Welcome to Disability:IN DC Metro

April 2024 Newsletter

April Showers Edition!

Announcing our Chief Strategy Officer

Andrea M. Ignacio-Hall

Director of Diversity & Inclusion

General Dynamics Mission Systems

M.S. Ed. Cornell University D&I Certified

Military, University & Diversity Recruiting and

Workplace Inclusion Champion

It is with great excitement that we announce the appointment of

Andrea Hall

as Disability:IN DC Metro's Chief Strategy Officer.

Andrea has been a Board member for over fourteen years and in the recent past served two years as Chair. In this new volunteer role, she will work closely with the Chair and CEO to expand current business outreach and build membership value. Andrea also contributes her expertise with DC Metro's Veterans Working Group.

Meet our Chief Accessibility Officer, Eduardo Meza-Etienne

Eduardo was appointed as Chief Accessibility officer in 2023. He is a Certified Professional in Accessibility Core Competencies and Accessible Document Specialist by the International Association of Accessibility Professionals. He represents Level Access and has been a Board Member for over ten years. He is the lead collaborator with G3ict's IAAP Disability Inclusion & Accessibility Criteria Navigator and leads DC Metro's Accessibility Working Group.

Welcome New Board Members

Kelly Cutlip, SPHR

Senior Principal EEO and Diversity Representative

Northrop Grumman

Kelly is an experienced Senior Human Resources Specialist with a demonstrated history of working in the Defense & Space industry. Skilled in Team Building. Transitioning to Workplace Accommodations after a long Human Resources career has enabled Kelly to take her HR skills to a new level and gain incredible knowledge in the area of Disability and meeting the needs of those with accommodation needs. We look forward to welcoming her to the Accessibility Working Group!

Sue Morgan

Communications Manager

General Dynamics Information Technology

Susan Morgan is a Communications and Knowledge Management professional with well over a decade of experience in all aspects of communications competencies, including writing, editing, mass email sends, event hosting and planning, building and management of intranet and social engagement platforms. Susan became passionate about digital accessibility while working on intranets and social engagement platforms and has become a leading voice at GDIT on the topic. She has been the co-lead for GDIT’s AbilityFirst employee resource group for over three years, delivering impactful programming and raising awareness of managing disabilities in the workplace. We are thrilled to have her support our Disability ERG Network and contribute to the Accessibility Working Group!

Josh Basile, Esq.

Community Leader and Change Maker

Josh Basile is a C4-5 quadriplegic, power wheelchair user, disability rights advocate and lawyer. In 2004, at the age of 18, Josh was paralyzed below the shoulders in a beach accident. Soon after he formed a 501(c)3 nonprofit to empower newly injured families. He created the world's largest paralysis video mentoring network on SPINALpedia.com with 21,000 videos searchable by physical functionality. He is an active board member of the United Spinal Association.

As a medical malpractice lawyer and disabilities rights advocate, Josh serves persons with disabilities both in the courtroom and through policy initiatives. As a community leader and changemaker, Josh works tirelessly to improve the quality of life of people with disabilities and to continuously break down existing barriers to access and inclusion. In 2021, to improve web accessibility and usability, Josh joined accessiBe and the accessFind initiative as the Community Relations Manager.

Josh's leadership and passion will be an added strength to our Community Working Group!

Join us in Welcoming our New Leaders!

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.

In April, join us in recognizing

Autism Acceptance Month, April 2024

World Parkinson's Day, April 11, 2024

World Health Day, April 7, 2024

TOP APRIL EVENTS

• Empowering neurodiverse talent: Inclusive Technology support for ADHD, Dyslexia and more April 10
• Together We Build: Creating Accessible Environments for the Blind and Low Vision April 10
• Common Myths and Mix-Ups: Accessibility Standards April 17
• DC Metro Lunch & Learn: Making Documents Accessible April 18
• Disability:IN Minnesota's 2024 INclusive Career Fair April 26

KEY NEWS ARTICLES

• Autism Acceptance Month
• DC Metro's Professional Development Course"Disability 101 Primer"
• Building a Disability-Inclusive Culture: Managers Make All the Difference
• The HIRE Vets Medallion Award Program is now accepting applications!
• Anxiety Now Ranks as the Top Workplace Mental Health Issue

The Importance of Document Accessibility

Lunch and Learn (Virtual)

APRIL 18, 2024

Noon- 1:15 ET

Presented by

LEARN MORE & REGISTER NOW

Join us for an informative 75-minute webinar as our expert, Chad Chelius, delves into the critical topic of document accessibility. As our world becomes increasingly digital, ensuring that documents are accessible to all individuals, including those with disabilities, is essential. This online event will cover topics such as creating accessible PDFs, using alt text for images, and ensuring compatibility with screen readers. Don't miss out on this informative session - grab your lunch and tune in from the comfort of your own home/office!

