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Headshot of Jamie Rudolph, a white woman with long brunette hair. Jamie is wearing a maroon blazer and smiling at the camera.

Dear Friend,


Welcome to the September edition of the Disability:IN Minnesota newsletter!   

As the back-to-school season begins, we turn our attention to the educators who play such a crucial role in shaping the minds of the future. This time of year brings excitement and challenges, especially for teachers with disabilities who contribute immensely to our educational system. Recognizing their efforts and ensuring they receive the support they need to succeed are essential. Supporting these teachers creates a more inclusive environment for all students. Read more.


This month, we are excited to host our annual Disability-Owned Business Enterprise (DOBE®) event on September 19! In collaboration with Center for Disability Inclusion, Disability:IN Chicagoland, Disability:IN DC Metro, Disability:IN Minnesota, Disability:IN North Carolina, and Disability:IN Wisconsin, this virtual event will focus on best practices for building inclusive partnerships and integrating DOBE®s into supply chain management. You won’t want to miss this session. Reserve your spot today! 


In September, we also observe National Guide Dog Month, Lymphoma Awareness Month, Pain Awareness Month, Alzheimer Awareness Month, and National HIV and Aging Day on September 18, among others. To view all disability awareness dates and observances, check out Disability:IN’s 2024 Calendar.


Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay up-to-date with learning resources, upcoming events, and opportunities to support disability inclusion. Together, we can build a more inclusive society for all.


Warm regards,

 

Jamie Rudolph

Disability:IN Minnesota Board Chair

ID: Headshot of Jamie Rudolph, a woman with long brunette hair. Jamie is wearing a maroon blazer and smiling at the camera.

Upcoming Events

Disability-Owned Business Enterprise

(DOBE®) Event

Graphic reads "Building Inclusive Partnerships: Integrating DOBEs into Supply Chain Management" in white text against a dark blue background. To the right is a photo of a young woman in a supply store. She is standing upright, writing on a clipboard, and smiling at the camera. Below is a green banner that reads "12:00 PM (CDT) in white text and "Thursday, September 19" in dark blue against a white background featuring host logos to the right.

ID: Graphic reads "Building Inclusive Partnerships: Integrating DOBEs into Supply Chain Management" in white text against a dark blue background. To the right is a photo of a young woman in a supply store. She is standing upright, writing on a clipboard, and smiling at the camera. Below is a green banner that reads "12:00 PM (CDT) in white text and "Thursday, September 19" in dark blue against a white background featuring host logos to the right.

Join us virtually for a collaborative event: "Building Inclusive Partnerships: Integrating DOBE®s into Supply Chain Management." Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of a movement towards more inclusive and equitable supply chains. Register now and take the first step towards building stronger, more resilient partnerships.


Thursday, September 19, 2024

12:00 – 1:00 PM (CDT)

Register

November Member Meeting

Graphic reads "Creating a Trauma-Aware Workplace: Supporting Employees with PTSD. November 7, 2024, 11:00 AM - 12:15 PM CDT." in white text against a light brown background. To the left is a photo of three (3) professionals having a business meeting. They are sitting around a laptop, looking at each other, and smiling. Event hosts' logos appear at the bottom of the image.

ID: Graphic reads "Creating a Trauma-Aware Workplace: Supporting Employees with PTSD. November 7, 2024, 11:00 AM - 12:15 PM CDT." in white text against a light brown background. To the left is a photo of three (3) professionals having a business meeting. They are sitting around a laptop, looking at each other, and smiling. Event hosts' logos appear at the bottom of the image.

Join us for "Creating a Trauma-Aware Workplace: Supporting Employees with PTSD," a virtual conversation on the impacts of trauma and fostering an inclusive and supportive work environment for trauma survivors. During the event, participants will have the chance to learn from clinical professionals, hear personal stories from trauma survivors, explore tools and resources, and ask questions during a Q&A session. 


Thursday, November 7, 2024

11:00 AM – 12:15 PM (CDT)

Register

Questions about any of our events? Contact us at info@di-mn.org.

