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Disability IN DC Metro Your business partner for disability inclusion
Accessibility allows us to tap into everyone's potential Debra Ruh

Thursday, May 16, 2024



Help us celebrate the 13th Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD)! The purpose of GAAD is to get everyone talking, thinking and learning about digital access and inclusion, and the more than One Billion people with disabilities.

Celebrating Global Accessibility Awareness Day

Welcome to Disability:IN DC Metro

May 2024 Newsletter


Building the Business Network for Disability Inclusion


In May, join us in recognizing

Take the Moment 2024 Mental Health Awareness Month NAMI

Mental Health Awareness Month

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Since its inception in 1949, Mental Health Awareness Month has been a cornerstone of addressing the challenges faced by millions of Americans living with mental health conditions. Throughout the month, NAMI actively participates in this national movement, dedicated to eradicating stigma, extending support, fostering public education and advocating for policies that prioritize the well-being of individuals and families affected by mental illness.

Download the NAMI Toolkit

NAMI HelpLines

In Need of Help or Support?

You are not alone! If you are struggling with your mental health, the NAMI HelpLine is here for you. Connect with a NAMI HelpLine specialist or Teen & Young Adult HelpLine specialist today.

To contact the NAMI HelpLine, please call 800-950-NAMI (6264), Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. — 10 p.m., ET, or send an email to info@nami.org.

Stigma Stops When We Start Talking

The world is constantly changing – for better or for worse – and it can be overwhelming to deal with everything going on around you. While society is getting more comfortable discussing mental health, it can still be hard to know “Where to Start” when it comes to taking care of your own well-being.

Learn Where to Start for Mental Health Month


Celebrate GAAD Global Accessibility Awareness Month

Global Accessibility Awareness Day


The GAAD Foundation

The GAAD Foundation was launched in 2021 to mark GAAD’s 10th anniversary. Its mission is to disrupt the culture of technology and digital product development to include accessibility as a core requirement.

What is Digital Accessibility?

Digital accessibility refers to the ability of people with disabilities/impairments to independently consume and/or interact with digital (e.g., web, mobile) applications and content. Take a look at WebAIM’s The WebAIM Million, for a current snapshot of trends and issues regarding web accessibility.



State of Accessibility

In 2020, WebAIM analyzed one million home pages for accessibility issues and found the following:


According to WebAIM Million Report


98.1%

  • Home Pages With At Least One WCAG 2.0 Failure

60.9

  • Average Number of Errors Per Home Page
Arlington cemetery Memorial Day flags

Memorial Day

Mon, May 27, 2024


History and the Meaning of Memorial Day

The meaning of Memorial Day sometimes get's lost in translation. Below, we'll cover everything you need to know to finally understand the full Memorial Day meaning.

Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in service of the United States of America. It's difficult to prove the origins of this day as over two dozen towns and cities lay claim to be the birthplace. In May 1966, President Lyndon Johnson stepped in and officially declared Waterloo N.Y. the birthplace of Memorial Day.

Regardless of the location of origins or the exact date, one thing is crystal clear – Memorial Day was borne out of the Civil War (which ended in 1865) and a desire to honor our dead. On the 5th of May in 1868, General John Logan who was the national commander of the Grand Army of the republic, officially proclaimed it in his General Order No. 11.

Part of the history of Memorial Day meaning will show that in the Order, the General proclaimed, “The 30th of May, 1868, is designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers, or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village and hamlet churchyard in the land.” Because the day wasn't the anniversary of any particular battle, the General called it, The date of Decoration Day.

On the first Decoration Day, 5,000 participants decorated the graves of 20,000 Union and Confederate soldiers buried at Arlington Cemetery while General James Garfield made a historic speech.

New York was the first state to officially recognize the holiday in 1873. It was recognized by all northern states by 1890. Differently, the South refused to acknowledge the day and honored their dead on separate days. This went on until after World War I when the holiday changed from honoring just those who died fighting in the Civil War to honoring Americans who died fighting in any war.

With the Congressional passage of the National Holiday Act of 1971 (P.L. 90 – 363), it is now observed on the last Monday in May by almost every state.

