DISABILITY NEWS YOU NEED TO KNOW
July 2023
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July is Disability Pride Month
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Commemorating the 1990 passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities, and recognizes that disabilities are a part of human diversity.
National Disability Independence Day is celebrated every year on July 26. It commemorates the signing of the Americans with Disability Act (A.D.A.) in 1990.
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Not a Member?
You don't have to live in the National Capital Region to become a Member!
Disability:IN DC Metro is celebrating Disability Pride Month with a limited time offer for 50% discount for New Members!
Membership is open to all individuals, corporate partners, Universities, Non-profits and government agencies. All our programs are offered virtually with access to Disability IQ e-Professional Development Courses.
Use this link, Select your membership level and benefits and Join us for our upcoming webinars!
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Meet Disability:IN DC Metro at our booth July 11-12 in the Exhibit Hall!
Learn more about our Professional Development Courses.
Whether or not your organization has a presence in the Washington, DC National Capital Region,
Be sure to stop by the Disability:IN DC Metro Exhibit Booth and meet our leaders! All programming, events, news and Professional Development course are also virtual, membership is available to all geographies
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Don't Miss these
DC Metro July Virtual Events!
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July DC Metro A11y Program
8th Annual Accessibility Forum
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Webinar
July 25, 2023
10 am to 12 pm
Free for Members!
Benefits of Becoming Agile in your accessibility approach including upcoming Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) changes
Join us to learn from our expert panel the “shift left approach” of moving from a break and fix model to an agile approach when looking at accessibility; including cost and resource savings, minimizing legal risk and gaining a competitive advantage.
Learn about upcoming changes to WCAG (2.2 and 3.0) and its impact in government contracting.
An interactive discussion not to be missed!
Who Should Attend
· Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA)
· Procurement and Supply Chain
· Human Resource Information Systems (HRIS) and Talent Management
· Risk and Compliance
· Policymakers
· Government Contractors and Subcontractors
· Higher Education, Academia, Associations
· Disability Organizations and Ecosystems
· Everyone!!
Panelists:
- Corbb O’Connor, Director of Accessibility Advocacy Level Access
- Anil Lewis, Executive Director National Federation of the Blind, Jernigan Institute
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Take a look at these articles about accessibility! |
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What's Going On With DEIA and Affirmative Action?
Addressing Current Concerns and
Future Considerations
Webinar
July 26, 2023
10:30-11:45
Free for Members!
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Craig Leen
Partner, K&L Gates
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Former OFCCP Director
2018-2021
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Shirley Wilcher
Executive Director
Fund for Leadership, Equity, Access and Diversity
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Former OFCCP Director
19913 - 2001
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Concerning diversity conversations are occurring at the Corporate and University levels after the latest Supreme Court Affirmative Action decision and DEIA professionals apprehension. Former OFCCP Directors, Craig Leen and Shirley Wilcher will discuss current concerns about DEIA (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility) and recommendations for future commitment to inclusion. Join us for this interactive session!
Send your questions or comments for Craig and Shirley in advance to Katherine McCary.
4 Ways The Supreme Court’s Affirmative Action Decision Could Impact Workplace DEI
Senior Contributor
Challenges with Retaining Underrepresented Talent
Widening Racial Disparities in Hiring
A Lack of Inclusive Design
Workplace Inequities will Continue to Persist
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NEW!
Become a DC Metro Sponsor Partner!
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Showcase your Commitment to DEIA
What's the Brand Benefit?
Become a Sponsor Today!
Sponsor Partners are featured prominently on our website, in our monthly newsletter and on our DisabilityIQ Platform and can Host a Program!
Sponsor Partner Levels:
$1,000- $10,000
Members can be Sponsor Partners too!
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DRIVING CHANGE- CREATING OPPORTUNITY
The Latest News
The Office of Disability Employment Policy
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NDEAM 2023: "Advancing Access and Equity: Then, Now and Next” |
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Workforce System and Bank Partnerships
Check out the new LEAD Center resource “Workforce System and Bank Partnerships: A “How-To” Online Guide.” This online guide provides a blueprint to help workforce development boards establish stronger partnerships with banks. The resource encourages workforce development boards to examine whether existing partnerships focus on equity and support of historically underserved communities, including people with disabilities and people of color.