UPCOMING LUNCH & LEARNS

Disability:IN DC Metro Upcoming Virtual Programs

Registration Opens Soon!

Executive Strategy Series: Authentic Inclusion, Featuring France West

Celebrating the ADA Anniversary

Disability ERG Leaders Forum

Annual Accessibility Forum- Exploring AI

Supplier Diversity- Making DOBE Connections

Addressing Mental Health: A Priority for Employee Success

Supporting Military Spouses and Caregivers

Empowering Neurodiverse Talent: Inclusive Technology support for ADHD, Dyslexia and more

 April 10th 2024, 11am EST | 4pm GMT

REGISTER

Did you know that over 60% of neurodivergent employees feel organizations could offer more support at work? In this webinar, our inclusion experts discuss this gap and share effective strategies for success. Discover how inclusive technology like Read&Write can help workers of all abilities to maximize their unique strengths.

• Learn strategies to support and empower employees - discover practical approaches by leveraging Read&Write
• Harness inclusive technology - foster accessibility and get actionable steps to help employees feel seen and understood
• Maximize the impact of Read&Write - and the role of inclusive technology as it applies to the neurodiverse community

Together We Build: Creating Accessible Environments for the Blind and those with Low Vision

April 10, 2024 1:00 pm Eastern

Register

Join BIT and our esteemed partner, RightHear, for an insightful webinar focusing on innovative accessibility solutions tailored for the blind and low vision community. Discover how together, we can contribute to fostering greater inclusivity in physical environments. Don't miss out on this opportunity to learn and engage with the experts!

Common Myths and Mix-Ups: Accessibility Standards

April 17, 2024 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm

Register for the ADA Center Webinar

Certain provisions in the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design are prone to misinterpretation or are not applied correctly and generate many of the non-compliant accessibility issues in new construction and the alteration of existing facilities. This webinar will review and clarify common sources of confusion in the standards, including application of the standards in new construction and alterations, electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, toilet and bathing rooms, signage, accessible routes and ground surfaces, and other areas and elements

Speaker: William (Bill) Botten, Accessibility Consultant and former Training Coordinator at the U.S. Access Board.

AFB 2024 Helen Keller Achievement Awards

April 18th, 2024

Japanese American National Museum

Los Angeles, CA

Register to Attend the HKAA Event

Please join us for AFB's 2024 Helen Keller Achievement Awards! We are excited to celebrate this year's award recipients, filmmaker Shawn Levy and actor Marilee Talkington.

Learn More

Disability:IN Minnesota's 2024 INclusive Career Fair

You won't want to miss this virtual event on 

Friday, April 26, 2024 from 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM Central Time!

Register

Registration is required to participate and space is limited. The deadline for employers to register is Friday, April 19.

Join us for

• Employer presentations
• Career fair networking
• 1:1 informational interviews
• Resume reviews

Who should attend?

Employers committed to creating a more diverse and inclusive workforce.



Why attend?

Connect with qualified and talented candidates with disabilities.

Preliminary Agenda

1:00 - 2:00 PM - Kick off, welcome, and employer presentations

2:00 - 3:45 PM - Employer booths

• Live networking chats
• 1:1 informational interviews
• Resume review

3:45 - 4:00 PM - Wrap up

The INclusive Career Fair is free for job seekers and disability advocates providing support! The event will be held virtually on Zoom, so you can attend from the comfort of your work or home office! Employer networking and informational interviews will be held 1:1 in breakout rooms. If you have multiple people attending from your business, your staff can also volunteer to participate in doing resume reviews with candidates.

Registration Fees

Job Seekers: FREE

Disability Advocates (if supporting job seekers): FREE

Disability:IN Minnesota Members

• Platinum Members: FREE
• Gold Members: $100
• Silver Members: $200
• Bronze Members: $300
• Small Business/Providers/Govt/Education Members: $150

Non-members: $400

For more information about Disability:IN Minnesota membership, visit our website.

