Disability IN DC Metro Your business partner for disability inclusion

Welcome to Disability:IN DC Metro

February 2024 Newsletter!

In this month's newsletter, we are featuring:

9^th Annual Federal Update: 2024 DEIA Outlook: A Federal Perspective Register Below!
Omnium Circus Sponsor Opportunities
What's New - LOTS! -in 2024 at Disability:IN DC Metro
Announcing 2024 Lunch & Learns
Plus the latest Business News, ODEP info and more!
Upcoming Events and Conferences

9^th Annual Federal Update

2024 DEIA Outlook:

A Federal Perspective

(Hybrid)

February 13, 2024

10 am - 1:30 pm

General Dynamics Mission Systems

12450 Fair Lakes Circle, Fair Lakes, VA

US DOL Panel

Moderator: Craig Leen, K&L Gates

ODEP, OFCCP, VETS

Federal Agency Panel

Moderator: Angela Hall, GDMS

EEOC, The Access Board, National Council on Disability

Luncheon Remarks

Milissa Gary, GSA Ability One Program Executive

Renee Tajudeen, ODEP: NDEAM 2024

Join us for "I’M Possible"

Saturday February 24, 2024 Afternoon Event!

Doors Open at 1:00pm

For Exclusive

Preshow and Meet & Greet

Show Begins 2:00

Capital One Hall

7750 Capital One Tower Rd. Tysons, Virginia

For Parking visit Capital One Hall Parking & Transportation

This event is more than just an afternoon of entertainment; it is an opportunity to support and champion the cause of inclusivity. Disability:IN DC Metro is dedicated to promoting workplace inclusion for people with disabilities, and your presence at this event will contribute significantly to furthering this important mission.

Boost your Brand - Be a Sponsor!

Ringmaster Sponsor

$1,500.00

Includes 10 VIP tickets and contributor acknowledgement in theatre.

Meet 1 on 1 with performers!

Sideshow Sponsor

in the "Big Top VIP Lounge"

$2,500.00 (3 available)

Includes 2 VIP tickets, contributor acknowledgement in theatre, branding in the Big Top VIP lounge. Photo-Op with performers. Introduce yourself to a juggler and a magician/stilt walker!

Buy Your VIP Tickets Today

Pick Up all Tickets inside the Door at DC Metro’s Table

Can't attend?

Make a Donation

OMNIUM CIRCUS is a world-renowned comprehensively inclusive and accessible circus company bringing excitement, thrills and joy to people of all ages as only a circus can! Step into a world of all things possible where we discover the power, the passion, and the perseverance of the human spirit within each one of us!

Your tickets will ensure that you, your guests and your family enjoy this amazing event. As a DC Metro Member or Friend, your tickets enable you "pre-show access" to meet and engage with the performers, enjoy refreshments in the "Big Top VIP Lounge" during the show and support Disability:IN DC Metro at the same time - Tax-Free!

What to Expect

Omnium Circus Extravaganza: Be prepared to be dazzled by the extraordinary talents of Omnium Circus. With awe-inspiring acrobatics, breathtaking performances, and a captivating atmosphere, this promises to be an evening filled with laughter, wonder, and amazement.

Networking and Community Building: Connect with like-minded individuals who share a passion for creating a more inclusive world. Whether you're an advocate, business professional, or someone simply interested in making a positive impact, this event is an excellent opportunity to network and build lasting connections.

Impactful Fundraising: Your attendance directly supports Disability:IN DC Metro's initiatives, enabling us to continue advocating for equal opportunities and breaking down barriers for individuals with disabilities in the workplace.

How You Can Participate: Secure your VIP tickets by visiting our website. Pricing Options $130 (one ticket) to $1,102 (nine tickets).

The Thrill of Inclusion

Audio Description
Closed Captions (wherever possible)
Tactile Experiences
Relaxed Performances- All forms of self-expression are welcome!
Integrated ASL
Calming Area in Lobby
Assisted Listening Devices
ADA Seating (4 available)

Please feel free to reach out to Katherine at Katherine.McCary@di-dcmetro.org

for questions or dietary restrictions.