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Sign-Up Today: Workforce Recruitment Program Seeks Federal Employees to Recruit Students with Disabilities
The Workforce Recruitment Program (WRP) connects federal and select private-sector employers nationwide with college students and recent graduates with disabilities who are eager to demonstrate their abilities in the workplace through internships and permanent jobs. Volunteer recruiters are needed for the upcoming recruitment season (October 23 – November 16, 2023). Recruiters must be Federal Government employees who commit to conducting up to 12 virtual informational interviews with students and recent graduates. In addition, recruiters must complete an online training this summer via the WRP website. Recruiters play a vital role in the program, and all federal employees are encouraged to volunteer!
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Intersectionality in the Workplace
Learn how factors like race, gender, sexuality, economic status, education level, and disability status can impact an employee’s point of view and workplace experience.
People with disabilities who are also members of other marginalized communities, such as certain racial and ethnic groups or the LGBTQI+ community, are considered to be “multiply marginalized.” This research-to-practice brief explores ways employers can support employees with intersecting identities. It includes statistical information and “action steps” for employers.
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Look for EARN at these upcoming conferences!
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IN THE NEWS - ARTICLES OF INTEREST |
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Mathematica Recognized as 2023 Best Place to Work for People with Disabilities
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Disability:IN Utah Named as Affiliate of the Year! |
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To continue the visionary work of Bebe Moore Campbell, each year Mental Health America (MHA) develops resources dedicated to addressing and supporting the mental health needs of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC).
2023 Theme: Culture, Community, And Connection
The theme of Mental Health America’s 2023 BIPOC Mental Health Campaign, developed in commemoration of Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, is Culture, Community, and Connection. Our lives are deeply intertwined with the environments around us. Who and what we are surrounded by impacts our mental health and overall wellness. In particular, Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) populations are faced with disproportionate amounts of historical trauma and displacement that have challenged how these communities remain sustainable and continue to thrive. Despite countless attempts to take away power, erase histories, and diminish future successes, BIPOC communities continue to prosper. Culture, community, and connection are pillars that support and uplift BIPOC individuals when the dangers of oppression and systemic racism threaten the environments where BIPOC individuals live, work, play, and thrive.
In many ways, BIPOC communities have had to look out for themselves and for each other in order to simply survive the systemic racism that most still face to this day. There have been numerous attempts to erase BIPOC communities through genocide, war, famine, displacement, loss of power, loss of culture, and even loss of language. Despite that, BIPOC communities have been powerful, unyielding, and revolutionary in combating these attempts to diminish their worth and value. In addition, historically, the mental health narrative around BIPOC communities has been defined by disparities, trauma, and oppression – but what could BIPOC stories and lives look like if the narrative was changed? Imagine a narrative that instead uplifted and accepted community-created systems of support as fundamental cornerstones connecting one another and providing a safe haven.
BIPOC communities throughout history have carved out systems of support in order to sustain collective well-being. These systems have centered around community and connection, deeply rooted in sustained cultural traditions, language, stories, food, art, and more. Community has been an anchor, allowing connection in a world that is seeking to ostracize and isolate. It is the power of community that has brought forth movements and social change, health and wellness, knowledge, and strength.
The cultures of BIPOC communities are born from the richness of ancestral wisdom, survival practices, and support systems that have not only sustained life but allowed it to thrive and bloom in even the most hostile of environments. BIPOC communities look out for one another and ensure survival, and in cultural hubs, BIPOC communities remind their loved ones of cultural practices that may have otherwise been forgotten.
When we reach out for help, we not only begin to heal ourselves, but we heal our communities. If trauma and displacement have been illnesses, then connection is our medicine. Connection allows us to be known and to know others. We can lean on one another. We can support each other and get support in return. We challenge each other to be better. We challenge each other to keep going.
Mental Health America hopes that the 2023 BIPOC Mental Health Campaign supports you in connecting with your community and in advocating for more community-led and mentally healthy spaces.
