Disability Business News
You Need to Know
February 2021
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Disability Leaders in the News |
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NCD announces new Chairman
Andrés Gallegos
The National Council on Disability (NCD) – an independent, nonpartisan federal agency that advises the President, Congress and other federal agencies on disability policy – announced Andrés J. Gallegos, of Chicago, Illinois, as its new Chairman.
The designation of Mr. Gallegos as Chairman of the Council was made official by the White House on January 20, signed by President Joseph R. Biden, Jr.
Previous Chairman Neil Romano remains on the Council as a member.
Before being designated as Chairman by President Biden, Mr. Gallegos was originally appointed to NCD in February 2018 by then-Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer.
“I am truly humbled at the opportunity to serve the American public in this capacity, and to be entrusted with the responsibilities of the position” said NCD Chairman Andrés Gallegos. “NCD’s important role in government is ensuring the President and federal policymakers receive sound, trusted advice and counsel on policies that impact people with disabilities, and especially at this moment in time, with life and death issues on the line for people with disabilities. I am privileged to work alongside an immensely talented group at NCD.”
Chairman Gallegos and the current Council members and staff of NCD all extend their gratitude and collective thanks to the immediate past Chairman Neil Romano, who served in the role since February 2018.
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James Rodriguez
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy and Acting Assistant Secretary
Veterans’ Employment and Training Service
Sworn in on January 20th, 2021
Prior to his selection, Mr. Rodriguez served in various leadership roles including Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense, Office of Warrior Care Policy, Office of the Secretary of Defense. In this role, Mr. Rodriguez served as the principal advisor on the coordination of recovery, rehabilitation, and reintegration for wounded, ill, and injured Service members across the military departments.
Mr. Rodriguez also served as the Director for Veteran and Wounded Warrior programs at BAE Systems. In that capacity, he acted as the Corporate Liaison for the White House Joining Forces initiative, to senior military leaders, government officials, and nonprofit organizations, increasing the footprint of our nation’s wounded, ill, and injured across all spectrums.
Mr. Rodriguez served twenty-one years in the United States Marine Corps in numerous leadership and management positions. He deployed to over 11 countries around the world and served in Operations Desert Shield/Desert Storm, Operation Eastern Exit- Somalia, and Operation Enduring Freedom. During his final duty assignment at Balboa Naval Hospital, he was the Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Officer in Charge of the Wounded Warrior Battalion, where he was responsible for the transition, development, and education of Service members with service-connected disabilities.
Mr. Rodriguez holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from the University of Maryland, University College and a Masters of Arts Degree in International Commerce and Policy from the George Mason University School of Public Policy
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Circa Announces Appointment of
Craig E. Leen to its Board of Directors
Circa is pleased to announce that Craig E. Leen, former Director of the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) at the U.S. Department of Labor, joined its Board of Directors effective January 21, 2021.
"Our Board of Directors is comprised of a dedicated team of leaders committed to providing best-in-class solutions to forward-thinking employers who believe in the transformative power of diversity," said Patrick Sheahan, CEO, Circa. "We are excited to channel Craig Leen's talent, expertise, insight, and passion into furthering our mission to help companies develop a more diverse and inclusive workforce. As an integral part of our Board, Craig will be a driving force in our thought leadership efforts and the development of Circa's next generation of compliance and diversity technology solutions to better the workforce."
"I'm excited to serve on the Circa Board. Circa has a great reputation in the equal employment opportunity compliance field, helping contractors to fully comply with OFCCP and other regulatory requirements," said Craig Leen. "I'm happy to have the chance to help Circa achieve its mission and continue my positive work in this critical field."
Circa provides SaaS-based OFCCP compliance management and recruiting technology solutions to deliver qualified candidates on a level, equitable playing field that meet organizations' needs to build high-performing, diverse teams. Diversity and inclusion are not only proven to drive employee satisfaction but also increase revenue for employers.
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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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2021 DC Metro Webinar Schedule |
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We will be posting our first quarter 2021 Webinar Schedule SOON!
As we do each year, we are looking for host companies and suggested topics.
