Disability Business News
You Need to Know
April 2021
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Friday, April 2
World Autism Awareness Day 2021
Autism Acceptance Month
Evolving Language
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Every April Autism Speaks celebrates World Autism Month, beginning with United Nations-sanctioned World Autism Awareness Day on April 2. Throughout the month, we focus on sharing stories and providing opportunities to increase understanding and acceptance of people with autism, fostering worldwide support. This year, we are committed to keeping the spirit of the month alive, as now more than ever we know the autism community needs support, kindness, and compassion. In April 2021 we're inviting the community to #LightUpWithKindness. |
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Washington, D.C., March 04, 2021
The Autism Society of America, along with leading disability organizations across the country, is announcing that it is formally shifting references of “Autism Awareness Month” to “Autism Acceptance Month” and is calling on the media to reflect this in their ongoing coverage.
April has widely been known as “Autism Awareness Month” in the United States as a way to empower autistic individuals and their families. Today, the autism community is calling on all media outlets to shift their language to match the growing need for acceptance within the community in preparation for any news coverage in the weeks ahead.
The shift in the use of terminology aims to foster acceptance to ignite change through improved support and opportunities in education, employment, accessible housing, affordable health care and comprehensive long-term services.
The shift in the use of terminology aims to foster acceptance to ignite change through improved support and opportunities in education, employment, accessible housing, affordable health care and comprehensive long-term services.
Autism community advocates across the country have a long-standing history of using the term “acceptance” as a means of more fully integrating those 1 in every 54 Americans living with autism into our social fabric. The Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) has been framing April as Autism Acceptance Month since 2011, stating “Acceptance of autism as a natural condition in the human experience is necessary for real dialogue to occur.”
Other groups that have been using ‘acceptance’ through the month of April include the Administration for Community Living, Association of University Centers on Disabilities, Autistic Women and Non-Binary Network, Easter Seals, First Place AZ, National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD), and The Arc.
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What is World Autism Month?
Every April Autism Speaks celebrates World Autism Month, beginning with United Nations-sanctioned World Autism Awareness Day on April 2. Throughout the month, we focus on sharing stories and providing opportunities to increase understanding and acceptance of people with autism, fostering worldwide support. This year, we are committed to keeping the spirit of the month alive, as now more than ever we know the autism community needs support, kindness and compassion. In April 2021 we're inviting the community to #LightUpWithKindness.
How can I participate?
There is power in kindness and one small act can have a ripple effect to foster kindness in our communities. We believe that that kindness can help create a world where all people can reach their full potential.
Other ways to participate include wearing blue on April 2, lighting buildings blue and exploring stories and photos shared by the diverse autism community.
What is Light It Up Blue?
The Light It Up Blue initiative was created by Autism Speaks in 2010. Since that time, joined by the international autism community, hundreds of thousands of landmarks, buildings, homes and communities around the world light blue on World Autism Awareness Day (April 2) in recognition of people with autism.
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APRIL WEBINAR
Perspectives on Autism
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April 29, 2021
12:00 NOON - 1:00 PM
Accommodations Request: This event will be captioned.If you require additional accommodations, please email: katherine.McCary@gmail.com four days prior.
Sponsored by Disability:IN DC Metro, General Dynamics IT’s AbilityFirst and HOLA Employee Resource Groups present “Perspectives on Autism”, an event that brings together experts and industry professionals to promote autism awareness and acceptance. This program will feature Craig Leen and Professor Kristina Lopez, PhD as keynote speakers, panel discussion and several mini-sessions, touching on topics such as the transition from school to work, hiring individuals with autism, balancing home and work with an autistic child in the family and autism in the Hispanic/Latinx community.
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Marty J. Walsh Confirmed as U.S. Secretary of Labor
Marty J. Walsh was confirmed by the Senate as the 29th Secretary of Labor on March 22, 2021. "I am incredibly honored and privileged to serve as the United States' next Secretary of Labor," said Secretary Walsh. "I am grateful for the bipartisan support of members of the Senate, and I want to thank President Biden and Vice President Harris for their confidence in my ability to lead the Department of Labor during such a critical time in our nation's history."
