DISABILITY NEWS YOU NEED TO KNOW

OCTOBER 2023

NDEAM

Jennifer Sheehy

Deputy Assistant Secretary, ODEP 

Louis Orslene, MPIA, MSW

Director, Employer and Workplace Policy Team, ODEP

NDEAM

• Download the NDEAM poster
• Order the printed poster
• Social Media Graphics
• Virtual Background
• Download the customizable poster

NDEAM Year-Round

NDEAM activities don't have to end in October, YOU have an opportunity to launch year-round activities that highlight the importance of including disability in all of your organization's diversity endeavors.

In honor of the

50th Anniversary of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973

Disability:IN DC Metro is offering for

50% savings

for New Members through 2023!

Welcome back to our returning member

Marriott International!

Showcase your Commitment to DEIA

and become a DC Metro Sponsor Partner!

Be recognized in the

National Capital Region as a DEIA leader!

What's the Brand Benefit?

As a DEIA leader, branding plays an important part in your work. 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 and can sponsor a program. The Titanium and Platinum options offer the opportunity to keynote a program. You can also become a Keynote Sponsor regardless of your employee count for $5,000.

Become a Sponsor Partner Today!

$850- $10,000

Members can be Sponsor Partners too!

Thank You to Our Sponsor Partners!

DID YOU MISS THIS?

8th Annual Accessibility Forum held on August 30th

Adaptable Accessibility: Incorporating Evolving Standards, Requirements, and Regulations into Your Digital Accessibility Program

Sponsored By: Level Access

Recording available

Email Katherine to request the recording

DRIVING CHANGE-

CREATING OPPORTUNITY

The Latest News

from

The Office of Disability Employment Policy

EEOC and DOL Issue Disability Resource Guide

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) released last week a commemorative resource guide about recruitment, hiring and employment of individuals with disabilities titled “Employment Protections Under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973: 50 Years of Protecting Americans with Disabilities in the Workplace.” The EEOC and DOL’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) and Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) issued the guide to explain the key roles these agencies have in Rehabilitation Act enforcement, outreach and education.

Registration Open:

Workforce Recruitment Program Participant Enrollment Open Now

Student Registration Information

Open Until October 13

The Workforce Recruitment Program (WRP) is seeking applicants for its 2024 talent database. Any person with a disability interested in federal employment who is a U.S. citizen and is seeking a degree or recently received a degree from a U.S. college or university is welcome to register and apply.

The WRP provides college students and recent graduates with disabilities with career development and potential connections to federal employment. 

Preparing for Pregnant Workers Fairness

Accommodations Requests

From the desk of Tracie DeFreitas, M.S., Program Leader, Director of Training, Services, and Outreach

The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA) requires covered employers to make reasonable accommodations for qualified applicants and employees with known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, unless they cause an undue hardship. It also establishes clearer guidelines for pregnant workers than the Pregnancy Discrimination Act (PDA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and defines actions covered employers cannot take.

The accommodation requirements and terms like "reasonable accommodation" and "undue hardship" in the PWFA will be familiar to covered employers preparing to comply with this new federal law because the PWFA is in many ways like the ADA. To help determine effective accommodations, employers and workers with known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions who request accommodations can work together in an "interactive process" to come up with accommodations. A similar process used under the ADA may be applied to explore and implement effective reasonable accommodation solutions under the PWFA.

JAN can be a partner in the accommodation process by providing accommodation solutions, technical assistance, and resources to facilitate inclusion of workers who are pregnant. To help prepare employers to make PWFA accommodations, the following tips might be useful:

• Be informed: Know your responsibilities under federal and state pregnancy-related laws. Gather information and take advantage of resources that offer technical assistance, like the EEOC, Department of Labor (DOL), and JAN. Being informed about the law will better equip you to develop non-discriminatory policies and procedures. Also, update your EEO poster.
• Review and update accommodation policies and procedures: Ensure that workers affected by pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions are not excluded from accommodation consideration. Update reasonable accommodation policies to include the right to reasonable accommodation for workers with known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or associated medical conditions. This might include editing or creating a form that employees can use to request an accommodation under the PWFA, and/or a form used to collect medical information, when necessary.
• Train supervisors, managers, and human resources professionals on the various federal and state laws that apply in pregnancy-related situations. Teach them to recognize and respond to accommodation requests and engage in the interactive accommodation process.

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has not yet issued regulations to carry out the law, but the PWFA is in effect as of June 27, 2023.

