"FEDERAL UPDATES From OFCCP, ODEP. EEOC

General Dynamics Mission Systems

12450 Fair Lakes Circle, Fairfax VA 22033

March 4, 2020

8:30 AM – 12:00PM

Register for March 2020 Program

Attend for Free in Person or Virtually!

The Disability:IN DC Metro Program Calendar kicks off with key presentations by our Board Chair, Andrea Hall , Senior Manager, Diversity and Inclusion, General Dynamics Mission Systems ; Craig Leen, Director of OFCCP who will review OFCCP’s 2019 accomplishments and plans for 2020   regarding his commitment to individuals with disabilities and veterans; Renee Tajudeen, Director, Policy Communications and Outreach, ODEP sharing ODEP’s 2020 Disability Inclusion work and Updates from Associate Legal Counsel, Carol Miaskoff, EEOC .

Registration Now Open for April Program

"Innovative Approaches to Increasing Self-ID"

Northrop Grumman

7575 Colshire Drive, McLean VA 22012

April 7, 2020

8:30 AM – 12:00PM

Register for April 2020 Program

Free for Members

$99 for non members

Free for Virtual Attendees

This session follows the topics discussed in our March 4 “Federal Updates” program at General Dynamics Mission Systems.

Today, more and more employers across the U.S. are recognizing the value of a workforce inclusive of people with disabilities and using a variety of innovative strategies to bring them on board. Our April Host, Northrop Grumman, is one of those leading the efforts. Northrop Grumman was named as “Best Places to Work for Disability Inclusion” receiving the highest ranking on the Disability Equality Index (DEI)® for the fifth year in a row; ranked 17th on Diversity Inc’s annual list for the TOP 50 Companies for Diversity and was ranked No.1 for both veterans and people with disabilities in 2019.

In this session, Pamela Roberts, Director of Diversity & Inclusion at Northrop Grumman will discuss its innovative approaches to Self ID and share its results, including active employee engagement utilizing their Victory Over Impairment and Challenge Enterprise (VOICE) employee resource group. There will be an open discussion from members and guests, exchanging different strategies and sharing innovative practices. Kevin Carpenter, VP and EEO Consultant, Wells Fargo, NILG Board Member and Ellice Switzer, EARN (Employer Assistance and Resource Network on Disability Inclusion) will share the results of the work done in partnership with the National Industry Liaison Group (NILG). (US Citizenship- Contact Katherine McCary with questions)

2020 Program Calendar

“Leveraging the Disability Advantage with Melwood’s AbilIT Graduates”

Looking for an Innovative Ways to Find IT Talent?

June 15, 2020

General Dynamics IT

3150 Fairview Park Drive

Falls Church, VA 22042

Breakfast Meeting

8:30-11:00 am

Registration will open in May

Melwood’s newest program, abilIT, is designed to help people of differing abilities enter the field of cybersecurity. In partnership with Cybrary, this 12-week training program consists of both technical training and professional and personal development. This wrap-around training is the cornerstone of Melwood’s 55-year long success. The program is designed to ensure that participants are equipped with both the technical knowhow and soft skills necessary to join and succeed on any project team.

Click one of the links below to learn more about the what the abilIT program can do for you or your business!

2020 Programming Opportunities

We are hard at work planning for our 2020 monthly programs and webinars. The Board is currently considering the topics below and we would like your input! Please contact Katherine McCary with your comments.

Program Host Opportunities

Are you looking for an opportunity to provide free training to your employees? Become a Program Host! (Exclusive to Business members). Choose your topic or suggest another hot topic on disability inclusion. Contact Katherine McCary for more information on how to support your internal education, maximize your disability-focused ERG, educate your senior leaders!

Member Renewals

Need to Renew Your Membership?

If you need to know your renewal date or need an invoice, contact Katherine McCary .

Become a Member- Annual Membership

All local employees are members.