Omnimum Circus February 24 2024 event hosted by Disability IN DC Metro at Capital One Hall in Tysons Virginia

Disability:IN DC Metro Membership

Check Out What's New in 2024!!

“Think Globally, Act Locally”

Patrick Geedes

Join Today!

Promoting Inclusion

Expanding Disability Education and Awareness

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.

2024 Annual Membership Levels

Membership Levels determine Access to Professional Development Courses.

Silver ($2,500) One Course (Annual Access to Disability 101 Professional Development Course)

Gold ($5,000) Two Courses (Annual Access to Disability 101 Professional Development Course plus one additional course of the organization’s choosing)

Diamond ($10,000) Four Courses (Annual Access to Disability 101 Professional Development Course plus three additional courses of the organization’s choosing)

Platinum ($15,000) Five Courses (Annual Access to Disability 101 Professional Development Course plus four additional courses of the organization’s choosing)

Titanium ($20,000) Six Courses (Annual Access to Disability 101 Professional Development Course plus five additional courses of the organization’s choosing)

Annual Access to additional Courses may be purchased at any level for an additional $500.

Members Benefits

All employees of your organization, regardless of geography, are considered members with full benefits based upon level.
Attend programs (virtual and hybrid) at no cost
Join a Working Group-expand career growth and make a difference
Access to Professional Development courses (based on membership level), Disability Research, Certified Disability-owned Business Enterprises (DOBE) and Disability Consultants.
Access to our partner Lingvano a software for ASL learning
Access to our partner SonicCloud a software technology solution for hard of hearing employees
Sign up for a one-hour Disability 101 Live group webinar session.
Member logos are prominently displayed on our website signifying your commitment.
May host programs to highlight their disability inclusion efforts.

Become a Sponsor Partner

Build brand loyalty and strengthen your business image.

Corporate Sponsor Partners influence our mission providing financial support for our many annual activities and initiatives. As a Disability:IN DC Metro Sponsor Partner you can grow customer loyalty, compete in the Washington, DC Metro market and attract talent. Sponsor Partners are featured prominently on our website, in our monthly newsletter and on our Disability IQ Professional Development Center. Sponsorship can be designated for Events, Programming, or a Specific Working Group. In 2024 our Sponsor Partners are supporting the Omnium Circus Event, College2Career, Chief Accessibility Officer initiative of the Accessibility Working Group, and the Annual Accessibility Sponsor.

2024 Annual Sponsor Partner Opportunities

Programs Sponsor Partnerships (3-hour program)

$3,500 (7 available)

Topics: Accessibility, Disability ERG Leaders Forum, Mental Health, Military Spouses, Future of Hybrid: Returning to the Office (or Not?), Neurodiversity, Topic of Choice.

Includes keynote or presenter role, your choice of topic, brand promotion.

Lunch & Learn Sponsor Partnerships (45-minute session)

$2,500 (8 available)

Topics: Making Documents Accessible, Successful Accommodation Practices, Basic Language and Etiquette, Self-Disclosure & Self-ID, Non-Apparent Disabilities, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Understanding the Deaf Community,

Open Topic of Choice

Includes presenter role, your choice of topic, your brand.

Working Group Sponsorships

College 2 Career Initiative - $5,000 (10 available)

Funding to be designated for Career Fair, Student Travel, Mentorships, Internships, Accessibility

Includes your participation and brand promotion.

The importance of Chief Accessibility Officers in Public and Private Sectors

Article Heading

Chief Accessibility Officers Initiative - $1,000 (10 available)

Funding to be designated for Speaker Honorariums and Travel, Accessibility, Research.

Includes your participation, speaker selection and brand.

Article Heading

Annual Accessibility Sponsor

Funding to be designated to support Accessible Formats for all events.