This helped ensure a three day weekend (Memorial Day Weekend) for Federal holidays.


History and the Meaning of Memorial Day: Red Poppies


In 1915, inspired by the poem “In Flanders Fields,” Moina Michael replied with her own poem:

We cherish too, the Poppy red That grows on fields where valor led, It seems to signal to the skies That blood of heroes never dies.

She then conceived of an idea to wear red poppies on Memorial day in honor of those who died serving the nation during war. She was the first to wear one, and sold poppies to her friends and co-workers with the money going to benefit servicemen in need. See more on the significance of the Red Poppy.

Later a Madam Guerin from France was visiting the United States and learned of this new custom started by Ms. Michael. When she returned to France she made artificial red poppies to raise money for war orphaned children and widowed women. This tradition spread to other countries. In 1921, the Franco-American Children’s League sold poppies nationally to benefit war orphans of France and Belgium. The League disbanded a year later and Madam Guerin approached the VFW for help.

Shortly before Memorial Day in 1922 the VFW became the first veterans’ organization to nationally sell poppies. Two years later their “Buddy” Poppy program was selling artificial poppies made by disabled veterans. In 1948 the US Post Office honored Ms. Michael for her role in founding the National Poppy movement by issuing a red 3 cent postage stamp with her likeness on it.

National Moment of Remembrance‍

The meaning of Memorial day and history couldn't be complete without the birth of the the “National Moment of Remembrance”, which was a resolution passed on Dec 2000 which asks that at

3 p.m. local time, for all Americans

“To voluntarily and informally observe in their own way a Moment of remembrance and respect, pausing from whatever they are doing for a moment of silence or listening to ‘Taps.”

The White House
The White House

A Proclamation on Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islanders Heritage Month, 2024

This month, we celebrate the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AA and NHPI) communities, whose ingenuity, grit, and perseverance have pushed our great American experiment forward.

   From Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders whose ancestors have called their lands home for hundreds of years to Asian immigrants who have newly arrived and those whose families have been here for generations — AA and NHPI heritage has long been a part of the history of our great country and a defining force in the soul of our Nation. As artists and journalists, doctors and engineers, business and community leaders, and so much more, AA and NHPI peoples have shaped the very fabric of our Nation and opened up new possibilities for all of us. I am proud that they serve at the highest levels of my Administration, including Vice President Kamala Harris, Ambassador Katherine Tai, Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su, and Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy Arati Prabhakar, who make this country a better place each and every day. This year, we are also celebrating the 25th anniversary of the White House Initiative and President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders, who work across government to advance equity, opportunity, and justice for AA and NHPI communities.

Read the entire proclamation from the White House

What's Happening EVENTS

TOP MAY EVENTS




Latest News Bulletin

KEY NEWS ARTICLES

  • New Rule on the Accessibility of Web Content and Mobile Apps Provided by State and Local Governments
  • What is the current state of legal risk for Organizations surrounding DEI initiatives? 
  • SHRM Workplace Mental Health Ally Certificate
  • Disability Disclosure: An Introduction
  • WID research project to better support disability-owned businesses

Disability:IN DC Metro Upcoming Virtual Programs

Details Available Soon!


Celebrate Learn Share ADA 34 Americans with Disabilities Act


  • Celebrating the ADA Anniversary
  • Executive Strategy Series: Authentic Inclusion, Featuring France West
  • Disability ERG Leaders Forum
  • Annual Accessibility Forum- Exploring AI
  • Procurement and Disability Supplier Diversity
  • Supporting Military Spouses and Caregivers
Upcoming Events
nTIDE by Kessler Foundation and the University of New Hampshire Institute on Disability

nTIDE Lunch & Learn Season 9 - Episode 5

Friday, May 3, 2024 | 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. (ET) | Register Now |


12:00 p.m.: Introduction & Welcome

12:10 p.m.: Overview of National Trends in Disability Employment (nTIDE) Jobs Report

12:15 p.m.: Announcements from the field of Disability Employment

12:30 p.m.: Guest Presenter: Adene Karhan, CAPE-Youth

12:45 p.m.: Question and Answer for Attendees

Note: All webinars will be recorded

Graphic reads Understanding Mental Health Through Individual Experience in bold white text against a dark blue gradient background May 10 2024 12 to 1 PM CST

"Understanding Mental Health Through the Lens of Individual Experience."