Read this companion piece to the EARN webinar "Creating a Disability-Inclusive Workplace: The Role of Accommodations" to find out how accommodations help support inclusive workplace cultures and advance the goals of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

PEAT Podcast: Increasing the Talent Pool by Delivering Equitable Access to the Internet and Technology

On the Partnership on Employment & Accessible Technology’s Future of Work Podcast, Oneisha Freeman, Digital Connectivity Manager at the Georgia Technology Authority and Nikhil Deshpande, Chief Digital Officer for the State of Georgia share why access to high-speed, reliable internet is critical and how to make inclusion and accessibility a core part of your organizational culture.

• Listen to the Future of Work podcast

65 Organizations Recognized For Commitment to Building an Inclusive Culture

In honor of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, the National Organization on Disability (NOD) is proud to announce and recognize the 2023 Leading Disability Employers. In its ninth year, the NOD Leading Disability Employer Seal serves as a platform to spotlight the transformative contributions made by business leaders in promoting equal employment for individuals with disabilities. It also honors those organizations that prioritize diversity, equity and importantly, accessibility–setting a high standard for others to follow.

Leading Disability Employer Seal recipients are determined based on data provided by companies on the NOD Employment Tracker™. The Tracker is the only free assessment tool that helps companies better understand how their key business practices correlate to improved talent outcomes related to hiring, retention and advancement of people with disabilities.

“These organizations understand that by harnessing the talents of people with disabilities, they reap the benefits of a more innovative, diverse and dedicated workforce,” said NOD President Carol Glazer. “The Leading Disability Employer Seal honors organizations who have not only embraced inclusivity but have taken concrete steps to break down barriers for individuals with disabilities and create an environment for all to thrive.”

Learn More about the Winners

The list includes Our Disability:IN DC Members!

Summarized

Transcription vs. Real-Time Captioning

in Higher Education

3PLAYMEDIA

September 15, 2023 BY REBECCA KLEIN

Disability offices coordinate accommodations to ensure Higher Ed experiences are accessible. This blog explains key differences between summarized transcription and real-time captioning and which is most beneficial for Deaf or hard of hearing students.

Learn what is happening at Bridges!

Across our 12 cities, we are excited to collaborate with professional educators in 21 school districts to identify and recruit high school students and recent graduates to participate in Bridges from School to Work.

If you know a high school student or recent graduate from one of these districts who might be interested in Bridges, invite them to contact us.

If you would like to  receive the newsletter, please click here to subscribe. 

Tad Asbury

Executive Director

Bridges from School to Work 

Established by the Marriott Family

Office: 301-941-3648 Cell:240-515-8154

tad.asbury@bridgestowork.org

NILG EEOC

WEBINAR

!!!!!! TODAY !!!!!!!!!

October 3, 2023 2:00 PM Eastern

The NILG will host a webinar presented by Kimberly Essary, Deputy Chief Data Officer, and Paul Guerino, Director of the Data Development and Information Products Division, from the EEOC’s Office of Enterprise Data and Analytics (OEDA) which administers the agency’s EEO data collections. Kimberly and Paul will provide updates on the opening of the collection and the deadlines for filing. They will also discuss the redesigned 2022 EEO-1 Component 1 Instruction Booklet which consolidates existing filer-support materials, including FAQs and fact sheets, into a single resource for filers and provides additional information to clarify reporting requirements. The EEOC’s 2022 EEO-1 Component 1 data collection will open on Tuesday, October 31, 2023.

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

NEURODIVERSITY AT WORK: HOW NEURODIVERGENT EMPLOYEES HELP BUSINESSES MEET TALENT NEEDS

OCT 4, 2023 1PM - 2PM

!!!! TOMORROW !!!!

Register for the October 4 NOD event

Explore ways to expand employment options for neurodivergent job candidates and how to effectively support and engage with neurodivergent job seekers and staff.

READ MORE

AI and Digital Transformation: New Paradigms for Accessibility and Inclusion Strategies

October 10-12, Washington, DC

!!!! NEXT WEEK!!!!

Register for the M-Enabling Conference

M-ENABLING SUMMIT 2023

Meet SonicCloud at their Exhibit Booth for a Demo!

Learn more about Disability:IN DC Metro Chief Accessibility Officer Working Group

Join disability advocates, corporations, government agencies, academia, and accessibility executives at the 11th M-Enabling Summit, the leading all-inclusive conference and showcase dedicated to fostering innovations, solutions, and strategies for digital inclusion.