Accessibility: Live captioning will be provided for this event. Accommodations may be requested via the registration form. If you need accommodations to participate, please register at least 10 days prior to the event. Contact info@DI-MN.org with questions.

This Just IN: The 2024 Disability:IN Conference Agenda

is Live!

With a stellar lineup of renowned speakers, sessions, panels, and presentations from industry experts, discover why the 2024 Disability:IN Conference & Expo is the must-attend, premier corporate disability inclusion event of the year.

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.

April is Autism Acceptance Month

Here's what to know about autism acceptance and symbols

Krys'tal Griffin

Delaware News Journal

April is here, which means it’s officially Autism Acceptance Month.  

Along with Autism Acceptance Month, World Autism Acceptance Day and Autism Acceptance Week will be celebrated.  

Here’s what you need to know.  

When is Autism Acceptance Day? 

Autism Acceptance Day, also known as World Autism Awareness Day or World Autism Day, is observed annually on April 2, according to National Today.

World Autism Acceptance Week takes place the week surrounding Autism Acceptance Day on April 2. 

What is Autism Acceptance Day? 

Autism Acceptance Day was adopted by the United Nations on Dec. 18, 2007, and serves to raise awareness about autism while promoting the acceptance of people with autism spectrum disorders. It is also a time to debunk misconceptions about disability, according to Autism Speaks.

Throughout April, autism organizations highlight stories of individuals on the spectrum and provide opportunities to increase the acceptance, support and understanding of the community. 

What is autism? 

Autism spectrum disorder is a neurological and developmental disorder that develops in early childhood but progresses throughout a person’s lifetime. Autism presents itself with a wide range of symptoms, which is why it is considered a spectrum and widely varies from one person to another, according to National Today.  

Autism spectrum disorder is divided into four categories of cognitive, behavioral, psychological and developmental. 

It impacts a person’s communication and interactions with others, and how they learn. Common symptoms that transcend the four categories are repetitive behaviors, avoidance of eye contact, change in voice, anxiety, learning disabilities, sensitivity to sound and inappropriate social interaction, according to National Today. 

Autism awareness versus autism acceptance 

You may hear Autism Acceptance Day called Autism Awareness Day – with the same going for Autism Awareness Month as opposed to Autism Acceptance Month – but in recent years, autism groups and organizations have steered away from the usage of the phrase “autism awareness” and instead prefer to promote “autism acceptance.” 

Awareness focuses on understanding that something exists, while acceptance goes beyond that understanding by giving approval to and affirming that something exists, according to Gersh Autism, who adds that 1 in 44 children are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, meaning awareness is already achieved and acceptance is instead what is needed to push change forward. 

Since 2011, the Autism Self Advocacy Network has framed April as Autism Acceptance Month, stating that “acceptance of autism as a natural condition in the human experience is necessary for real dialogue to occur,” and over the years, many other autism organizations have joined the change in language, including Easter Seals, the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities, The Arc and the Autistic Women and Nonbinary Network. 

What is the symbol for autism? 

Much like the pink ribbon for breast cancer or the yellow ribbon for childhood cancer, autism also is represented by a symbol. More than one, depending on who you ask. 

The most popular symbol representing autism is the multi-colored puzzle piece or the multi-colored puzzle piece ribbon. This symbol was created by a group of people with autism or who are autism advocates and uses bright colors to represent the diversity of autism and those diagnosed. It also reflects on the unknowns of autism and how it works as a diagnosis, according to Autism Parenting Magazine.

A rainbow butterfly made out of puzzle pieces is a newer autism symbol that represents the diversity of people on the spectrum and signifies change. The butterfly helps highlight the beauty of the differences of those on the spectrum. 

Another new symbol for autism is a rainbow or gold infinity sign, first used on Autistic Pride Day on June 18, 2005. The rainbow spectrum was designed to raise awareness about the diversity among neurodivergent people, while the gold symbol is meant specifically for autism, as Au is the chemical symbol for gold.  

The infinity symbol is fairly new and was created with the help of neurodiversity advocates to be used at any time in any place. The symbol was first used on Autistic Pride Day on June 18th, 2005. It was created using a different perspective than previous symbols and to raise awareness all year round. The use of a rainbow spectrum in the infinity symbol was designed to drive awareness of the diversity among neurodivergent individuals. 

Looking for Ways to Further Expand Your Organizational Disability Knowledge?