Additional Registrations: $65

Additional Registrations: $65

Additional Registrations: $65

Additional Registrations: $65

Additional Registrations: $65

For any questions, please contact Katherine McCary or Andrea Hall (Chair).

Board Members:

 

Advisory Board Members:

Click the logo to support the Disability:IN DC Metro

Welcome Our Newest Corporate Member!

BAE Systems

Myra Wilder represents BAE on the Disability:IN DC Metro Board of Directors.

Headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, BAE Systems, Inc. in the United States, United Kingdom, Sweden, and Israel, provides support and service solutions for current and future defense, intelligence, and civilian systems; designs, develops and manufactures a wide range of electronic systems and subsystems for both military and commercial applications; produces specialized security and protection products; and designs, develops, produces, and provides service support of armored combat vehicles, artillery systems, and munitions. BAE is also a corporate parter with Disability:IN.

Please join us in welcoming them!

"Where, Oh Where, Are You, My Disabled Colleagues?"

John D. Kemp, President & CEO, The Viscardi Center

C-Suite executives with disabilities, we know you’re out there. Why are you hiding? For years, I’ve been asking, where are the CEOs and executives with disabilities because their names don’t roll off my tongue. Although I use four prostheses and am a CEO of a large not-for-profit in the New York metro area, I can only rattle off a few. The true answer: you’re out there. You’re just not disclosing your disability.

A  study  of top U.S. companies by revenue showed CEOs are the oldest and longest-tenured individuals within an organization. The average age for a CEO across industries is 58, with the oldest average age being 60 in the financial services arena. Berkshire Hathaway’s Warren Buffet tops the list at age 85. In fact, there are 10  Fortune 500 companies that are younger than Mr. Buffet’s . Further,  research from a Chicago-based executive search firm  noted the average age of more recently hired CEOs and CFOs has been on the rise since 2012.



So, why aren’t executives with disabilities self-identifying? There are many reasons. The falseness of perceived weakness. The perception that we may be unable to do the job. The possible need for reasonable accommodations. Think about public opinion on Bernie Sanders’ leadership ability, based on his age, when he ran for President in 2016 and how the Senator’s heart attack several months ago might imply a lack of fitness for office and detrimentally impact his current bid for election.

With age comes disability. It can be a natural consequence of aging. People with disabilities, on average, are 16 years older than non-disabled people. But, it has little to do with talent and the ability to perform well in most executive positions. Wearing eyeglasses and hearing aids, utilizing a cane or even a handrail for stability or an elevator instead of stairs, and seeing medical specialists for cardiac, diabetic and hypertension conditions all fit the category of adapting to sight, mobility and hearing impairments. Guess what folks, you have, or will likely acquire, a disability during your golden years. In fact, 83 percent of disabilities are acquired, after birth, during our lifetimes.

The lack of individuals in leadership roles revealing their disabilities is reflective of the employment woes people with disabilities experience. Though the landmark 30th anniversary of the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is in July, the employment of people with disabilities continues to be an area where we’ve barely improved our rate of employment. We’re still seeing an  outrageously low labor force participation rate , the percentage of people who are working or actively looking for work, by individuals with disabilities. If well-educated, qualified individuals aren’t even in the workforce, how could they possibly climb the corporate ladder, or shall I say ‘ramp’?

By disclosing our disabilities, top executives can strengthen their companies’ inclusion cultures and set the course for it to embrace more fully their diversity and inclusion goals. By outwardly showing we are members of our protected class, it can reduce bias against the hiring of older individuals and people with disabilities and, by example, increase our employment opportunities.

C-Suite level executives, if you have a disability, I implore you to embrace your disability identity and be counted. Take pride in your disability. If you haven’t already done so, disclose it. Remember, you serve as a mentor and a role model for our next generations of corporate leaders.

As I’m reaching for an hors d’oeuvre at my next business networking event, I want to be able to effortlessly share a list of CEOs and high-level business professionals who have disabilities when someone asks me to name a few.

