Driving Innovation through Disability Inclusion

Commitment in uncertain times.

Disability Inclusion is business-critical for employee engagement, innovation, a positive culture, and organizational success.

Message from Katherine McCary, CEO

Thank you for celebrating the 35^th Anniversary

with us last Thursday, July 31, 2025. 

Despite the weather keeping a few away, we had a great event!

We appreciated the amazing food and beverages provided by K&L Gates, as well as hosting us in their lovely space. Lori Daly, thank you for starting us off by singing the Star Spangled Banner.  Craig Leen, thank you for your welcoming comments and of course your leadership. And Rick Rodgers, thank you for sharing the warm message from Yoshiko Dart.

Comments by our distinguished disability leaders, starting off with ODEP Deputy Assistant Secretary Brian Walsh, helped us set the tone for hearing from Lisa Lewis (Omnium Circus), Isabel Hodge (WID) , Lori Daly,(ADA Leadership Trainer Network) and Pat Tessler (G3Ict).

A big thank you and extended applause for Frances West. Hearing her personal story helps us all to remember how each one of us plays an important role in continuing to achieve full inclusion.

August Events

Time Sensitive and Critical Topic

Self ID and 7%: How do Employers Address the OFCCP Proposed Ruling?

Join us Tomorrow

Tuesday, August 5 at 1 pm ET to hear

Craig Leen share his thoughts on the OFCCP Proposed Changes to Self ID and 7% Aspirational Goal

Register

Join us for an insightful online event where Craig Leen, Partner K&L Gates, and former OFCCP Director under the first Trump Administration, who was very involved in focusing on increasing disability employment, will discuss the implications of the OFCCP proposed ruling on Self Identification and the 7% utilization goal for individuals with disabilities. Learn how employers should be responding to the proposed changes to ensure the progress on disability inclusion is not blocked. Don't miss out on this important discussion!

The Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) has proposed significant changes to its regulations implementing Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act, which governs affirmative action for individuals with disabilities in federal contracting. These changes include eliminating the requirement for contractors to solicit self-identification of disability status from applicants and employees, as well as discontinuing the 7% utilization goal.Key Changes Proposed:

• Elimination of self-identification requests:.The OFCCP proposes to remove the requirement for contractors to invite applicants and employees to voluntarily self-identify as individuals with disabilities.
• Removal of the 7% utilization goal:.The proposed rule would eliminate the 7% utilization goal for the employment of qualified individuals with disabilities in each job group or the entire workforce.
• Retention of other obligations:.While eliminating self-identification and the utilization goal, the OFCCP retains other obligations, such as conducting outreach and recruitment efforts to attract qualified individuals with disabilities.
• Alignment with ADA:.The OFCCP asserts that the proposed changes align more closely with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which prohibits employers from making disability-related inquiries before extending a job offer

Background:The proposed changes are part of a broader effort by the OFCCP to streamline regulations and reduce burdens on federal contractors. The OFCCP has also proposed changes to regulations implementing the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA), which are largely procedural and align with the rescission of Executive Order 11246 regulations.Next Steps:

• Public comment period:The public has until September 2, 2025, to submit comments on the proposed rules.
• Final rule:After reviewing comments, the OFCCP will submit the final rule to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) for review.
• Potential impact:The proposed changes could significantly impact how federal contractors approach affirmative action for individuals with disabilities.

FYI

OFCCP Proposals to Rescind EO 11246 Regulations and Modify Section 503 and VEVRAA Regulations

On July 1, 2025, OFCCP published in the Federal Register a set of proposals to rescind the regulations implementing Executive Order 11246 and to modify the regulations implementing Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and VEVRAA. According to the agency, these changes are intended to align its regulations with recent court decisions and executive orders. Most significantly, the proposed changes to the Section 503 regulations would remove the requirement for federal contractors to solicit disability status from applicants and employees.

Here is the link to the proposed amended Section 503 rule, which was published in the Federal Register on July 1, 2025. 