Friday, May 10, 2024

1:00 – 2:00 PM (ET)

Register

Registration Fees

In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, Disability:IN Minnesota will partner with U.S. Bank for its May Member Meeting, to highlight something critically important that is often unintentionally overlooked. We all have mental health, but how we look at it, relate to it, and talk about it is individually unique.


Don't miss this virtual fireside interview with Melissa Doman, MA - an Organizational Psychologist, Former Clinical Mental Health Therapist, and author. Melissa will have a candid conversation with U.S. Bank colleagues about the importance of considering mental health at work and how to bridge gaps of understanding.

 

Accessibility: Live captioning will be provided for this event. If you need accommodations to participate, please register at least 5 days prior to the event. Contact info@DI-MN.org with questions.

Two generation Z workers
EARN Employer Assistance and Resource Network on Disability Inclusion

Supporting the Mental Well-being of Gen Z Workers


Learn about the complexities young workers face and the steps employers can take to support their well-being.

Wednesday, May 15, 2024

02:00 PM - 03:30 PM Eastern

Register for the May 15th EARN webinar

(Stay on after this presentation ends at 3:00 for a 30-minute Q&A with panelists.)

It is well-documented that the COVID-19 pandemic deepened a mental health crisis, particularly among young people who are early in their careers. Young people entering the workforce have faced many pandemic-related obstacles. These include the shutdown of colleges and universities, the abrupt shift to remote work, and the loss of income or employment opportunities. Nearly half of the 18–29-year-olds surveyed in the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2022 Household Pulse survey reported symptoms of anxiety and depression – which remained consistent whether or not they were employed. In 2023, 50% of adults ages 18-24 reported experiencing symptoms of anxiety and depression, with rates even higher among Black and Hispanic young adults. Young people with disabilities have been particularly affected.

As this generation enters the workforce and advances in their career, employers play a vital role in supporting their mental health and well-being. Supporting these workers will allow companies to attract top candidates, prevent the loss of talented workers, and increase productivity and performance. In this EARN webinar, guests will explore some of the complexities young workers face and discuss steps employers can take to support their well-being.

In this webinar, you will also learn more about:

  • Benefits of creating a supportive and mental health-friendly workplace for Gen Z workers from all communities
  • Tactics for positioning your workforce as “mentally healthy workplaces” to recruit young talent from underrepresented groups
  • Policy and practice strategies to help your organization improve and support the mental well-being of young workers

ASL and real-time captioning will be provided.

Panelists

  • Adith Thummalapalli, Gen Z Engineer, Mental Health and Disability Advocate, City of Salisbury, Maryland
  • Anabel Cloutier-Perez, Clinical Manager, Behavioral Health Unit, The Hartford
  • Meg Delp, Director, Workplace Mental Health, Office of Innovation, National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
Disability IN North Carolina
Dr Fisher



Disability:IN North Carolina (DI-NC) is hosting our 2024 Wellness@Work event “Caring for Ourselves and Caregivers”.

Join us from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm on May 23, 2024.




This event recognizes Mental Health Awareness month in May. Our keynote speaker, Dr. Jonathan Fisher brings a wealth of experience to caring for others and has also seen the effects of caregiver burnout firsthand in the healthcare industry and among individuals caring for family members who are experiencing health challenges. He is a Mount Sinai and Harvard-trained cardiologist, mindfulness meditation teacher, and organizational well-being and resiliency leader at Novant Health for a team of 38,000. Dr. Jonathan Fisher’s mission is to help others train the mind and heal the heart. He has delivered keynotes and workshops on the mind-heart connection, heartful leadership, stress mastery, and total well-being for teams and organizations globally, including IBM, Bank of America, IE Business School, The American College of Lifestyle Medicine, The American Medical Women’s Association, and universities and healthcare organizations.

 

A panel of experts will follow Dr. Fisher’s keynote to discuss how businesses can support their employees’ mental health as individuals and as caregivers to family members facing mental and physical challenges. 


