, we will explore:
· Best practices for accessibility
· The future of technology
· The intersectionality of disability with other minority groups
· Strategies for including disability in your DEI agenda
· Post COVID impact on the employment of individuals with disabilities and technology
Come with your questions, to be addressed during our Q&A. There is no fee to join us, but you must register. Save your seat, click here.
Have a colleague that might be interested in attending? Please forward this email!
Closed Captioning will be provided.
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2021 IOWA SUMMIT
Price: $199
Thu, August 19, 2021
9:00 AM – 6:00 PM EST
Expand your workforce and learn how to make disability a component of your diversity, equity and inclusion efforts at the Iowa Summit on Disability Employment.
Senator Tom Harkin and The Harkin Institute for Public Policy & Citizen Engagement at Drake University are pleased to invite you to the Iowa Summit on Disability Employment, a gathering of Iowa business leaders, human resources experts and disability service providers, to discuss how employees with disabilities are crucial to addressing the state’s workforce challenges, including hiring, engagement and retention.
Location
This is a hybrid event. Everyone is welcome to sign up and attend online. A limited number of seats are available for in-person attendees. The in-person event will take place at the FFA Enrichment Center in Ankeny, Iowa. The online event will take place on The Harkin Institute website and via Zoom.
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28th Annual Conference on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
September 21, 2021 2:00pm EDT to
September 23, 2021 4:30pm EDT
Renaissance Baltimore Harborplace Hotel
Baltimore, Maryland
Presented by TransCen, Inc. and the Mid-Atlantic ADA Center
Visit the information and registration site for details about the conference agenda and sessions, presenters, hotel facility (including health and safety information), local transit and tourist information, and opportunities for sponsors and exhibitors!
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Register now for the complimentary Sept 23rd virtual meeting.
Our feature presentation, entitled “Highlights from the 2021 NILG Conference”, will include a speed round from WMILG members who were presented at, and/or attended, the 2021 NILG national conference. After the presentation, our OFCCP and EEOC representatives will also provide updates. If you attended NILG and are interested in providing highlights, please send an email to abowman@dciconsult.com by August 25th to express interest.
We would also like to repeat the invitation to our members and attendees who may be interested in joining the WMILG Steering Committee. If you are interested in serving on the committee in any capacity, please email WMILG President Joanna Colosimo at jcolosimo@dciconsult.com.
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The Arc’s 2021 National Convention
September 27–29 | New Orleans, LA
We know the last year and a half has been full of uncertainty and disruption. Our 2021 National Convention will both honor the struggles of the past year and renew our hope as we look to the future of the disability rights movement. Sessions will detail the challenges and advances made in the past year, including sessions on strategic crisis response, remote supports, diversity and inclusion, mental health struggles, and much more!
The in-person event—following the safety guidelines set by the city, state, and CDC—will feature dozens of speakers from across the disability sector, including family members and advocates, policy experts, and innovators at the forefront of disability services and supports.
We hope to see you at this exciting event. Let’s get inspired and prepared for the work ahead!
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SAVE THE DATE!
DRA’s Virtual Gala: An Inspiring Celebration of DRA’s 2021 High-Impact Disability Justice Work.
Thursday, October 7th at 4pm PT/7pm ET
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SAVE THE DATE!
The National Business & Disability Council (NBDC) at The Viscardi Center Annual National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) event
October 26, 2021 from 1:00-2:30 p.m. ET.
Mark your calendar for this virtual, educational session and watch for registration details.
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Our focus is on Culture Change!
Our organization, formerly the DC Metro Business Leadership Network, is the largest regional member network of a variety of industry employers advocating for inclusion of individuals with disabilities in today's workforce, marketplace and supply chain. A non-profit business-led network established in 2006, our purpose is to bring the business community together in a dialog through education, training and resources with a focus on removing attitudinal and organizational barriers by exchanging best practices to ensure that the inclusion of individuals with disabilities as smart business.
Our Members and Guests have access to resources, programs and partners to strengthen the disability inclusion efforts and outcomes.
- Thought leadership
- Business to business networking
- Introductions to community partners
- Access to talent
- Hot topic programming led by Subject Matter Experts
- Webinars
Join our
Follow us on
Our Board
Board Members:
- John Annand, Marriott International
- Jennifer Bassett, Secretary, JBG SMITH Companies
- Michelle Crabtree, Town of Vienna
- Ellen de Bremond, Treasurer
- Anjali Desai-Margolin, Gallaudet University
- Tom Downs, Booz Allen Hamilton
- Dan Ellerman, Mars
- Andrea Hall, Past Chair, General Dynamics Mission Systems
- Sophie Howard, Chair, General Dynamics IT
- Eduardo Meza-Etienne, eSSENTIAL Accessibility
- Chrisonna Palmer, Vice Chair, EY
- Carrie Martin, MAXAR Technologies
- Jamel Walker, Northrop Grumman
- Ryan Walters, Deloitte
- Myra Wilder, BAE Systems
Advisory Board Members:
- Orly Barbosa, Sandy Spring Bank
- Meghan Cadigan, KPMG
- Crosby Cromwell, The Valuable 500
- Ron Drach, Drach Consulting, LLC
- Rikki Epstein, The Arc of Northern VA
- Sylvia Henri-Wonasue, Lockheed Martin
- Karen Herson, Concepts, Inc.
- Craig Leen, GMU Scalia Law, Former OFCCP Director
- Jessica Lee Aiello, IYellow Group
- Cynthia Richardson-Crooks, DC BLN Founding Chair
- Rick Rodgers, The Resource Network
- Kia Silver-Hodge, Enterprise Community Partners
- Bob Vetere, C5 Consulting, LLC
- Sue Werber, C5 Consulting, LLC
Our Staff
The Hon. Katherine McCary, President, C5 Consulting, LLC serves as CEO and Executive Director. Katherine served as founding chair of the USBLN (now Disability:IN) for nine years, the founding chair of the VA BLN (Now Virginia Ability) for 13 years and has launched more than 11 chapters. She received the USBLN Lifetime Achievement Award in 2009. She recently joined GRACE Global Response and Collaborative Environment as Director of Inclusion.
C5 is a global disability inclusion strategy consultancy comprised exclusively of private sector disability leaders, experienced disability from a variety of areas; as individuals, as caregivers, and as parents of individuals with disabilities. With more than 50 years combined expertise and a deep knowledge of culture change developed through customized business strategies. C5 is the pioneer of disability inclusion "for business by business" with just in time training Disability Inclusion IQ designed for enterprise wide learning.
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