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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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Customized Accommodations Support: The MyJAN Portal
Employers of all sizes turn to the Job Accommodation Network for expert and confidential guidance on workplace accommodations for employees and job seekers with disabilities, mental health conditions and those recovering from COVID-19 who need long-term or temporary supports. This ODEP-funded resource offers an information-rich website housing countless tools and resources as well as free one-on-one technical assistance.
What sets JAN apart is its focus on customized solutions for specific situations. Now, JAN has taken this focus on customization a step further, allowing JAN customers to personalize their view of the JAN website and organize resources according to their needs and interests.
The MyJAN portal is a new online tool that offers AskJAN.org website users customized access to the site's resources. It allows you to organize and save your frequently accessed JAN resources, newsletter articles, accommodation solutions by disability and more in one convenient location. It also automatically updates when URLs change.
By offering quick access to the JAN resources you trust, the MyJAN portal will help you navigate the interactive process, explore job accommodation solutions and learn about Americans with Disabilities Act rights and responsibilities. It’s your key to working smarter and faster while never missing a new JAN resource that matters to you.
Learn more about JAN or register for a MyJAN account.
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Apple Stores offering free sign language interpreter appointments
Apple is now offering prescheduled support from sign language interpreters at hundreds of its retail stores in nearly a dozen countries. The service is provided to customers by appointment at no cost.
Customers can visit the webpage for their local Apple Store and request a sign language interpreter for their next store visit. The request link will send an email to the store, and Apple will follow up to arrange an appointment.
Currently, sign language interpreter services are available by appointment at Apple Stores in the US, UK, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Sweden, Switzerland, Belgium, and Austria.
Apple has long been a leader in retail accessibility and began offering ASL interpreters at its flagship D.C. Carnegie Library store in 2019. The company has a partnership with Gallaudet, a university providing education for the Deaf community. Over 30 members of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community are employed at the Carnegie Library store.
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Watch the Benefit Breakfast Recording
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For those who joined us live, or have already watched the recording, we hope you found the stories moving and inspirational. While the year-long COVID-19 crisis has impacted all our lives in ways unimaginable, we have to remember that families all across Northern Virginia face hurdles and uncertainty every day.
We want to express our gratitude to our presenters. There's incredible bravery in revealing oneself's and sharing one's personal story. We are thankful to know and work in partnership with:
- Lissy John
- Toby Latham
- Rikki Epstein
- Sheila Billingsley and Alex Yellin
- Frank Stephens
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Carol Glazer joined Spectrum NY1’s In Focus with Cheryl Wills to talk about the reasons why unemployment has hit this community so hard: they often work in low-paying, low-skilled jobs and are, as she says, the last to be hired and the first to be let go in difficult financial times.
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2021 HIRE Vets Medallion Award Toolkit
The materials in this toolkit are designed to help you promote your commitment to veteran employment and the Honoring Investments in Recruiting and Employing American Military Veterans (HIRE Vets) Medallion Award.
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Autonomous Vehicle Online Dialogue and Forum Series
Now through May 5, "Inclusive Design of Autonomous Vehicles: A Public Dialogue" is open for participants to share ideas for the design of AVs to accommodate the needs of people with physical, sensory and cognitive disabilities. The U.S. Access Board hosts the dialogue through the Office of Disability Employment Policy's ePolicyWorks initiative.
The Access Board is also hosting a series of virtual meetings on making AVs accessible to passengers with disabilities. The next sessions will be held on April 7 and April 21, from 2:00-3:30 p.m. ET. Each session will cover a different topic related to the accessibility of AVs for people with disabilities. The meetings will be open forums for the public and stakeholders to discuss considerations, challenges and solutions in designing accessible AVs.
Attendees will be able to pose questions and share comments, suggestions and information. This series is a joint initiative of the Access Board, the U.S. Department of Transportation, the Office of Disability Employment Policy, the Administration for Community Living and other federal agencies.
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Melwood’s 2021 Ability Awards
Calling for Nominations!