Participants will benefit from rich and unique networking opportunities with thought leaders, technology providers, innovators and developers of assistive technologies that serve more than one-billion Persons with Disabilities and an expanding aging population globally.

The 2023 M-Enabling Summit will examine how AI drives innovation and automation in multiple areas allowing to scale up digital accessibility in unprecedented ways and review risks for persons with disabilities that organizations need to mitigate.

Practitioners will be sharing how they manage their product lifecycles and digital transformations to support their accessibility journeys and help achieve their organizations’ Diversity, Equity, Inclusion (DEI) objective. Case studies will illustrate how accessibility features of products and services are leveraged to better serve persons with disabilities and older persons in work environments, for digital products and services, urban and transportation environments, e-commerce, leisure, social or educational activities.

A unique venue for dialogue and cooperation, the 2023 M-Enabling Summit will feature panel discussions, open conversations with innovators and disrupters in digital inclusion, instant polls, networking meetups, brainstorming and live debates among disability advocacy leaders, business executives, accessibility experts, and information technology and assistive technology providers.

On day three of the Summit, the International Association of Accessibility Professionals (IAAP) will host a thought leadership Expert Forum on integrating accessibility in organizational maturity.

Blind Institute of Technology

October 14, 2023 Gala

Salesforce proudly presents the Blind Institute of Technology’s 

Dining In The Dark Fundraising Gala taking place on Saturday, October 14 at the Kimpton Hotel Monaco in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Blind Institute of Technology is excited to bring its Dining In The Dark Annual Fundraiser to Philadelphia to help significantly reduce the severe unemployment and underemployment rates of people with disabilities on both a local and national level. Please join us at the Kimpton Hotel Monaco to learn more about The Greatest Equalizer and for a night of fun!

Corporate Sponsorships

Why partner? Join other corporate partners and sponsors to make a positive impact on current and future professionals that have a visual impairment or other disability by assisting them in gaining the skills they need for a meaningful, prosperous career. 

Please contact Natalie to secure your sponsorship, make payments and give guest information.

Digital Accessibility: Empowering Small Businesses, Government, and Developers

October 18, 2023 1:00 PM EST

What's This All About?

Wondering what "Digital Accessibility" means?

Well, it's a game-changer for your business, and here's why you should pay attention:

Imagine your website and online materials as a welcoming storefront for your customers. Now, think about how frustrating it would be if some of your potential customers couldn't enter because the door was too narrow, or the signs were confusing. That's what can happen in the digital world when your online content isn't accessible to everyone.

Why It Matters:

Reach Everyone: In the digital age, your website should be accessible to all, including people with disabilities.

Stay Compliant: Laws like the ADA and Section 508 require online accessibility. Compliance sets you apart and avoids trouble.

Easy Fixes: It's simpler than you think! We'll show you tools and techniques to boost your online materials, enhancing your business and reputation.

What You'll Discover:

• We'll start from scratch, explaining the "whys" and "hows" of digital accessibility. No prior knowledge needed!
• We simplify tech jargon and introduce practical tools that make your online materials user-friendly for everyone.
• Discover modern technologies used by people with disabilities, creating an inclusive online space.
• See why good design matters through real-life examples and how it connects with digital accessibility.
• We'll guide you through testing tools for easy online content improvements.

Don't miss this opportunity to take your business to the next level and ensure that your digital materials are open to all potential customers. It's a win-win for your business and your community!

Can't attend?

You can still register.

We'll send you a free recording of the webinar to watch on your own time.

Celebrating Our 10th Anniversary

October 21, 2023

Saturday from 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM EDT

1000 Maine Ave SW, Washington, DC 20024, USA

Join BroadFutures for a night on the water Cocktails & Light Fare The District Wharf Rooftop Penthouse and Terrace

BroadFutures' mission is to celebrate neurodiversity by creating access, cultivating skills and revolutionizing the workplace for all through an innovative training, mentoring and paid internship program.

Since our incorporation in 2013, we have served over 300 young people directly and hundreds more through our community outreach. We have partnered with over 60 employers, working side by side with them to ensure successful internships. We have recently expanded our programs outside of the DC Metropolitan area to include several nationwide employer partnerships.

As we celebrate our 10 years of service, we are committed to expanding our capacity to meet the growing needs of our community, reaching an ever diverse group of young people and employers, and ensuring our programs are accessible for ALL.