Please email Katherine to discuss becoming a webinar host!
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Welcome New Corporate Member!
Representing MAXAR Technologies on the Board:
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Diversity and Inclusion
Senior Manager
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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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The Hon. Katherine McCary, CEO |
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Board Members:
- John Annand, Marriott International
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Jennifer Bassett, Secretary, JBG SMITH Companies
- Michelle Crabtree, Town of Vienna
- Ellen de Bremond, Treasurer
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Anjali Desai-Margolin, Gallaudet University
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Tom Downs, Booz Allen Hamilton
- Dan Ellerman
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Andrea Hall, Past Chair, General Dynamics Mission Systems
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Sophie Howard, Chair, General Dynamics IT
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Eduardo Meza-Etienne, eSSENTIAL Accessibility
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Chrisonna Palmer, Vice Chair, EY
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Carrie Martin, MAXAR Technologies
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Jamel Walker, Northrop Grumman
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Ryan Walters, Deloitte
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Myra Wilder, BAE Systems
Advisory Board Members:
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Orly Barbosa, Sandy Spring Bank
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Meghan Cadigan, KPMG
- Crosby Cromwell
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Ron Drach, Drach Consulting, LLC
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Rikki Epstein, The Arc of Northern VA
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Sylvia Henri-Wonasue, Lockheed Martin
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Karen Herson, Concepts, Inc.
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Cynthia Richardson-Crooks, DC BLN Founding Chair
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Rick Rodgers, The Resource Network
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Kia Silver-Hodge, C5 Consulting, LLC
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Bob Vetere, C5 Consulting, LLC
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Sue Werber, C5 Consulting, LLC
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Students with Disabilities
Interested in Learning About Virginia Businesses and Exploring Exciting Job Opportunities?
If you know of any students interested in participating please share the links below or visit www.VirginiaAbility.org.
Virginia businesses will take part in a four-week series during February to help students with disabilities explore career opportunities and ask questions.
February 4, 4:30 - 5:30 pm – Career Cafe #1: Jump Start your Career with Virginia Businesses
Spotlighting Southern States, Anthem, Dominion Energy, Performance Food Group, Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond, and Virginia Asset Management
Zoom registration required. Click HERE to register in advance. February 11, 4:30 - 5:30 pm – Career Cafe #2: Welding, Machining & Inspection
Zoom registration required. Click HERE to register in advance. February 18, 4:30 - 5:30 pm - Career Cafe #3: Information Technology and Gaming & Hospitality
Zoom registration required. Click HERE to register in advance.
February 25, 4:30 - 5:30 pm – Career Cafe #4: Medical Billing and Coding & Law Enforcement
Zoom registration required. Click HERE to register in advance.
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email for each Career Cafe that will contain information about joining each of the career exploration sessions.
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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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Disability Groups call on Nasdaq to Include People with Disability in New Diversity Push
Philip Pauli, Respectability
With Nasdaq considering new rules to promote diversity in corporate board rooms, advocacy organizations call for disability inclusion.
In a week where the stock market was all over the headlines, a group of disability advocates responded to a solicitation from Nasdaq about proposed rule changes that would impact board room diversity. In their testimony about this proposal, the group, which included the National Organization on Disability, the National Disability Institute, ANCOR, Disability:IN DC Metro and RespectAbility, called for the proposed rule change to include recognition that the 1-in-5 people with disabilities want to have a better future themselves and to create a better future for others as well.
Back in December 2020, Nasdaq filed a proposed rule change at the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) intended to drive greater diversity and inclusion in Corporate America. The specific proposal would “require Nasdaq-listed companies…to have at least one director who self-identifies as a female… to have at least one director who self-identifies as Black or African American, Hispanic or Latinx, Asian, Native American or Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, two or more races or ethnicities, or as LGBTQ+.” If Nasdaq-listed companies did not comply, they would have to explain to the SEC why such self-identified diversity was lacking in the makeup of the current board members.