Member Column

Headshot of Todd Schuler, a white man with short grey hair. Todd is wearing a blue suit coat and tie and is smiling at the camera.

Featuring....


Todd D. Schuler, Director of Business Development, Talent Software Services, A Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business


What is one disability topic or trend you think employers should be thinking about to make their companies more inclusive and accessible to disabled candidates and employees?


Working for a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned staffing firm, we are always searching for qualified employees for positions throughout the U.S.  It is important to ensure candidates with disabilities can ask for assistive technologies and other accommodations early in the onboarding process.


I encourage companies to take the time to investigate assistive technologies to enhance their inclusivity for disabled employees and candidates. Investing in these technologies will support employees with disabilities in performing their responsibilities more efficiently. Examples of such technology include, but are not limited to, screen readers, voice recognition software, and ergonomic workstations.

 


How does integrating disability strengthen the workforce and economy overall?


By committing to being a strong, diverse, and inclusive company, numerous benefits are presented to the workforce and the economy overall. Including employees with disabilities as part of diversity programs can create a more creative and innovative work environment. Businesses that lead in inclusive programs enhance their reputation, which attracts customers and top talent.



ID: Headshot of Todd Schuler, a man with short grey hair. Todd is wearing a blue suit coat and tie and is smiling at the camera.

Do you work for a Disability:IN Minnesota member company and want to be featured in our monthly member column? Are you interested in becoming a member of Disability:IN Minnesota? Contact us today!

New & Renewing Members

Thank you for becoming a new member of

Disability:IN Minnesota!

Blue logo for Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis

ID: Logo for Disability:IN Minnesota Member: Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis

Updates from Disability:IN National

Disability:IN Global Conference Impact Report

Graphic reads "Are you In? 2024 Disability:IN Conference" in white and blue text against a blue background with a decorative triangular design. A photo of an audience listening to two speakers on a stage appears below. "2024 Disability:IN Global Conference Impact Report" in green and white text in front of a gradient blue triangular background appears at the bottom of the image.


Disability:IN is immensely grateful for the engaging conversations, lifelong memories, and powerful connections that emerged from the 2024 Disability:IN Global Conference & Expo.


"Whether you attended in person or virtually, we extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributed to making this year's conference so impactful. We couldn't have had such an amazing experience without all of your support!"

ID: Graphic reads "Are you In? 2024 Disability:IN Conference" in white and blue text against a blue background with a decorative triangular design. A photo of an audience listening to two speakers on a stage appears below. "2024 Disability:IN Global Conference Impact Report" in green and white text in front of a gradient blue triangular background appears at the bottom of the image.

Read the 2024 Conference Impact Report

Get Notified: The 2025 Disability Equality Index Interest Form

Graphic reads DEI in bright green text against a dark blue background. Below the banner reads "Best Places to work for disability inclusion" in white text.

Participating in the Disability Equality Index empowers companies to continuously improve year over year through benchmarking and knowledge sharing, enabling them to set higher standards for disability inclusion.


Complete the 2025 Disability Equality Index® Interest Form to be notified when registration opens for the 2025 Disability Equality Index.

2025 DEI Interest Form

ID: Graphic reads DEI in bright green text against a dark blue background. Below the banner reads "Best Places to work for disability inclusion" in white text.

2024 Calendar

September




October


November


National Disability Employment Awareness Month



Is your organization hosting an event to honor National Disability Employment Awareness Month? Contact us today at info@di-mn.org with the event details to be featured in the October newsletter!

Partner calendar events can be accessed using the links below:





Planning a disability inclusion event?

Expanding your event to include Disability:IN Minnesota members can increase visibility of your company's disability inclusion efforts and offer learning opportunities to members at varying points in their journey. Contact us today to add your disability inclusion event to our calendar!

Contact Us

About Us

Disability:IN Minnesota is an employer-led endeavor that promotes best practices that enhance employment and career opportunities for skilled individuals who have a disability.


Our members are committed to disability-inclusive hiring practices and love to share best practices and ideas for recruiting, hiring, on-boarding and supporting candidates and employees with disabilities.


Learn more about our organization and benefits or contact us today.

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