35th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

Please Join Us!

Wednesday August 6, 2025 Noon - 1PM ET

Register for the ADA Anniversary Webinar

Please join us on Wednesday, 6 August for a webinar discussing the history and implementation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), with a focus on compliance and best practices. This program will be led by partner Craig Leen, joined by Vishal Mehta and Neeki Memarzadeh, all based in our Washington, DC office. 

The program will also touch on K&L Gates' former partner Dick Thornburgh, who was instrumental in the ADA’s development and passage as U.S. Attorney General. 

EVENT PAG

"Igniting Growth: Reimagining Supplier Inclusion"

September 18, 2025 Noon - 1 PM ET

Register for the Igniting Growth webinar

Supplier development is more than a business strategy—it's a catalyst for innovation, resilience, and inclusive growth.

Join Cami Turcotte, Senior Director of Supplier Inclusion at Disability:IN, as she explores the evolving global supplier landscape and unveils forward-thinking strategies that organizations are using to unlock untapped potential.

Hosted in partnership with Disability:IN Chicagoland, Disability:IN DC Metro, and Disability:IN North Carolina, this virtual session will challenge conventional approaches and spark new ideas for building a more inclusive, dynamic, and future-ready supply chain.

About the Presenter:

Cami Turcotte has been with Disability:IN since 2012. She currently is the Senior Director, Supplier Inclusion. Cami works to identify and certify disability-owned businesses, as well as ensure stakeholder engagement throughout the Supplier Inclusion Program.Over the course of her time with Disability:IN’s Supplier Inclusion Program, she has worked closely with suppliers to foster and build their success as certified Disability-Owned Business Enterprises. She works to promote the importance of certification and the value that it provides through relationships, business development and further education.Cami attended Florida State University in Tallahassee, Florida, and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Criminology. She has 2 teenage boys and spends most of her free time running, at the gym, or chasing after her dogs.

This virtual meeting will be held on Zoom. Registration is required to attend. Please register by Tuesday, September 16 at 5:00 PM.

Accessibility: Live captioning will be provided for this event. If you need accommodations to participate, please request them via the registration form at least 5 days prior to the event.

Registration Fees:

• Free for all staff of Disability:IN Minnesota Member Companies
• Free for Disability:IN Affiliate Members
• Free for non-members

Technology and the Disability Experience

September 30, 2025 | NYC, NY

Tuesday, September 30 | Times Center

242 West 41st Street, New York, NY 10036

Purchase Tickets

An evening exploring how artificial intelligence and new technologies impact accessibility, disability inclusion, and the future of workforce innovation.

An exploration of artificial intelligence, extended reality, smart devices, and their impact on accessibility, disability inclusion, and the future of workforce innovation.

• Partner-Exclusive Pre-Event: 3:30 PM
• Cocktail Hour + Technology Showcase: 5:30 PM
• Main Event (Panel Discussion + Awards): 7-8:30 PM

Disability:IN DC Metro is a Proud Sponsor of the

2025 M-Enabling Summit!

Ready for a Transformative Journey into Digital Accessibility?

Learn more about the E-Enabling Summit 2025, organized by G3ict

Visit the conference website

Join us in Washington, D.C., from October 6 to 8, 2025, at our new venue, the Crystal Gateway Marriott, for a three-day dynamic summit and exhibition. Connect with innovative thought leaders and trendsetters who are transforming inclusive environments and user experiences for over 1.3 billion people with disabilities. Gain insights and network with business executives, disability advocates, developers, and policy experts across various sectors, including private, public, nonprofit, and education.

The 13th Annual M-Enabling Summit, themed “Digital Accessibility Innovation—A Deep Dive into Next-Generation User Experiences,” will explore the latest tech trends for organizational inclusion. Engage in roundtables, workshops, and discussions to enhance your accessibility approach. Don’t miss the Accessibility Professionals Forum, presented by the International Association of Accessibility Professionals (IAAP), a division of G3ict, focusing on accessibility in the organization at the intersection of physical and digital environments.