ASL, Captioning, CART - $3,000

(5 available)

Best Practice Networking and Shared Strategic Thinking

DC Metro members enjoy an ongoing exchange of ideas, common issues, and opportunities to generate innovative solutions to their disability inclusion strategies.

Monthly newsletters provide information on the latest research on disability inclusion and leading-edge thinking.

While we operate independently of other Disability:IN Affiliates, we often partner with other affiliates to expand our DC Metro offerings that are available to our members.

Head of person with lightbulb inside thinking

Employee Engagement and ERG Development

Membership provides the opportunity for community engagement by participating in diversity, disability- focused events and programs.

Employee Resource Groups (ERG, BRG) enhance internal outreach and education. DC Metro activities are often leveraged to expand ERG event offerings to include National Disability Employment Awareness Month, Disability Pride Month, and all Disability-focused calendar months.

ERG Members can access DC Metro’s ASL Learning tool via our partnership with Lingvano.

Hard of hearing employees can access DC Metro’s hearing enhancement tool via our partnership with SonicCloud.

DC Metro Professional Development Courses* provide employees with on-demand disability inclusion eLearning including topics covering appropriate language, Self-Disclosure and Self-ID, ERG, business case, and accommodations, to raise awareness, and offer team building exercises.

Screenshot of DisabilityIQ Professional Development Center

ArticleLeadership Development

Disability:IN DC Metro Board and Advisory Board positions* provide leadership development though board service experience. Many member organizations use Board service as a professional development tool. (*Minimum $5,000 membership level investment required)

Programming and events provide education from thought leaders in many disciplines and opportunities to strategically collaborate with these leaders.

Talent Acquisition

Involvement in programming, events, career fairs and outreach activities provides connections to local talent, including students and graduates from area colleges and universities and area vocational rehabilitation and non-profits serving individuals with disabilities.

Become a Sponsor Partner

Thank You to Our Sponsor Partners!

BroadFutures. Inspiring inclusion. Expanding the Workforce.

Ruh Global Impact Billion Strong A Global Disability Movement

The Resource Network Connecting Resources to Deliver Powerful Results

Announcing Virtual Lunch & Learns 2024

Join us each month beginning in March to hear from Subject Matter Experts on a variety of Disability inclusion topics!

March: Making Documents Accessible

April: Non-Apparent Disabilities

May: Self:ID and Self-Disclosure

DC METRO NEWS

Disability Inclusion Engagement Opportunities

YouDC Metro is excited to announce its newest Working Group

"College 2 Career"

We will develop, pilot and hold quarterly events in the National Capital Region for Employers and Students with Disabilities to engage with one another with a focus on the Talent Pipeline for the Future.

Contact Katherine McCary to Join or Sponsor the Working Group!

To join the Community Outreach Working Group contact

Lori Daly

To join the Accessibility Working Group

contact

Eduardo Meza-Etienne.

To join the

Veterans Working Group

contact Ron Drach.

2023 nTIDE Year End Special Edition January 2024

nTIDE Year-End Jobs Report

Unprecedented Success Continues: 2023 Employment Gains for People with Disabilities Outshine Those of Counterparts Without Disabilities

East Hanover, NJ – January 30, 2024 – Amidst the backdrop of a remarkable four-year streak of growth, the employment indicators for people with disabilities reached unprecedented milestones in 2023. This achievement stands in stark contrast to the experiences of people without disabilities who faced a more severe decline during the COVID-19 pandemic and a slower recovery, not surpassing their pre-pandemic employment levels until 2023. That’s according to the National Trends in Disability Employment (nTIDE) 2023 Year-End Special Edition, issued by Kessler Foundation and the University of New Hampshire’s Institute on Disability (UNH-IOD), based on data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Jobs Reports.

AFB Introduces Toolkit for HR Professionals and Hiring Managers

In response to AFB’s study last year on the challenges job seekers who are blind or have low vision face toward closing the opportunity gap, our Public Policy & Research Institute has prepared a helpful toolkit for HR professionals and hiring managers.