DI-NC is grateful to our co-sponsors, Novant Health and MetLife whose generous donations enabled DI-NC to offer this virtual event at no charge. J Click the QR Code or

 

Register at: www.di-nc.org/events-conferences/          

QR Code for Disability IN North Carolina Caring for Ourselves and Caregivers webinar
Mid Atlantic ADA Center

2024 National ADA Symposium VIRTUAL


May 6, 2024 9:30 am - May 8, 2024 5:30 pm

The Great Plains ADA Center and the ADA National Network are excited to launch the 2024 National ADA Symposium in a virtual format. This three-day training event offers 36 sessions covering all areas of the ADA presented by nationally recognized experts.


For more information and to register


Business News


Fact Sheet:

New Rule on the Accessibility of Web Content and Mobile Apps Provided by State and Local Governments

On April 24, 2024, the Federal Register published the Department of Justice’s (Department) final rule updating its regulations for Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The final rule has specific requirements about how to ensure that web content and mobile applications (apps) are accessible to people with disabilities.


Highlights of the Requirements in the Rule

The rule’s requirements for making web content and mobile apps accessible are highlighted below. The full rule explains these requirements in more detail.

Requirement: The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) Version 2.1, Level AA is the technical standard for state and local governments’ web content and mobile apps.

  • This rule sets a specific technical standard that state and local governments must follow to meet their existing obligations under Title II of the ADA for web and mobile app accessibility.
  • WCAG, the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, is a set of guidelines that say what is needed for web accessibility, such as requirements for captions for videos. WCAG is developed by the World Wide Web Consortium.
  • You can find more information about why the Department picked WCAG 2.1, Level AA as the technical standard for state and local governments’ web content and mobile apps in the rule in the section of the appendix called “Technical Standard—WCAG 2.1 Level AA.”

For more information refer to the Fact Sheet

Whats Up with World Institute on Disability WID
DO you have a disability and own a business in the US If yes wed love to hear from you

WID is currently engaged in a research project to better support disability-owned businesses. Your participation in a brief survey will help efforts to support disability-owned businesses grow and thrive.


This project is funded by JPMorgan Chase. This survey should take less than 15 minutes to complete, depending on the length of your written responses. We thank you for your feedback and any/all information you can provide!  Please visit this link to participate in the survey.


Please note – this survey discusses various resources that you may or may not know about. At the end of the survey, you will see a link to a resource page that will provide more information on all of the resources mentioned.

Ibis Consulting Group logo
Bonniej Levine


What is the current state of legal risk for Organizations surrounding DEI initiatives? 

 

IBIS' interviewed renowned DEI expert and attorney Bonnie Levine, Partner at Gunner Cooke LLP. 

Bonnie is an experienced, solutions-focused employment attorney, litigator, investigator, and business advisor, specializing in respectful-workplace initiatives, DEI (diversity equity inclusion), workplace investigations, global distributed workforce management, ethics & compliance, and sustainable growth strategies.  

We asked Bonnie a few questions about where DEI resides in today's legal landscape. 

There are a few high-level categories of risk associated with DEI initiatives. 

Biggest threat to Employers? It’s still Discrimination.  

Though DEI’s political opponents are waging highly-publicized targeted litigation battles to scare employers into focusing myopically on “reverse discrimination,” discrimination against historically underrepresented groups—pay discrimination in particular—is the bigger legal threat for most employers.  

  • Employees seeking to recover under a “reverse discrimination” theory need to meet a higher evidentiary standard than employees from historically marginalized groups, and employers can defend such claims if acting pursuant to a lawful affirmative action plan.  
  • Additionally, several provisions of U.S. law require employers to be attentive to demographic imbalance in their workforce or risk eligibility for U.S. government contracts (which require that certain employers implement affirmative action plans), discrimination liability under a “disparate impact” theory (which does not require that an employer intend to discriminate), or liability for pay inequity.  

Retaliating Against Grassroots DEI Activities: Out of Bounds 

Even if employers try to avoid DEI, their workforce may push forward on their own data exercises and initiatives, activity which is generally protected under the National Labor Relations Act—and U.S. courts have recently affirmed that this type of activity is also protected under anti-discrimination laws, so employers cannot retaliate against DEI advocates.  