“In the proposed rule, Nasdaq itself talked about diversity in the board room as a good thing for corporations,” said Jennifer Laszlo Mizrahi, President of RespectAbility. “Stakeholders with disabilities bring tremendous assets to any company. We want to see this new rule modified to include people with disabilities, which will benefit both Nasdaq itself and the one-in-five people in America who have a disability.”
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MyJAN
The Job Accommodation Network (JAN) launched the MyJAN portal on its website. The MyJAN tool allows website users to save and organize resources in one location, including accommodation solutions by disability, information by topic area, JAN newsletter articles and more. Users can create a free MyJAN account and add links to JAN web pages, file them by category, include notes about the resources, and set the list and grid view order. Resources can be added, organized and deleted at any time. In addition, the site displays recommended and newly released JAN resources in a "Recommended Resources" tab in the portal.
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Introducing BroadFutures Winter 2021 Strengths Program participants!
This week BroadFutures welcomed a new group of inspired participants for the virtual Winter Strengths Program. We will spend the next 5 weeks working on college and career readiness skills through interactive workshops, discussions, one on one support, and of course.... fun games.
For all BroadFutures Alumni:
All BroadFutures Alumni are invited to participate in Wednesday sessions with Raymond during our virtual Winter Strengths Program! We will cover topics such as professional communication, elevator pitches, and mock interviews. Sessions will be held on February 3rd, 10th, and 24th from 3:30 - 5:00 p.m. EST. Feel free to pick and choose which sessions you want to attend. If interested, please fill out the interest form below.
BONUS: Alumni are also invited to attend the Getting Hired presentation on job searching on Wednesday, February 17th from 3:30 - 5:00 p.m. EST.
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2021 HIRE Vets Medallion Program
The U.S. Department of Labor has announced that its Veterans' Employment and Training Service is accepting applications for the 2021 HIRE Vets Medallion Award, presented annually to employers that meet standards for excellence in the recruitment, hiring and retention of America’s military veterans.
Initiated by the Honoring Investments in Recruiting and Employing American Military Veterans Act of 2017 and administered by VETS, the award recognizes small businesses, non-profit organizations and large companies for leadership in promoting veterans’ employment. The open application period marks the beginning of the 2021 HIRE Vets Medallion Award cycle. Employers that receive the award in 2021 will join more than 1,000 employers that the department has recognized for their support of America’s veterans.
“America’s veterans put their exceptional training, skills and experience to work for employers throughout the nation,” said Acting Assistant Secretary of Labor for Veterans’ Employment and Training James Rodriguez. “The HIRE Vets Medallion Award recognizes employers – of all sizes across many industries – for helping these uniquely qualified workers become valued contributors to our nation’s workforce and economy.”
To complete the application process, employers must verify that their organization meets award requirements, pay the application fee and comply with the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment acts. Employers must apply by April 30, 2021.
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AFB Consulting and Viscardi Announce Partnership
DECEMBER 21, 0
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The two organizations are joining forces to enhance digital accessibility and inclusion measures.
AFB Consulting, the consulting arm of the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB), and The Viscardi Center, a network of nonprofits that educates, employs, and empowers children and adults with disabilities, today announced a partnership that will enhance both organizations’ accessibility and digital inclusion measures.
The partnership brings together AFB Consulting’s more than 15 years of experience in the usability and accessibility space, with The Viscardi Center’s six decades of accessibility technology expertise which includes document remediation services and web accessibility, as well captioning of video files and virtual video conferencing and events. By combining the skill sets of both the AFB and Viscardi teams, organizations will now have access to the comprehensive, trusted resources and solutions they need to ensure their new and legacy digital content on websites is fully accessible to all.
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Deadline: March 5, 2021
Disability Employment Tracker
The 2021 Disability Employment Tracker™ assessment is now available. Sponsored by the National Organization on Disability (NOD), this tool provides companies a confidential assessment of their disability inclusion policies and practices. Completion is required to qualify for the 2021 NOD Leading Disability Employer Seal and the 2021 DiversityInc Top 50 Companies for Diversity.
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Disability-Inclusive Advertising
Microsoft used American Sign Language in one of its Surface ads in 2020.