Festival of Workplace Inclusion 2023

25 & 26 October 2023 1pm - 5pm BST / 8am - 1pm EST

2 days | 10 virtual sessions | 100% free

Register

An annual event exploring inclusion for neurodivergent, disabled & multilingual employees.

Join us and hear from inclusion experts and neurodivergent talent as they share how to create inclusive workplaces where all talent can succeed. With this year’s theme being 'Transforming tomorrow', you'll future gaze with your peers and uncover new and trending strategies that’ll help you revolutionize your workplace. For your employees today, and the next generation to come.

2023 Allstate Business Diversity Summit: 

Leading by Example:

Accelerating Impact in the Community

November 13-17

Advocating for diverse supplier success is needed now more than ever as we see many businesses suffering in the aftermath of COVID and inflation. With research showing that women and minority owned businesses are the largest employers of other women and minorities, there are ripple effects impacting our communities.

We’re inviting you to join us (virtually) at the 2023 Allstate Business Diversity Summit: Leading by Example: Accelerating Impact in the Community, November 13-17.  We will have interactive and thought-provoking sessions with Allstate colleagues, other Fortune 500 corporate executives and leading business diversity experts who will discuss opportunities for corporations, minority-owned businesses, and minority business councils to work together to create economic impact for our respective businesses and our communities.

Allstate has been at the forefront of advancing equity through our support and partnerships with minority suppliers for over 56 years. We held our first minority and women’s supplier fair in 1967. In 1973, we formalized our diversity supplier program and began hosting an annual business development day. Last year we went bigger and bolder and launched a week-long Business Diversity Summit that brought together corporate executives, government officials, business development council leaders and diverse business owners to drive minority supplier success.

Don’t miss this year’s Summit as Allstate and other Fortune 500 companies share how supporting diverse businesses creates business value, strengthens communities, and creates jobs, and the role you play in making this possible. We look forward to having you join us. 

Randy Lytes

Manager, Business Diversity and Sustainability

Sourcing & Procurement Solutions

Allstate 

rlyte@allstate.com

Join us for a rich panel discussion on “Leveraging Intersectionality of Veterans with Disabilities in the Workplace”

November 16 – 12:00-1:00 ET

Register Now!

Wednesday, November 16th, from 11:00 AM – 12:15 PM CST. 

Hosted By: Center for Disability Inclusion, Disability:IN Chicagoland, DC Metro, Minnesota, and Wisconsin

Overview:

In recognition of Veterans Day, this session will delve into the diverse and extensive contributions of Veterans in the workplace. Panelists will discuss this often misunderstood area of translating work experience and share best practices for applying intersectionality in outreach, recruitment, and the workplace to benefit employees and their employers.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand Veteran culture and how to apply it to your outreach and recruitment
• Apply intersectionality to outreach and recruitment of Veterans
• Develop a recruitment strategy leveraging the SkillBridge Program
• Hear from Veteran panelists who will discuss their transition into civilian employment

Special Guest and Panelists:

• The Honorable James D. Rodriguez, Assistant Secretary for Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (VETS), U.S. Department of Labor
• Anna Thomas, VR&E Employment Coordinator (Continental Region) U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Readiness and Employment
• Kristopher Rick, Training and Partnership Lead for VETS, U.S. Department of Labor
• Marcia Edwards, Diversity Recruitment Specialist & SkillBridge Lead, Mayo Clinic
• Paul Maetzold, Operations Manager, Mayo Clinic

Moderated by Andrea Hall, Diversity & Inclusion Sr. Manager, General Dynamics Missions System

DON'T MISS THESE

NATIONAL CONFERENCES

Get Ready for The Arc’s 2023 National Convention!

November 6 – 8 | New Orleans, LA

REGISTER NOW!

The Arc’s National Convention is an unmatched opportunity to connect and learn with advocates, professionals, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and their families.

No matter what your connection is to the disability community, we have sessions sure to challenge, inspire, and motivate! We’re preparing an exciting lineup of thought leaders from across the disability community, including policy experts, self-advocates, and innovators at the forefront of disability services and supports.

You will learn about employment, education, advocacy, housing, technology, criminal justice, and more.

The Institute for Workplace Equality

Artificial Intelligence and Employment Compliance Conference

November 14-16

Register for THE AIEC CONFERENCE

Member Registration

Non-Member Registration

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!