 

Collecting personal Demographic Data? Read On.  

Collecting, processing, and disclosing DEI-related data is also an area of legal risk, with US employers accustomed to freely collecting demographic data (often required for government reporting) and non-US employers accustomed to never doing so, with certain exceptions for binary male/female gender and disability


To read the entire interview visit the Ibis Consulting Group website

Workplace Mental Health Ally Certificate is a custom experience for HR and people managers. The certificate equips HR professionals and people managers to understand critical mental health topics and identify appropriate approaches to help

Did you know that three-quarters of full-time U.S. workers experienced at least one symptom of a mental health condition in the past year?


In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, SHRM is excited to share with you the Workplace Mental Health Ally Certificate, a valuable resource for HR professionals and people managers.


It's crucial that we prioritize the well-being of the people around us and provide them with the necessary support to manage the stresses of an uncertain economic landscape and other issues affecting the workplace.


This certificate is designed to empower you with the knowledge and skills to create a more inclusive, empathetic and supportive workplace environment.


What you’ll gain with the Workplace Mental Health Ally Certificate:

  • In-depth understanding of crucial mental health topics.
  • Strategies to identify and implement appropriate tactics for mental health support.
  • Evidence-based training developed in partnership with Psych Hub.
  • Access to shareable resources.
  • Eligibility for seven professional development credits (PDCs).

Certificate topics include:

  • Mental Health Foundations
  • Suicide Behavior Competency & Safety Planning
  • Effective Communication
  • Diversity & Bias
  • Substance Use Disorders

2024 NBCUniversal Tony Coelho Media Scholarship Application Now Open!  


Thanks to a generous contribution from NBCUniversal, the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) is proud to announce that applications for the 2024 NBCUniversal Tony Coelho Media Scholarship are now open until May 8, 2024 at 5pm ET.


AAPD's NBCUniversal Tony Coelho Media Scholarship annually offers eight (8) scholarships to disabled students who are pursuing careers in media, communications, or entertainment industries. High school seniors, undergraduate, and graduate students with disabilities who will be enrolled in college or a university during the Fall of 2024 are eligible. Each recipient will receive $5,625 to help cover the cost of education at their college or university.


This scholarship has been named in honor of Tony Coelho, a former United States Representative from California and the primary author and sponsor of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

 

Please visit the AAPD website to learn more about the scholarship, including past recipients.


Did you know
US Department of Labor

NEWS FROM ODEP

Watch Mental Health and Work What Can I Do?

We all have a role to play in promoting a mental health-friendly workplace. The Campaign for Disability Employment offers resources to help employers foster a mental health-friendly workplace, including the PSA “Mental Health at Work: What Can I Do?”


EARN Employer Assistance and Resource Network on Disability Inclusion
Resource 411 on Disability Disclosure





Disability Disclosure: An Introduction


Learn more about how and why people with disabilities might choose to disclose a disability in the workplace.

Disclosing a disability in an employment setting is not always a straightforward decision for applicants or employees. A study of workplace practices (PDF) found that the culture and climate of an organization informs how willing workers are to share information about their disability at their workplace. The study also suggested that when employees feel supported and believe they are treated fairly, they are more likely to disclose their disabilities.

What is Disability Disclosure?

What is the Difference Between Self-Identification and Disability Disclosure?

Why Do People Disclose Disabilities at Work?

What Factors Impact the Choice to Disclose a Disability?

What Role Do Employers Play in Disability Disclosure?

JAN Job Accommodation Network

JAN Report Indicates Accommodations are Low Cost and Positively Impact the Workplace

An ongoing survey conducted by JAN continues to indicate that workplace accommodations are not only typically low in cost, but also positively impact the workplace in many ways. JAN's "Low Cost, High Impact" report, updated in April 2024, includes information from JAN follow-up surveys completed up until December 31, 2023. Data shows that more than half (56%) of the 1,000+ employers who provided information related to the cost of accommodations reported the accommodations they made cost absolutely nothing to implement ($0). Of those accommodations that did have a one-time cost, the median one-time expenditure as reported was $300. The majority (67%) of employers also reported the accommodations made were either very effective or extremely effective at helping workers with disabilities perform their job duties. What is the bottom line? Workplace accommodations typically result in modifications that have a low cost and a high, positive impact.