Read the Toolkit Now

Interested in Accessibility?

Join our Chief Accessibility Officer, Eduardo Meza-Etienne in planning of our 2024 Accessibility Forum!

Inclusive Event Design Guide

This guide is here to support you in creating events that are inclusive and accessible, both for attendees who explicitly request accommodations, and those who may not due to perceived stigma.

This guide will be a constant work in progress as the world evolves and changes.

The content is currently U.S. focused. Stay tuned for additional guidance for regions.

You can search this content based on hashtag terms. Note: the hashtags are used only to organize the deck, and are not exhaustive or meant to capture the many facets of identity (including intersectional identities). For more information on audience representation, visit our audience insights.

ODEP’s “Thank Your Mentor” Blog

In celebration of National Mentoring Month and Thank Your Mentor Day, which took place January 25, ODEP published a blog exploring the powerful role mentors play in helping young people succeed, particularly youth with disabilities. In the blog post, three ODEP staff members—Assistant Secretary Taryn Williams, Research Analyst Felix Wu and Senior Policy Advisor Rose Warner—reflect on personal mentors who made an impact in their lives and on their careers.

Supporting Employees with Substance Use Disorders

The January 2024 edition of the Job Accommodation Network (JAN) newsletter features the Recovery-Ready Workplace Toolkit—guidance and resources from a federal interagency workgroup to help employers from all sectors support employees with substance use disorders.

EARN Employer Assistance and Resource Network on Disability Inclusion

Community Partnerships: An Effective Inclusion Strategy

Community partnerships are outcome-based relationships that can facilitate disability hiring and retention efforts. Regardless of size, employment sector, or industry, businesses benefit from agreements with national, regional, and local organizations.

Creating Community Partnerships

If you are planning a partnership to support hiring or retaining employees with disabilities, check if the partner meets some or all these criteria:

Located within a reasonable distance to the employment site
Serves candidates who are qualified for positions in high demand
Utilizes networks of other employment service providers to expand candidate outreach
Provides reasonable accommodation consultation and assistance
Provides resources for assistive technology procurement or training
Provides consistent data on applicant flows and referrals
Develops training and resources on a range of disability topics
Offers a central point of contact for referrals in multiple locations, if possible
Offers a diverse variety of job candidates with different skills and qualifications
Provides support for transportation to and from work (e.g., travel training or finding carpool partners)
Links employees to supports outside the workplace, such as caregiving support

Remember that some organizations are highly specialized and may only focus on certain aspects listed here. For example, some groups focus on helping procure assistive technology for workers with disabilities and train them to use it. Other organizations focus on one area – even one neighborhood – or one type of disability.

The Partnership on Employment & Accessible Technology

Coming Soon!

Making AI Hiring Tools More Inclusive—a National Online Dialogue

The Partnership on Employment & Accessible Technology (PEAT), an initiative funded by ODEP, is hosting a national online dialogue to gather public input on how artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled hiring tools can be made more inclusive for people with disabilities, including those who may also be members of other protected classes (based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age or genetic information, for example). Launching February 6, this important conversation will help inform the efforts of the PEAT team and their collaborators to build a profile on inclusive hiring based on the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s AI Risk Management Framework. Join ODEP’s ePolicyWorks community today and receive an email on Tuesday to join the conversation!

United States Department of Labor Veterans Employment and Training Service

US Department of Labor Launches New Monthly Series of Workshops to provide Employment Assistance to Transitioning Military Spouses

The U.S. Department of Labor has launched a new monthly series of career workshops to provide employment assistance to transitioning military spouses. Participation is free and classes are open to all transitioning military spouses. The launch follows a successful pilot program in October 2020.

The workshops are part of the department’s Transition Assistance Program series targeted at helping military spouses plan and prepare for their job search in pursuit of their employment goals. Offered by the department’s Veterans’ Employment and Training Service, the workshops are part of the Transition Employment Assistance for Military Spouses’ curriculum.