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Melwood is calling for nominations of outstanding employers, researchers, policymakers, organizations and individuals who are working to advance the field of employment for people with disabilities and injured veterans:
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Melwood’s Accelerator Award celebrates individuals, programs, and/or organizations that are paving the way for ADA 2.0 by innovating and pushing boundaries towards the goal of a fully inclusive, neurodiverse workforce.
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Melwood’s Advocacy Award recognizes individuals, programs, and/or organizations whose advocacy has had a substantial impact on the employment rights of people with disabilities.
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Melwood’s Impact Award honors individuals, programs and/or organizations that have achieved extraordinary outcomes related to neurodiversity and employment.
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Melwood’s Resiliency Award recognizes a person or organization that had the commitment and was successful at providing services, assistance, and/or accommodations to individuals with disabilities or injured veterans during the COVID-19 crisis.
You may nominate yourself or others for the 2021 Melwood Ability Awards. The judges panel includes key representatives from Marymount University, the Greater Washington Board of Trade, Dominion Energy, Prince George’s County, Kaiser Permanente, NFP | The Meltzer Group, and the Special Olympics. Awards Criteria. The deadline for nominations is July 1, 2021. Submit your nomination.
Plan to join us virtually on Thursday, October 7, 2021 for a lively celebration of the people and organizations who are impacting, accelerating, and advocating for people with disabilities and injured veterans in the areas of employment. Melwood will award the Advocacy, Accelerator, Impact, and Resiliency awards, recognizing the outstanding individuals, employers, researchers, policymakers, and innovative companies that have advanced the field of employment for individuals with disabilities and injured veterans. The awards ceremony will feature members of Congress, Biden Administration officials, notable figures in the fields of disability advocacy and employment and, of course, the finalists and winners of Melwood’s 2021 Ability Awards. During the formal program, the audience will also have a chance to participate in a silent auction packed with exciting art, travel, and entertainment packages. After the formal program, guests can go to various interactive rooms for social mixing and networking. Sponsorships Additional details can be found on our website.
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Adopting an Integrated Telework Policy for Employees With and Without Disabilities
In the wake of COVID-19, many employers are assessing their policies and practices to reflect new realities, among them the shift to widespread telework. Generally, telework is offered at an employer’s discretion, but for some employees, it may be considered a reasonable accommodation under disability nondiscrimination laws. To avoid confusion and inefficiency, employers can adopt an integrated telework policy applicable to all employees, including employees with disabilities. A new EARN policy brief, Adopting an Integrated Telework Policy for Employees With and Without Disabilities, can help. Read the brief.
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Workplace Neurodiversity
In recent years, more and more employers are learning the benefits of workplace neurodiversity. But what exactly is neurodiversity, and how can it benefit your company? A resource on the EARN website explains neurodiversity in the workplace context. It addresses the benefit of neurodiversity for employers and employees, common accommodations for employees with autism and other neurocognitive differences, and related hiring initiatives and partnerships implemented by a range of companies. Visit the Neurodiversity in the Workplace webpage.
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Events In The DC Metro Area and Beyond |
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nTIDE Lunch & Learn
Season 6, Episode 4
April 2, 2021 12:00 PM Eastern Time
2:00 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 - LaMondre Pough, Ruh Global IMPACT
• 12:45 pm: Open Question & Answer period for attendees
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Date: Wednesday, April 7, 2021
Time: 6:00 p.m. ET / 5:00 p.m. CT / 4:00 p.m. MT / 3:00 p.m. PT
With one-in-five people having a disability in the U.S. today, the lack of representation – less than one percent in children’s television – means that millions of children are unable to see themselves in media today. Furthermore, when representation exists, almost all representation of autism on screen is of white males. By introducing a new character who is both autistic and Black, Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood is ensuring that a population, which is often overlooked, is represented. The show authentically cast Israel Thomas-Bruce, who was diagnosed with autism when he was four years old, as Max. “It was exciting to play Max because it gave me the opportunity to help shed light on children living with autism,” Thomas-Bruce said. “I am excited to know that another child can see Max on TV and see himself being represented. I felt at ease playing Max because it didn’t feel like I was pretending. I also like that Max looks like me.” Learn how the character of Max offers an authentic representation of Autism for children and adult audiences alike. [continue reading…]
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Hosted in partnership with US Equestrian
Date: Wednesday, April 14, 2021
Time: 12:00 p.m. ET / 11:00 a.m. CT / 10:00 a.m. MT / 9:00 a.m. PT
Duration: 1 hour
US Equestrian is pleased to announce that the next DEI Community Conversation, “Harnessing Accessibility and Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities,” will be held via Zoom on Wednesday, April 14, from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. ET. Hosted in partnership with RespectAbility, this conversation will focus on the lived experience of people with different disabilities in the equestrian industry and beyond, as well as offer 10 tips for disability etiquette. Para dressage rider and disability advocate Alanna Flax-Clark will be the keynote speaker.