BIPOC MENTAL HEALTH MONTH
The 2023 BIPOC Mental Health Toolkit to commemorate Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month is filled with tons of FREE, practical resources to support you in taking action for BIPOC mental health. From factsheets and shareable images to posters and worksheets, and plenty more– the BIPOC Mental Health Toolkit has all the right tools to help you spread the word and support BIPOC communities in a meaningful way.
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Events In The DC Metro Area and Beyond |
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We Take Care of Us
JULY 18, 2023
Have you made your plans for Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, yet? MHA can help!
This July, MHA will also be hosting a variety of events to uplift BIPOC voices and highlight the many ways that culture, community, and connection impact mental health and well-being. Be sure to register for our We Take Care of Us webinar on 7/18! We will also be hosting a Youtube Live and an Instagram Live in July so stay tuned and follow MHA on social media for more details!
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Section 508 Best Practices Webinar: A Tale of Three Agencies: The Section 508 Playbook
Tuesday, July 18
1:00 – 2:30 p.m. (ET)
Every agency should develop, implement, and maintain a strategic Section 508 plan as part of their broader, multi-faceted accessibility program. The next webinar in the U.S. Access Board's Section 508 Best Practices Webinar Series will take place and highlight policies and strategies employed by the Social Security Administration, Veterans Administration, and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation that may be adapted for use by other agencies. In addition, resources such as the Section 508 Playbook will also be referenced to help agencies, at any stage of their program maturity level, chart a more progressive path forward. Section 508 Coordinators, IT Specialists, Reasonable Accommodation Specialists, and Disability Program Managers are encouraged to participate.
Registration closes 24 hours before the start of the session. Instructions for accessing the webinar on the day of the session will be sent via email to registered individuals in advance of the session. Communication Access Realtime Translation (CART) and Video Sign Language Interpreters are available for the session and will be broadcast via the webinar platform. A telephone option (not toll-free) for receiving audio is also available.
The Section 508 Best Practices Webinar Series provides helpful information and best practices for federal agencies in meeting their obligations under Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act which ensures access to information and communication technology in the federal sector. This webinar series is made available by the Accessibility Community of Practice of the CIO Council in partnership with the U.S. Access Board.
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Creating a Disability-Inclusive Workforce:
The Role of Accommodations Webinar
Wednesday, July 19 from 2:00 – 3:00 PM ET.
To celebrate the anniversaries of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Rehab Act) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, the Employer Assistance and Resource Network on Disability Inclusion and the Job Accommodation Network are hosting a discussion on the significance of accommodations in achieving the goals of the Rehab Act and the ADA and how they contribute to creating inclusive workplaces.
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July 19, 2023
9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Eastern
Virtual
This virtual conference is for people with disabilities, employment consultants, vocational rehabilitation counselors, disability advocates, and other service providers.
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U.S. Access Board to Hold Town Hall Meeting in Baltimore
July 25, 2023, 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. (ET)
National Headquarters of the
National Federation of the Blind Members Hall
200 East Wells Street, Baltimore, MD 21230
Please register for in-person attendance by July 1, 2023.
Information for listen-in only virtual attendance will be available soon.
Registration: Provide full name and organization (if any) to
The U.S. Access Board will hold a public town hall meeting on Tuesday, July 25 from 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. (ET) at the national headquarters of the National Federation of the Blind in Baltimore, Maryland. Presidentially appointed Access Board members and representatives from other federal member agencies will be present to hear from the local community about the state of accessibility in Baltimore and the D.C.-Maryland-Virginia area. Following the town hall meeting, there will be a reception and networking opportunity from 3:30 – 4:30 (ET), sponsored by the Maryland Department of Disabilities.
The town hall meeting and reception are open to all members of the public.
The Access Board invites in-person oral comments on accessibility. Registrants who wish to make in-person oral comments must indicate their request to speak when emailing events@access-board.gov. Public commenters will be allotted two minutes to make their comments.
The town hall meeting will be available via online streaming; however, individuals attending virtually will not be able to make comments.