Can’t make it to Washington, D.C.? No problem at all! Join us online to access a curated selection of streamed sessions, interact with leading industry experts through our conference app, or catch up with post-event recordings. Not planning to attend the conference in any form? You still have the option to purchase post-show recordings to stay informed. Be part of the essential digital accessibility movement, no matter where you are!

NTID Career Fair

 Thursday, October 16, 2025, from 12:30 to 4:00 p.m. 

This event is designed for employers actively recruiting students and graduates for co-op, internship, and full-time positions during the 2025–2026 academic year.

Register Now

What Registration Includes

• Registration Fee: $500 for up to two (2) representatives
• Option to add up to two (2) additional representatives at $100 each (maximum of four total per booth)
• One 6’ skirted table, two chairs, and optional power access
• Morning beverages and lunch for all registered representatives
• One ASL interpreter provided per booth. Companies are welcome to bring their own interpreters. Interpreter attendance will not count toward your representative limit, and no fee will be charged.

How to Register

Visit: https://rit-csm.symplicity.com/events/Fa25NTID

• If you have a Symplicity account, log in to register.
• If you are new to Symplicity, select "New Participants" and then proceed with registration.

Schedule at a Glance

• 10:00 a.m. – Employer check-in and booth setup
• 11:15 a.m. – Lunch & Awards
• 12:30 p.m. – Career Fair opens
• 4:00 p.m. – Career Fair closes

Important Registration Notes

1. You will see one event listed in the registration form: NTID Career Fair – October 16, 2025.
2. We are not hosting a separate Interview Day this year. However, if you would like to interview students, please let us know and we will offer alternative options.
3. In the "Majors Recruited" section, please be specific and avoid selecting “All Majors” unless applicable. 
4. Being selective about which majors you are recruiting helps students find employers that match their interests and helps you attract the right talent to your booth.

Additional Details

Information about shipping instructions, directions, and parking will be sent after your registration is approved.

Questions? Email Erica Fleischman Roethel .

Thank you for your interest in recruiting at RIT/NTID. We look forward to seeing you on campus on October 16th!

Kind regards,

Erica

Erica Fleischman Roethel  She/Her/Hers

Assistant Director / NTID Career Fair Coordinator 

Co-op and Career Center

National Technical Institute for the Deaf (NTID)

Rochester Institute of Technology

One Year In: The Impact of the Current Administration on Disability Policy

November 6, 2025

1-2 pm ET

Register for NOD One-Year In Webinar

One year after the election, NOD CEO and President Beth Sirull reunites with Charles Catherine and Congressman Jim Langevin to assess the current administration and policy changes, examining their impact on the lives of people with disabilities.

PANELISTS:

Congressman Jim Langevin

Former U.S. Representative for Rhode Island & NOD Policy Ambassador

Charles E. Catherine-Caldaro

Director, Corporate & Government Relations, NOD

Moderator: Beth Sirull

President & Chief Executive Officer, NOD

Accessibility:

Captions and ASL Sign Language Interpreter will be provided.

Accommodations + Questions:

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

Purchase Tickets NOW for these Annual DC - based Signature Events!

2025 AFB Leadership Conference

Leading Together: Leveraging Change to Advance Our Vision

November 12-14

Arlington, VA

Register for the AFBLC

Join us for the 2025 American Foundation for the Blind Leadership Conference (AFBLC), which will be held at the Crystal Gateway Marriott Hotel in Arlington, Virginia, from November 12th to 14th!

This year’s conference theme is Leading Together: Leveraging Change to Advance Our Vision. The focus of the conference will be built on the dynamic reality that has been ensconced in our community in recent years. From the rapidly expanding fiscal austerity that has dramatically impacted legacy programs and institutions to the seismic societal shift brought by artificial intelligence and other technologies, our world has witnessed significant change. While headlines increasingly highlight a growing sense of disruption, AFB believes that by coming together, we can leverage this change in a manner that propels our mission forward for the next generation of thought leaders, scholars, and practitioners committed to creating a world of endless possibilities for people who are blind or have low vision.