Thank You to Our Sponsor Partners!

BroadFutures. Inspiring inclusion. Expanding the Workforce.
Level Access
Ruh Global Impact Billion Strong A Global Disability Movement
Soniccloud


Omnium Circus
The Resource Network Connecting Resources to Deliver Powerful Results


Tamman

Disability:IN DC Metro is Committed to Inclusive Hiring.

Contact us to post an vacancy in our newsletter.


Disability IN Conference Agenda is now Live q


View Conference Agenda

Conference Registration

Unable to attend in person but still want to Join IN

Register to attend as a virtual attendee! While not all conference content is included for virtual attendees, the virtual conference agenda includes all Plenary sessions, select breakout sessions, and access to conference app.

The conference agenda will be continuously updated and all agenda items are subject to change.

NILG 2024 National Conference Explore Enable Evolve

NILG 2024 National Conference

July 29-August 1, 2024

Orlando, Fl

NILG Conference Registration

The Conference is the premier meeting ground for EEO, affirmative action, HR compliance, DEI and ESG representatives. Practitioners from business, educational institutions, government and not-for-profit organizations attend this annual conference to hear from recognized experts as well as from leaders at federal agencies such as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP). We are looking for participants to come and help us Explore. Enable. Evolve.

REGISTER NOW

Mental Health America Conference Disrupt Reform Transform

2024 Mental Health America Conference

“Disrupt, Reform, Transform”

Capital Hilton Washington, DC

September 19-21, 2024

Register Today

Attend the Mental Health America Conference and join peers, providers, government officials, media, and advocates to ignite a collective spark, share invaluable knowledge, and foster the next wave of advocacy for mental health.

At this year's conference, we will explore ways to DISRUPT systemic barriers, REFORM harmful practices that prevent progress, and TRANSFORM the current landscape, ensuring everyone has equitable opportunity for optimal mental health and well-being.

Topics include:

  • Community Responses to Disaster and Humanitarian Crises: Responding to climate issues, acts of violence, and other threats to the safety of local communities.
  • Local Solutions to Equity Needs: Identifying, responding to, and understanding the health equity needs of local communities and the impact on mental health.
  • Innovation: Exploring emerging trends in mental health treatment and well-being promotion, including digital mental health support, alternative therapies, spirituality, and more.
  • Substance Use and Mental Health: Exploring the connection between substance use and mental health and innovations in the treatment of dual diagnoses.
  • Advocacy and Policy: Innovative ways communities are advocating and implementing policy changes to support equitable access to mental health care and services.
  • Youth and Young Adults: Sharing youth-driven solutions co-created or led by young people.

Nonprofit, standard, and young adult registration rates are available for in-person attendance. We expect to offer CEUs through NASW-VA. All registrants will be able to access session recordings for 30 days after the event.

For questions or details on sponsorship opportunities, please contact events@mhanational.org.

See you in September!

Early Bird Pricing: April 1 - June 14, 2024

General public: $650

Non-profit: $600

MHA affiliate: $525

Young adult: $300

2024 AFB Leadership Conference Leading the Digital Age

Save the Date for the 2024 AFBLC

Mark your calendars! We are excited to announce that the 2024 American Foundation for the Blind Leadership Conference will be held at the Hyatt Regency in Minneapolis, Minnesota, from September 23rd - 25th, 2024. Learn more about the AFB Leadership Conference.

Voices For Change BroadFutures

Save the Date! BroadFutures 2024 Fall Gala:

Voices for Change

October 19, 2024

5:30 pm - 8:00 pm ET


MEET OUR COLLABORATIVE PARTNERS

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Center for Disability Inclusion

Virginia Ability


Learn More About DC Metro
Join Now Become a Member

Are YOU interested in serving as a Board Advisor?

We are currently recruiting for corporate partner members who wish to make a difference in disability inclusion!

Contact Katherine McCary

for requirements and responsibilities.


Disability:IN DC Metro

“Think Globally, Act Locally”

Patrick Geedes  

Join Today!