Registration is now open for the following February classes:

Marketing Me: Focuses on using marketing techniques in a job search. Explores networking opportunities and uses multiple resources to develop an action plan.
Your Next Move: Reviews online resources provided by the department to define and explore career opportunities. Shows how spouses can use labor market research to choose a career path or develop a job search plan.
Career Credentials: Defines professional credentials and their importance, illustrates pathways for credentialing and identifies license and credential portability resources.
Resume Essentials: Designed to help spouses create the most effective resume possible with guidance from trained facilitators, and to learn how to evaluate resumes and understand job application techniques.

VETS will offer the workshops monthly, and has scheduled the first workshops from Feb. 16 through Feb. 19. The agency is offering them virtually. R egister and review a full schedule of classes.

A cooperative effort among the department’s Veterans’ Employment and Training Service and the departments of Defense, Education, Homeland Security and Veterans Affairs, the Small Business Administration, and the Office of Personnel Management, the Transition Assistance Program provides information, tools and training to service members and their spouses in preparation for a return to civilian life. Approximately 200,000 men and women transition from U.S. military service to civilian life annually.

Agency Veterans' Employment and Training Service

Date February 8, 2021

Release Number 21-224-NAT

Media Contact: Bennett Gamble

Phone Number 202-693-6587

Email gamble.bennett@dol.gov

2024 Events In The National Capital Area

and Beyond

Employer Data Employer Impact NOD webinar

National Organization on Disability

Public webinar

Employer Data, Employer Impact

February 15, 2024

1:00 - 2:00 pm ET

An essential component of including people with disabilities in the workforce is embracing accessibility. A key for companies is understanding what they are doing well in this area and where they need to make improvements. The NOD Employment Tracker and the Engagement Survey allow them to gather this information. We look at one corporation’s example and how it is instructional for all companies wanting to reach workplace inclusion.

The Tracker has become an important tool for many corporations since its inception 12 years ago. Over 500 companies with aggregate workforces of 15 million have submitted the survey to NOD. Wanting to always stay current on corporate needs, the latest NOD addition to the survey has been adding questions about mental health in the workforce.

The Engagement Survey is part of NOD’s next phase towards its mission to help corporations with their disability hiring and retention by seeking and evaluating data from employees about their collective experience and perceptions around disability inclusion in the workforce. The first Engagement Survey is open to 30 employers through May 2024, and employer-specific results will be shared within a month of the survey closing. More information about the survey and how to register to participate will be shared.

Speakers:

Felicia Nurmsen, Managing Director, Employer Services, NOD
Josef Pevsner, Senior Manager, Research & Innovation Programs, NOD
Douglas Kruse, Distinguished Professor, Human Resource Management (HRM), Labor Studies and Employment Relations (LSER), Director, Program for Disability Research, Rutgers University
Abree L. Ramirez SHRM-CP, Compliance & Diversity Manager, Randstad Sourceright

Accessibility:

Captions and ASL Sign Language Interpreter will be provided.

Accommodations + Questions:

Please contact events@nod.org with your request or inquiry.

Disability IN Minnesota Your Business Partner for Disability Inclusion

“Getting Comfortable with Being Uncomfortable: Talking about issues of identity and oppression with clarity and respect.”

Wednesday, February 21, 2024

1:00 – 2:00 PM ET

Virtual

Free and open to the public.

In this interactive Lunch and Work, participants will hear from presenters Charlotte Hayes, My Disability is My Magic, and Shelly Rohe, Social Justice Coordinator First UU Church. Participants will explore identity expression and oppression, participate in activities and discussions, and learn tips to find clarity and respect people with lived experiences.

Overview:

Identities are part of who we are. Short or tall, red or blonde hair, and body size are all descriptors that make us unique. Ableism, racism, homophobia, and ageism are all ways identities can be oppressed.