A recent AdWeek article explored disability inclusion in advertising. It highlights “10 of the Most Accessible Brand Campaigns and Actions of 2020”—a year that marked both the 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act and the 75th observance of National Disability Employment Awareness Month. Among the campaigns featured are those implemented by Microsoft and Mattel, whose 2020 “American Girl of the Year” was deaf and wears an ear implant. Read the article.
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New Training from the Center for Workplace Mental Health
The Center for Workplace Mental Health, an initiative of the American Psychiatric Association Foundation, developed a new training resource for employers—“Notice.Talk.Act.™ at Work.” This e-learning module provides company leaders, managers, and supervisors valuable information on the impact of mental health on employees and organizations. It also shares how to “notice” signs of mental health conditions, “talk” with people about the issue, and “act” by connecting them with services and supports. Access the training.
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ODEP 20th Anniversary
The Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) is celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2021. Jennifer Sheehy, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Labor for Disability Employment Policy, posted a blog on "ODEP at 20: Driving Change and Creating Opportunity." The blog discusses ODEP's origin and the importance of evidence-based data supporting its work to promote disability employment. "Data allow us to measure progress made and opportunity to come, and in the case of disability employment, they help drive change toward a more inclusive workforce — the crux of our mission at ODEP since day one," said Sheehy. "From evidence-based data to policy to employment supports, we have been driving change and creating opportunity for 20 years."
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NBCUniversal vows Auditions for Actors with Disabilities
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Actors with disabilities will be included in auditions for each new film and television production at NBCUniversal, which becomes the second major media company to make such a commitment.
NBCUniversal said Friday that the pledge covers projects by the Universal Filmed Entertainment Group, Universal Studio Group, NBC network and Peacock streaming service.
The pledge was made in response to calls for change by the Ruderman Family Foundation, following a similar commitment the disability rights advocate received from CBS Entertainment in 2019.
“My hope is that other major studios in the industry will now see NBCUniversal and say, ‘This is something that makes sense and we’re also going to commit to this,'” said Jay Ruderman, head of the Boston-based foundation. Disney, Sony and major streaming services including Netflix and Amazon are among others the foundation would like to enlist, he said.
As more people with disabilities are seen in roles, “it will have ramifications throughout society,” Ruderman told The Associated Press. Comcast-owned NBCUniversal signed on after a series of conversations with the foundation, he said.
The company is committed “to creating content that authentically reflects the world we live in, and increasing opportunities for those with disabilities is an integral part of that,” said NBCUniversal executive vice president Janine Jones-Clark, whose portfolio includes film, TV and streaming inclusion.
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Events In The DC Metro Area and Beyond |
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February 2, 2021
7:30 p.m. ET / 6:30 p.m. CT / 5:30 p.m. MT / 4:30 p.m. PT
Intelligent Lives stars three pioneering young adults with intellectual disabilities—Micah, Naieer, and Naomie—who challenge perceptions of intelligence as they navigate high school, college, and the workforce. Award-winning actor and narrator Chris Cooper contextualizes the lives of these central characters through the emotional and personal story of his son Jesse, as the film unpacks the shameful and ongoing track record of intelligence testing in the United States.
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Whiskey & Wits” Party for a Purpose
February 4, 2021
5:30 – 7:00 p.m.
Virtual
Join us for “Whiskey & Wits” – A virtual whiskey tasting and trivia night!
Proceeds from the virtual “Whiskey & Wits” Party for a Purpose will support Viscardi’s Technology Fund, which provides our students with laptops and online access to remote programs and curriculum.
Stay tuned for details on our online silent auction and other prizes soon. You must be 21 or over to purchase tickets. Valid ID may be requested. If you are under 21 or have additional questions, please call (516) 465-1595.
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nTIDE Lunch & Learn
Season 6, Episode 2
Feb 5, 2021 12:00 PM Eastern Time
Description
• 12:00 pm: Overview of National Trends in Disability Employment (nTIDE) Jobs Report Release – Andrew Houtenville, UNH-IOD & John O'Neill, Kessler Foundation
• 12:15 pm: News from the field of Disability Employment – Denise Rozell, AUCD
• 12:30 pm: Guest Panelist - Day Al-Mohamed, Author, Filmmaker, Disability Policy Expert
• 12:45 pm: Open Question & Answer period for attendees
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BILG Meeting
February 9, 2021
9:30 am - 12:00 pm
Audit Best Practices
We are excited to offer the following agenda for our BILG Q1 2021 Meeting. Please note, the presentation is approved for 1.25 SHRM credits.