Sign Your Team Up for

DC Metro's Professional Development Course

"Disability 101 Primer"

This 30-minute Primer provides an overview of disability inclusive language, including both person-first and identity-first, and neurodivergent. Provides examples of appropriate etiquette and interaction with individuals using wheelchairs or other mobility devices, individuals who are blind or have low vision, people who are deaf or hard of hearing, as well a discussion of non-apparent disabilities.

Learning Objectives:

Appropriate language: Terminology, Person-First, Identity-First, Neurodivergent

Disability etiquette: Appropriate Interactions

Audience: All Employees

Preview Disability 101 Course

Purchase Disability 101 Course

****DC Metro Members have Free Access



Contact Katherine McCary for Member Access Instructions

Once purchased, email a list of designated users using the Excel spreadsheet template to Katherine McCary

Please Note as courses become available from the COMING SOON list below, they will appear in your Team Access account.

Course Purchase Options

• Entire Organization
• Large Team: Up to 500 seats
• Mid-size Team: Up to 50 seats
• Small Team: Up to 20 seats
• Individual Purchase: one seat

COMING SOON

The Business Case for Disability Inclusion

• Expanding Diversity & Inclusion to include disability
• Importance to Workforce, Marketplace and Supply Chain
• Employer Best Practices

Audience: Human Resources, Diversity and Inclusion Professionals, Disability ERG

Building an Inclusive Culture

• What is Diversity
• Understanding a “Culture of Inclusion”
• Changing Corporate Culture to become more Inclusive
• Dispelling disability myths

Audience: Human Resources, Compliance, Recruiters and Diversity and Inclusion Professionals, Disability ERG

Talent Acquisition Modules

Building the Talent Pipeline

• How and where to find business-savvy pipelines for talent with a
• disability
• Build your future bench of talent with internships
• Employer Best Practices

Audience: Human Resources, Recruiters and Diversity and Inclusion Professionals, Disability ERG

Hiring Managers: What You Need to Know

• Hiring Manager priorities
• Partnering with HR
• Tips for interviewing a candidate with a disability
• How to handle an accommodation request

Audience: Hiring Managers, Supervisors

Building Your Brand: Attracting, Retaining and Engaging Talent

• The Role of Accessibility and Accommodations
• Your Disability Inclusion Philosophy
• Communications and Partnerships

Audience: Talent Acquisition, Compliance, D&I, Corporate Social Responsibility, Disability ERG

Employee Resource Groups: Advancing the Culture of Disability Inclusion

• Definitions
• Benefits of a Disability ERG
• Sustainability Best Practices

Audience: Employee Resource Groups, Disability ERG, Senior Leadership, Compliance, D&I

Accessibility and Accommodations Modules

Making Reasonable Accommodations Successful

• The Reasonable Accommodation and Interactive Process
• High-Tech and Low-Tech Considerations
• Employer Best Practices

Audience: Human Resources, Compliance, Recruiters and Diversity and Inclusion Professionals

The Importance of Accessibility in Talent Acquisition, Engagement and Retention

• The Business Case for Accessibility
• Physical and Digital Accessibility
• Universal Design

Audience: Talent Acquisition, IT, Accommodations Team, Disability ERG

Compliance Modules

The Legal Landscape for Disability Inclusion

• ADA, ADAAA, and OFCCP Changes to Section 503
• 2010 Standards
• How these laws and regulations affect you

Audience: Human Resources, Compliance, Recruiters and Diversity and Inclusion Professionals

Self-Identification and Self-Disclosure: What’s in it for You and Your Organization

• Defining Self-ID and Self-Disclosure
• Benefits for the Employee
• Benefits for the Organization

Audience: Disability ERG, Compliance, All Employees

NEWS FROM ODEP

Building a Disability-Inclusive Culture: Managers Make All the Difference

Learn more about important topics to include in manager disability inclusion training.

Manager training is an important part of building an inclusive workplace culture that welcomes employees with disabilities. This document provides an overview of important topics to cover in manager training on disability inclusion.

Introduction Buy-in from managers is crucial for building a disability-inclusive workplace culture. One way to build this support is through diversity training, which helps develop and maintain an organization-wide commitment to inclusion. Research indicates that diversity training helps meet organizational goals, such as:

• Changing behavior toward members of disadvantaged groups.
• Complying with legal regulations and ethical standards.
• Creating a more cohesive organization.