Interested in Sponsoring? Download the AFBLC 2025 Sponsorship Menu to learn more or email partners@afb.org with any questions.

BroadFutures’ Upcoming Gala: A Renewed Vision. A Bold New Future.

November 22, 2025

5:30 pm- 8 pm

International Spy Museum

Washington, DC

Buy Your Gala Tickets Today!

A Renewed Vision. A Bold New Future.

Join us as we celebrate our community and look ahead with courage and purpose. From alumni, employers, parents, donors, and community partners, your support is crucial and we look forward to celebrating together. This year, BroadFutures is revealing their new brand and vision for the future and hope you will join us.

Meet Our Champion Awardee!

Atlas Performing Arts Center is a dedicated and longtime employer partner, deeply committed to our mission, providing a broad variety of inspiring, meaningful work experiences for our interns.

Originally built in 1938, as one of four movie theaters on H Street NE, The Atlas was a beloved gathering place for film lovers for over 30 years. Reimagined in 2006 as a vibrant, community-based performing arts center, the 59,000-square-foot facility now houses four performance spaces, dance studios, offices, back-of-house facilities, and a welcoming lobby with a bar. The Atlas’ mission is to provide space for artists to create music, theatre, and dance that entertains and engages audiences around the ideas and issues of our time. They foster an inclusive environment that reflects the diversity of the community and invest in partnerships and programs that showcase the best of the arts and our shared humanity.

7Magnolia is a leader in inclusive design—a design agency owned and led by neurodivergent individuals, grounded in the belief that diversity of thought drives more innovative, impactful brands and products that stand out and break the mold. 7 Magnolia is deeply committed to BroadFutures’ mission and has been an invaluable partner in our logo redesign and new website development—laying the foundation for a renewed vision and a bold new future for BroadFutures.

August Business News

Congratulations to Chicagoland

2025 Affiliate of the Year

At the Disability:IN Annual Conference in Orlando last month, Disability:IN Chicagoland was named the Affiliate of the Year! The Affiliate of the Year award recognizes an outstanding Disability:IN Affiliate that has demonstrated exemplary efforts in promoting the vision, mission, and spirit of Disability:IN.

Chicagoland, led by Executive Director, Laura Wilhelm, demonstrated how their efforts have helped employers and communities understand, utilize, and benefit from the valuable resources that people with disabilities bring to the workplace, supply chain, and marketplace. The Chicagoland Affiliate is a valued member in the Affiliate Collaborative that works with DC Metro, Minnesota, and North Carolina to bring leading programs to their combined membership and to the other affiliates.

AbilityJOBS.com

abilityJOBS(est. 1995) and ABILITY Job Fair offer an unmatched combination of services. abilityJOBS.com has an easy-to-use job board with AI-enhanced job postings and an extensive resume bank, providing year-round career listings and ads, as well as access to a nationwide pool of professionals across all industries.

Register for direct engagement during accessible one-on-one video meetings that include sign language interpreters at no charge, live captions and more. By integrating both platforms, employers can leverage ongoing reach and visibility and combine it with the efficient, personal connection-building a truly skilled and diverse workforce. Contact Lori Daly

Section 508 Best Practices Webinar in Archives:

That Doesn't Need to Be a PDF

The U.S. Access Board’s Section 508 webinar “That Doesn't Need to Be a PDF” was last week, but the recording and presentation materials are available in the archives. The session reviewed how agencies can design an HTML-first approach for electronic content using “@media print” for a superior printing experience (because yes, some people do use paper) during a panel discussion with experts from FDIC, USAB, and GSA. This webinar series is made available by the Accessibility Community of Practice of the CIO Council in partnership with the Board. It is hosted by the ADA National Network in cooperation with the Board. All webinars are archived and available on the Section 508 Best Practices Webinar Archives webpage.