Cultural Transformation

Promoting Inclusion

Expanding Disability Education and Awareness

Our focus is on Culture Change!


Founded in 2006

Twice honored as Disability:IN Affiliate of the Year


 Led by The Hon. Katherine McCary

Founding Chair of Disability:IN National and

CEO, Executive Director of Disability:IN DC Metro

 

Disability:IN DC Metro (DC Metro) is an employer-led membership-based business association that creates business to business connections, dialogue, and learning within our geographic region of Washington, DC, Virginia, and Maryland, an area known as the National Capital Region. Our offerings, however, are not limited to geographic location. All DC Metro corporate member employees enjoy member benefits regardless of their physical geography. You don't have to live in the National Capital Region to engage and enjoy DC Metro's Professional Development Courses and topical Hybrid Programming!


What is the Value of Affiliate Membership?

Going Above and Beyond the Disability:IN Global Conference


Disability:IN DC Metro is an affiliate of Disability: IN, serving the National Capital Region. Affiliate membership is separate from Disability:IN National membership. So why does a global organization need to be engaged at the affiliate level? Here's why:

 Disability:IN DC Metro (DC Metro) is an employer-led membership-based business association that creates business to business connections, dialogue, and learning within our geographic region of Washington, DC, Virginia, and Maryland, an area known as the National Capital Region. Our offerings, however, are not limited to geographic location. All DC Metro corporate member employees enjoy member benefits regardless of their physical geography. 

ENGAGE

The Hon. Katherine McCary, CEO, DIsability:IN DC Metro


Our Members and Guests have access to resources, programs and partners to strengthen the disability inclusion efforts and outcomes.


  • Thought leadership
  • Professional Development courses
  • Business to business networking
  • Introductions to community partners
  • Access to talent
  • Hot topic programming led by Subject Matter Experts
  • Webinars



Join our

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Our Board

Board Members:



  • Jennifer Bassett, Immediate Past Chair, JBG SMITH Companies
  • Meghan Cadigan, Vice Chair and Secretary, KPMG
  • Tashi Carper, Leidos
  • Ellen de Bremond, Treasurer
  • Anjali Desai-Margolin, Gallaudet University
  • Tom Downs, Booz Allen Hamilton
  • Andrea Hall, General Dynamics Mission Systems and Chief Strategy Officer
  • Susan Morgan, General Dynamics IT
  • Carrie Martin
  • Eduardo Meza-Etienne, Level Access and DC Metro Chief Accessibility Officer
  • Kelly Cutlip, Northrop Grumman
  • Ryan Walters, Chair, Deloitte
  • Myra Wilder, BAE Systems


Advisory Board Members:

  • Jessica Lee Aiello, iYellow Group
  • Josh Basile, Jack H. Olender & Associates 
  • Michelle Crabtree, Town of Vienna
  • Crosby Cromwell, Cephable
  • Lori Daly, Diversifi Consulting Group and Chair, Community Outreach Working Group
  • Ron Drach, Drach Consulting, LLC and Chair, Veterans Working Group
  • Diane Monnig, The Arc of Northern VA
  • Melody Goodspeed, The American Foundation for the Blind
  • Karen Herson, Concepts, Inc.
  • Carolyn Jeppsen, BroadFutures
  • Craig Leen, K&L Gates, Former OFCCP Director
  • Rick Rodgers, The Resource Network and Chair, Disability Supplier Diversity Working Group
  • Kia SIlver-Hodge, FINRA


The Hon. Katherine McCary, CEO, DIsability:IN DC Metro



The Hon. Katherine McCary, President, C5 Consulting, LLC serves as CEO and Executive Director. Katherine served as founding chair of Disability:IN) for nine years, the founding chair of Virginia Ability for 13 years and has launched more than 11 affiliates. She received the USBLN Lifetime Achievement Award in 2009.

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 Professional Development Courses designed for enterprise wide learning, now a DC Metro chapter member benefit!


Learn more about C5 Consulting


Our Vision

“Cultivate workforces and workplaces where talent with disabilities are recruited, included, promoted, retained and valued as both internal talent and innovative vendors.”



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