 In short, the goal of diversity training is to ensure that all employees work well together. In order to create a disability-inclusive workforce, organizational leaders, including C-suite leaders and diversity, inclusion, equity, and accessibility (DEIA) leaders, must provide accurate information about the organization’s commitment to inclusion to all employees. This information enables employees to understand this commitment and effectively implement disability-related policies and practices. Managers are especially important, as they often set expectations for their employees. This Research to Practice Tool examines available research on how organizations can prepare and support managers as they lead teams that include people with disabilities.  

Read the entire EARN report

Training by Request

JAN provides virtual training on accommodation and ADA topics on a limited basis to groups of 50 or more. Information about JAN services can be presented to smaller groups. Training should be requested at least four months in advance and is provided as staff availability permits. There is no fee for virtual training. To request JAN training, email Training@AskJAN.org. Please include as many of the following details as possible:

• Training host (e.g., business or organization title, specific government agency, etc.)
• Known or anticipated event date
• Accommodation/ADA training topic of interest (i.e., the type of training you’re seeking)
• National, regional, state, or local audience
• Attendee type (e.g., HR/EEO professionals, reasonable accommodation coordinators, people leaders, employees, students, etc.)
• Anticipated number of attendees
• Is this a request to participate on a panel or for a JAN representative to solely provide the training? If a panel presentation, please list invited/confirmed panelists.

Focus on the Q&A! JAN also offers virtual Q&A group consultation, as staff availability permits. A virtual Q&A entails the training requestor selecting a specific past JAN webcast to be shared as a training resource with their group (e.g., HR professionals, reasonable accommodation coordinators, people leaders, etc.), and then hosting a live virtual Q&A with a JAN Consultant on the requestor’s virtual platform (e.g., Zoom, Teams, etc.). Available past JAN webcasts can be found in the Webcast Series Library. Virtual Q&A should be requested at least one month in advance. JAN Q&A consultation requests should include the past JAN webcast of interest and approximate date for Q&A, if known.

To request a Q&A, email Training@AskJAN.org.

The JAN Accommodation and Compliance Webcast Series and the Webcast Series Library offer many readily available training resources on ADA and accommodation topics. JAN encourages the use and sharing of these webcast resources for training purposes. JAN materials do not have copyright protection and may be used to create your own training.

For additional information, please contact us at Training@AskJAN.org.

The HIRE Vets Medallion Award Program is now accepting applications!

Apply Now

Applications are now open and will run through April 30, 2024. 

The Department of Labor’s HIRE Vets Medallion Award is the only federal-level veteran’s employment award that recognizes employers for their investments in recruiting, employing and retaining our nation’s veterans. This award is an opportunity to highlight your organization’s work to support America’s veterans.

The award is based on a number of criteria, ranging from veteran hiring and retention to providing veteran-specific resources, leadership programming, dedicated human resources, and compensation and tuition assistance programs – with varying requirements for large, medium and small employers.

Employers of all sizes can apply online and learn more about the application process at HIREVets.gov.

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

Complete Certification through the Contractor Portal by July 1, 2024

Today, the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) opened the Contractor Portal for the 2024 Affirmative Action Program (AAP) certification period: April 1 – July 1, 2024.

We urge covered federal contractors to begin certifying their AAP compliance through the portal today to meet the July 1, 2024, deadline.

Covered federal contractors and subcontractors must use the portal to certify, on an annual basis, whether they have developed and maintained an AAP for each establishment and/or functional/business unit, as applicable. New contractors have 120 days to develop their AAP(s) and must register and certify compliance through the Contractor Portal within 90 days of developing their AAP(s).

Visit OFCCP’s Contractor Portal information page before starting the certification process to access Frequently Asked Questions and step-by-step How-To videos, along with User Guides and other pertinent information.

Contractors can refer to the pre-recorded webinar on the Contractor Portal information page that demonstrates how a contractor can enter its establishment and/or functional/business unit’s AAP start date and certify compliance through the Contractor Portal.

Please submit your Contractor Portal questions to the Applications Technical help desk using the OFCCP Applications Technical Help Request Form or call the OFCCP help desk at 1-800-397-6251, press 1 for English or 2 for Spanish, then press 1 to reach technical support for assistance.

• Instructions for registering and certifying for the Contractor Portal 
• How-to Videos
• User Guide
• Frequently Asked Questions  

Protecting Workers. Promoting Diversity. Enforcing the Law.