“Harnessing Accessibility and Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities” is free to attend and open to all people. You do not need to be a USEF member. Captions and an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter will be provided for this DEI Community Conversation. [continue reading…]
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Deaf Entrepreneurship Network
Innovate and Adapt
April 9-10, 2021
The conference is open to anyone who may or may not have their own businesses. All presenters will share their resources, knowledges, and experiences in American Sign Language.
Deaf Entrepreneurship Network Inc was founded in 2016 to fulfill the need for Deaf entrepreneurs to connect, collaborate, nurture, and network ideas among like-minded entrepreneurs, investors, and the community at large with full access to American Sign Language. We are a startup community dedicated to educating, inspiring, empowering, and connecting Deaf and hard of hearing entrepreneurs with resources needed to launch or grow their business. To accomplish this, we actively partner with different individuals, programs, and organizations to help aspiring and current entrepreneurs to accomplish their goals.
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Service and Emotional Support Animals in the Workplace
Tuesday, April 13, 2021
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM Eastern
Issues surrounding service and emotional support animals in the workplace continue to be confusing to both employers and employees with disabilities. This webcast will provide an overview of the most frequent questions JAN gets regarding service and emotional support animals and ADA information and practical guidance for addressing them.
Presenters:
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Disability Etiquette & Inclusion in the Workplace
APRIL 22, 2021: 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM U.S. EDT
A Disability:IN Webinar in Collaboration with Companies Participating on the Disability:IN Global Roundtable’s LATAM Subcommittee
This 2-hour webinar is available at no cost to Latin American businesses and their employees. During the webinar, individuals with a variety of disabilities will discuss appropriate etiquette and actions that will advance disability inclusion in your workplace.
There is no fee to participate. Registration Deadline: April 16, 2021
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NBDC Office Hours
Let's Discuss:
A discussion about recognizing the talent of neurodiverse employees and implementing strategies to support them in the workplace.
April 20
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM ET
Come with your questions, to be addressed during our Q&A.
On April 20, John will be joined by Tatiana Arthur, Global Chief of Staff for People Sustainability and Diversity & Inclusion, at SAP.
While organizations implement measures to respond to change, few were prepared for the seismic shifts that have occurred personally and professionally since COVID-19 impacted every aspect of our lives. In almost an instant, companies required employees to work from home, cancel travel, and halt normal operations because of the pandemic. Senior leaders have been strategic to ensure ways their employees can remain connected, engaged, and productive during this worldwide crisis. SAP used this opportunity to create tactics to support Autism At Work employees, as well as allies of the program, ensuring they had support and resources at their disposal.
During this Office Hours, we will explore:
- Strategies in supporting employees with neurodiverse disabilities
- Best practices for creating diversity programs
- Tapping into neurodiverse talent
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Save the Dates!
Date: June 7 – 10, 2021
2:00 p.m. ET / 1:00 p.m. CT / 12:00 p.m. MT / 11:00 a.m. PT
Duration: 2 hours each day
You are invited to join RespectAbility for four days of fantastic sessions that prepare people with disabilities and the disability community for a better future.
These events will be free and fully accessible, with an ASL interpreter and live captions. Transcripts of each event will be posted following the presentations as well. Each event will also be recorded and shared with open captions.
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Now Virtual
JULY 12 - JULY 15, 2021
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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 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 Moseley, 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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