9:30 - 9:45 - Opening remarks and introductions
The pandemic has not held back the OFCCP from proceeding beyond the traditional Full Establishment audits, Compliance Checks and Section 503 and Veterans Focused Reviews. The CSALs that were released on September 11, 2020, include “new” types of focused reviews – Accommodations, Promotions and Construction Compliance Checks Reviews. The presentation will review the various types of audits, including the newly added ones, and discuss tips and strategies to successfully navigate the same.
11:00 - 11:10 - Break
11:10 - 11:30 - OFCCP Briefing - Michele Hodge, OFCCP Regional Director; Marlene Williams, Director of Outreach and Education; Tanya Bennett, Assistant District Director and Maurice Richard, Assistant District Director
11:30 - 12:00 - EEOC Briefing - Samantha Reigle, EEOC Mediator
Finally, we wanted to thank Tom Wells, who has recently retired, for his service at the OFCCP and partnership with the BILG. We appreciate all that he has done for and with us over the years. An announcement will also be made during the upcoming BILG meeting.
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WMILG Meeting
Thursday February 11, 2021
11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. ET
The spotlight of our meeting will be on OFCCP Focused Reviews.
Agenda:
Chapter Business, including an opportunity to hear from our members;
OFCCP/EEOC updates from our local representatives;
Feature Presentation with Lauren B. Hicks to help federal contractors understand and prepare for OFCCP Focused Reviews.
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Webinar - Empowering Young People Through Self-Advocacy
Thursday, February 11, 2021
7:30pm EST
A discussion examining the importance of self-advocacy and self-determination, especially during the time of COVID, and practical approaches to achieve it
Hosted by BroadFutures,
in conversation with Beyond Akeela & Dr. David Black of CAAT
Also check out the D:IN DC Metro/BroadFutures e-learning
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Tuesday-Friday February 9-12, 2021
12:00 pm - 1:15 pm (Eastern)
We hope you will join us for our four-part virtual release of the Annual Disability Statistics Compendium on February 9-12, 2021, 12:00-1:15 pm. During this webinar series, experts will present three web-based tools (Compendium, Supplement, and State Report) that make finding and using disability statistics easier for individuals working on legislative and other matters relating to persons with disabilities.
Agenda
Day 1 – Release of the Annual Report, Compendium and State Reports
Day 2 – Updates on Federal Data Collection Efforts
Day 3 – Implications of COVID-19 for the Population with Disabilities
Day 4 – Intersectionality – Disability and Black/African Americans
(subject to change)
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Call for Panelists + Save the Date
Experiences of Black Disabled People During and After Disasters: A Global Conversation.
Thursday, February 18, 2020
12 to 1 PM EST, 5 to 6 PM UTC
Captions in English and International Sign will be provided.
Now seeking panelists
We are looking for Black disabled people who want to speak about how the intersection of racism and ableism impacts Black disabled people in preparing for, surviving, and rebuilding after disasters. Panelists will be paid an honorarium of $150 USD.
If you would like to be a panelist, please follow the link below to fill out a brief survey so that we may contact you with further information!
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Summer 2021 Internship Program Information Session -
February 22, 2021
1:00pm ET
Interested in learning about BroadFutures Summer 2021 Internship Program?
Learn more by registering via RSVP for the February Webinar.
To receive the Zoom link, please RSVP
If interested in applying to be a summer intern, please do so here.
If you are interested in becoming an employer partner, we are always actively recruiting new employers.
Please find out more here.
Watch the video above from D:N DC Metro You Tube Channel about BF 2021 Internship.
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JULY 12 - JULY 15, 2021
Las Vegas
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NILG 2021 National Conference!
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE
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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 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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