 OFCCP Announces New Veteran Hiring Benchmark

The Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) has set a new national veteran hiring benchmark, effective March 31, for federal contractors at 5.2 percent. It applies to federal contractors and subcontractors and aims to prevent discrimination against protected veterans.

 Anxiety Now Ranks as the

Top Workplace Mental Health Issue

Anxiety is the No. 1 mental health issue reported by U.S. workers, over depression, relationship issues, family issues, addiction, and grief. Learn why anxiety now leads workplace mental health concerns, what groups are affected most by it and how employers can respond.

Anxiety has skyrocketed in recent years, now becoming the top mental health issue plaguing workers, new data shows.

An analysis of more than 300,000 U.S. cases from mental health provider ComPsych found that nearly a quarter of people (24 percent) who reached out to ComPsych for mental health assistance in 2023 did so to get help with anxiety.

That makes anxiety the No. 1 presenting issue reported by U.S. workers, topping depression, stress, relationship issues, family issues, addiction and grief, ComPsych said.

Anxiety has risen dramatically over the years, ComPsych said. In 2017, for instance, anxiety didn’t rank in the top five presenting issues for Americans.

Richard Chaifetz, founder, CEO and chairman of ComPsych, said the rise of anxiety isn’t particularly surprising considering the series of stressful occurrences over the past few years.

“From the pandemic to ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine, civil unrest, an unpredictable economy and increasingly polarized political rhetoric surrounding elections, there is a persistent underlying feeling of apprehension and worry,” he said.

The data is the latest indicator of the rise of mental health issues afflicting employees and is a call to action for employers. Industry experts, including Chaifetz, contend that organizations would be well served to take a hard look at their mental health benefits and resources—making sure they are robust and well utilized by employees.

Youth Apprenticeship Week

May 5-11, 2024

The first nationwide Youth Apprenticeship Week (YAW) is a mere 30 days away! There are currently over 135 YAW events on our website, and those numbers continue to grow by the day. We encourage you to search for events in your area and participate in as many as you can. Don’t forget to add additional YAW events and proclamations to the YAW website if you haven’t already done so! If you’d like to learn more about YAW 2024, and get ideas and tips for how to celebrate, visit the YAW website and check out the Resources and recent YAW Planning webinar. 

Here are the daily themes: 

• Monday: “Parents and Guardians are a Priority” in Registered Apprenticeship 
• Tuesday: Youth Apprenticeships: Building Awareness, Myth Busting, Partnering with Educational Providers, and Creating Pathways through Pre-Apprenticeships 
• Wednesday: Expanding Youth Apprenticeship Opportunities for Underserved Populations 
• Thursday: National Youth Apprenticeship Signing Day 
• Friday: Federal Partners Day and Call to Action

Here is a small sample of events being held:  

1. National YAW Kickoff: The ROI of Tech Apprenticeships, Hosted by BuildWithin at The Square, Washington, DC, May 6, 9:00-11:00am.  
2. Forging Futures: Exploring Youth Apprenticeship Opportunities, Foundation for California Community Colleges, May 6, 1:00-2:00pm.  
3. Apprenticeship Rising, CareerWise USA, New York, NY, May 7, 12:00-2:00pm.  
4. Youth Apprenticeship Focusing on Skilled Trades, Southeast Michigan Community Alliance, May 9, 4:00-6:00pm.  
5. YAW Week at Job Corps, Don Young Alaska Job Corps, May 10, 9:00am-2:00pm.  

In addition to promoting your YAW activity on the website, we have all the resources you need to get the word out, including tips and templates to help you promote your event to local media, the public, and potential event attendees. 

May's YAW is just around the corner so don't miss out!

Thank You to Our Sponsor Partners!

Disability:IN DC Metro is Committed to Inclusive Hiring.

Contact us to post an vacancy in our newsletter.

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

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

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.

WID

AAPD

Billion Strong

The Resource Network

The Valuable 500

Blind Institute of Technology

Blind Leaders Development Program

BroadFutures

Lingvano

RespectAbility

Soniccloud

Level Access

Omnium Circus

Disability:IN Minnesota

Disability:IN Wisconsin

Disability:IN Chicagoland

Center for Disability Inclusion

Virginia Ability

Disability:IN DC Metro

“Think Globally, Act Locally”

Patrick Geedes  

Join Today!

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. 

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

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.”

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