American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters and Communication Access Real-time Transcription (CART) services will be provided. The Access Board has a fragrance-free environment policy and requests that all attendees refrain from wearing perfume, cologne, and other fragrances and use unscented personal care products. Requests for other reasonable accommodations must be submitted by July 1, 2023 to Rose Marie Bunales at events@access-board.gov.
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UPCOMING FALL EVENTS
OCT 4, 2023 1PM - 2PM
Explore ways to expand employment options for neurodivergent job candidates and how to effectively support and engage with neurodivergent job seekers and staff.
NOV 9, 2023 1PM - 2PM
DiversityInc’s Founder will lead a discussion on how businesses can create a welcoming and supportive environment where veterans with disabilities can thrive.
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DON'T MISS THESE
NATIONAL CONFERENCES
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The Place to be for Affirmative Action, Equal Employment Opportunity and Diversity / Inclusion fields
August 1 - 4, 2023 Phoenix, Arizona
We are looking for speakers and participants to come and help us TRANSFORM FOR TOMORROW.
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The Institute for Workplace Equality is excited to announce the
Artificial Intelligence and Employment Compliance Conference
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November 14-16
Early Bird Pricing ends October 2!
This hybrid conference is comprised of two parts, giving attendees the option to register for Day 1 only or the full two-and-a-half day conference. Day 1 (November 14) will cover one of HR’s hottest topics: everything you need to know about artificial intelligence and employment. Days 2 and 3 (November 15-16) will feature sessions led by industry experts, including The Institute's nationally renowned Leadership, Faculty, and Advisory Board.
Sessions will cover today’s most pressing HR and compliance topics, including:
- What to expect from the Biden Administration leading up to 2024 Elections
- When DOL will issue long-awaited wage & hour, independent contractor and Davis-Bacon regulations
- OFCCP regulatory agenda and when to expect the new scheduling letter/itemized listing
- EEOC agenda for the remainder of 2023
- State pay transparency laws
- Impact of Harvard/UNC Supreme Court decisions on DEI programs
- What employers need to know about religious accommodation under Title VII
- And more!
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Learn More About DC Metro |
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2023 Disability:IN DC Metro Programs
Theme: Intersectionality
Join us as we hold Hybrid and Virtual Events!
- Intersectionality: June LGBTQ Pride Month
- Intersectionality: July Disability Pride Month, ADA Anniversary
- Intersectionality: August Supplier Diversity including Disability Owned Businesses
- Intersectionality: September LatinX Heritage Month and Disability
- Celebrating National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM)
- November Celebrating Veterans with Disabilities in the Workplace and as Entrepreneurs
- Intersectionality: November Native American Heritage Month and Disability
- Celebrating International Day of Persons with Disabilities
- The Growing Role of the Chief Accessibility Officer
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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
- 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
Follow us on
Our Board
Board Members:
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Jennifer Bassett, Immediate Past Chair, JBG SMITH Companies
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Meghan Cadigan, Vice Chair and Secretary, KPMG
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Tashi Carper, Leidos
- Rahsaan Coefield, Lockheed Martin
- Ellen de Bremond, Treasurer
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Anjali Desai-Margolin, Gallaudet University
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Tom Downs, Booz Allen Hamilton
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Andrea Hall, General Dynamics Mission Systems
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Sophie Howard, General Dynamics IT
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Eduardo Meza-Etienne, Level Access
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Mary Sauder, Northrop Grumman
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Ryan Walters, Chair, Deloitte
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Myra Wilder, BAE Systems
Advisory Board Members:
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Jessica Lee Aiello, iYellow Group
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Michelle Crabtree, Town of Vienna
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Crosby Cromwell, The Valuable 500
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Lori Daly, Diversifi Consulting Group and Chair, Community Outreach
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Ron Drach, Drach Consulting, LLC
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Diane Monnig, The Arc of Northern VA
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Melody Goodspeed, The American Foundation for the Blind
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Karen Herson, Concepts, Inc.
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Carolyn Jeppsen, BroadFutures
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Craig Leen, K&L Gates, Former OFCCP Director
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Carrie Martin, MAXAR Technologies
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Rick Rodgers,The Resource Network and Chair, Disability Supplier Diversity
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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 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.
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!
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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 for 2023
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!
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