Why Alt Text Matters

The best marketers already know that alt text isn’t just for search engines—it’s essential for making digital content accessible to everyone.

But writing great alt text? That’s harder than it looks.

Whether you're describing a complex graphic or a simple product image, your alt text needs to be clear, concise, and meaningful.

Done right, it ensures that screen reader users have an equitable experience and that your content performs better across channels.

To help you get it right, our team of accessibility experts created a practical guide to writing effective alt text that’s both inclusive and impactful.

Read the article about Alt Text.

Creating Inclusive Spaces: Retail Coalition Announced

by Jess Davidson | Jul 9, 2025 | Press Release

Starbucks Coffee Company, CVS Health, Walmart, Sam’s Club, Step n’ Wash, amongst others, join as inaugural members

 WASHINGTON, D.C. – This July, we celebrate Disability Pride. Nearly one in four American adults has a disability and lives independently, seeks to work for competitive wages, and learns alongside their peers. Although the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) passed nearly thirty-five years ago, communities and retail spaces across the country often remain difficult for many disabled people to navigate. For millions, something as simple as using a public restroom or entering a store without assistance is still a challenge. 

Retail leaders across the U.S. are working to change that. With a long-term vision of creating entire communities that are accessible, industry leaders from Starbucks Coffee Company, CVS Health, Walmart, Sam’s Club, Otis Elevator, LockNet, and Step ‘n Wash have teamed up with the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) to create The Access Coalition: Creating More Inclusive Retail Spaces. 

Starting with a focus on retail spaces, these companies are working together to expand and open-source the Inclusive Spaces Framework, which was originally authored by Starbucks and utilized in the launch of a Starbucks store in the Union Market District of Washington, D.C.

“The Access Coalition is a powerful example of the positive impact that can occur when industry comes together with community to co-create spaces that reflect and adapt to the range of consumer experiences. It is coalitions like this that make the goals of the Americans with Disabilities Act, of Equal Opportunity, Full Participation, Independent Living, and Economic Self-Sufficiency achievable, and it is the work of coalitions like this that make it easier for us to embrace our disability pride.”  – Maria Town, President and CEO, American Association of People with Disabilities.

Read the entire AAPD Article

Recorded Webinar: Buy-In or Backfire:

Leadership & the Legal Realities of Accessibility

Watch Now

This session – hosted by Ken Nakata, former Senior Trial Attorney for the U.S. Department of Justice’s Disability Rights Section, and BIT, explored how evolving legal expectations are reshaping accessibility in today’s workplace. The conversation highlighted why leadership buy-in isn’t just beneficial – it’s essential to avoid legal and reputational fallout. In today’s shifting landscape, the message was clear: buy in – or risk backlash.

If you missed the live session, the full webinar replay is available now at blindit.org/leadership-legal-realities-accessibility. In addition to the video, BIT offers a customizable leadership letter you can download and use to help kickstart internal conversations about accessibility. Whether you're looking to build buy-in or strengthen your current strategy, it's a practical tool to engage decision-makers in a way that’s grounded in both legal insight and business impact.

National Trends in Disability Employment (nTIDE) – Issued monthly by Kessler Foundation and the University of New Hampshire

Durham, NH – August 1, 2025 – The latest National Trends in Disability Employment (nTIDE) report shows that the employment of people with disabilities declined by a full percentage point last month, while the employment of people without disabilities remained unchanged. At the same time, the labor force participation of people with disabilities held steady as individuals stay in the job market during these uncertain economic times, according to nTIDE experts. nTIDE is issued by Kessler Foundation and the University of New Hampshire’s Institute on Disability.

Thank You to Our Sponsor Partners!

mEnabling Summit 2025

WID

AAPD

Billion Strong

The Resource Network

The Valuable 500

Blind Institute of Technology

Standard Accessibility Reporting

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!

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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