In this interactive Lunch and Learn, you will:

Explore identity expression and oppression
Participate in activities and discussions
Learn tips to find clarity and respect from people with lived experiences

Please contact Kyle Mullen at KMullen@wdimn.org to request accommodations. Thank you partners Workforce Development, Inc., Disability:IN Minnesota, and United Way of Olmsted County.

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN

Explore and participate in discussions surrounding identity expression and oppression. Learn from people with lived experiences in how to find clarity and respect.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND

Employers, HR Professionals, Support Professionals, People with Disabilities and Co-workers

National 2024 ILG Conference Explore Enable Evolve

Register Now for the

NILG 2024 National Conference!

YES, it is Rocket Science!

We are honored and proud to announce that we have Joan Higginbotham as our keynote speaker for the NILG 2024 National Conference.

Joan Higginbotham is a global speaker and trailblazing electrical engineer, who in December 2006, flew aboard Space Shuttle Discovery to become the third African American woman to travel into space.

Higginbotham utilizes the International Space Station as the backdrop for sharing insights and lessons learned during her 20-year distinguished career with NASA, while inspiring and captivating audiences with her personal journey of breaking barriers to boldly go where few have gone: space.

Widely recognized for her accomplishments, Higginbotham has been honored by President George W. Bush at the 81st White House Black History Month Celebration, featured in Alicia Keys’ Superwoman video, is the recipient of the National Space Medal, the Adler Planetarium Women in Space Award, and the NASA Exceptional Service Medal, and was named one of Savoy Magazine’s Top Influential Women in Corporate America and one of Essence Magazine’s Top 50 Women, among other accolades. Stay tuned! We are busy finalizing our 2024 conference agenda and will offer a wide range of expert speakers on trending topics that are essential in today's fast-paced world.

Statement from the NILG Board regarding 2024 National Conference in Orlando, Florida

The National Industry Liaison Group (NILG) is a non-partisan organization and is committed to the principles of affirmative action, non-discrimination, and diversity, equity, and inclusion. The NILG has been planning and working for five years -- with considerable effort and financial exposure -- to host the NILG 2024 National Conference during July 29 – August 1 in Orlando, Florida. To host a conference of this size, the NILG must contract with venues years in advance, and canceling a contract would expose the NILG, a non-profit organization, to substantial liability.

We are aware that some individuals have concerns about attending a conference in Florida given the current environment. Please understand that we recognize these concerns, but the NILG cannot afford financially to cancel or move the conference at this juncture. It simply is not an option. Therefore, the NILG will be in Orlando to reinforce our commitment to equal access for all, and we ask our constituents to join us. Our combined presence will support the hospitality workers of Orlando and all who share in our commitment to EEO and affirmative action.

As always, the NILG is working to ensure that 2024 National Conference will be respectful and inclusive and fully supports equal opportunity for all communities. We look forward to seeing you there!

Sheri Viggiano

425-538-4792

sheriv@microsoft.com

Barbara Moskowitz

303-304-7200

bmoskowitz@theinstitute4workplaceequality.org

Lynn Clements

410-995-1195, ext. 1246

lynn.clements@berkshireassociates.com

Gail S. Weidman

480-517-3823

gail.weidman@medtronic.com

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.

MEET OUR COLLABORATIVE PARTNERS

Blind Institute of Technology

Blind Leaders Development Program

Disability:IN Minnesota

Disability:IN Wisconsin

Disability:IN Chicagoland

Center for Disability Inclusion

Virginia Ability

Learn More About DC Metro

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

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
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

Our Board

Board Members:

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

Advisory Board Members:

Jessica Lee Aiello, iYellow Group
Michelle Crabtree, Town of Vienna
Crosby Cromwell
Lori Daly, Diversifi Consulting Group and Chair, Community Outreach
Ron Drach, Drach Consulting, LLC
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
Kia SIlver-Hodge, Enterprise Community Partners

Our Staff

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 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!

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!