A quarter of working-age adults in the U.S. have a disability; yet even with committed employers and talented job seekers, current approaches to inclusive employment are not working fast enough to improve job rates and opportunities for people with disabilities. A new start-up company called Flexability wants to tackle this challenge head-on.

Founded in 2019, Flexability's vision is to change the world by changing workplaces. Flexability believes that this change won’t happen without unconventional collaborations, open-minded thinking, and a commitment to doing the real work. Matching skilled workers with disabilities with employers who need talent levels the playing field, diminishes institutionalized bias, and combats an outdated disability narrative.

What does Flexability do differently?

First, the company founded as a B-Corporation in order to diverge from shareholder primacy as the dominant purpose of corporate existence. Flexability is committed to a corporate decision-making process that elevates the concerns and needs of employees, customers, communities, suppliers, and the wellness of the planet to a level that matches that of the owners.

Second, culture and connection is the number one reason people choose one job over another. “In an economy with unemployment rates below 4 percent, we help our candidates and recruits reach employers who share the same values, said Nancy J. Geenen, Flexability CEO, ‘We are putting people into jobs, and we are partnering with racial and social injustice educators and activists to address inequity in the workplace. We’re a part of a community dedicated to confronting tough issues in the workplace.”

This new venture is determined to prove that equitable, people-first cultures are the smarter, more profitable way to do business. Spending energy and resources to hire, retain, and grow great talent enables workers to thrive and companies to achieve and exceed their goals.

A few facts to know about Flexability:

Editor's Note: Crosby served on the USBLN Board with Katherine McCary and has a wide following in the disability community! Welcome!

Does your organization have a Richmond office?

There's good news for you!

Disability:IN DC Metro and VirginiaAbility have partnered to support your disability inclusion education.

The goal of Virginia Ability is to assist Metro Richmond businesses in providing solutions for increasing workforce and marketplace diversity by including people with disabilities.

Virginia Ability is a nonprofit organization that was originally established in 1994 as the Virginia Business Leadership Network (VABLN) through the President’s Committee on the Employment of People with Disabilities. Virginia Ability is comprised of a Board of Directors consisting of representatives from local businesses and major corporations that provides perspective on today’s business workplace when it comes to disability inclusion, and a Community Advisory Council that provides guidance and consultation to help the Board achieve its goal of educating employers about the benefits of hiring persons with disabilities.

WCAG 2.1: Validator, Checklist, and Live Human Testing

A Web Content Accessibility Guidelines validator is an excellent tool for making your website accessible to a larger audience, but the tool is just one component in the larger process of making your website accessible to people with disabilities.

When conducting a web accessibility evaluation, your organization should also run through an accessibility checklist and conduct human testing to make sure your digital platforms are compliant with accessibility guidelines.  Accessibility evaluation tools  make it easier to identify and resolve problems, but can’t catch every problem and can trigger warnings when there isn’t a problem.

If you intend to put out a welcome mat for potential customers and clients with disabilities online, you probably realize that it’s essential to offer a fully accessible digital experience. The combination of a WCAG validator, accessibility checklist, and human testing works better than any compliance check on its own.

Read more about WCAG 2.1: Validator, Checklist, and Live Human Testing

OFCCP Launches the Contractor Compliance Institute

OFCCP is pleased to announce the release of our new  Contractor Compliance Institute  (CCI), an on-demand learning management system designed to help federal contract holders meet their equal employment opportunity obligations.

OFCCP created the CCI curriculum specifically for federal contractors, furthering our commitment to provide meaningful compliance assistance. Federal contractors can take free CCI courses to learn and develop skills to help them comply with their nondiscrimination and affirmative action requirements.

By taking CCI courses, contractors will be well-equipped to:

OFCCP is committed to providing proactive, meaningful compliance assistance to help contractors understand and meet their equal employment opportunity obligations. We hope the release of OFCCP’s Contractor Compliance Institute will further this aim and serve as a useful tool for federal contractors.

Create Your CCI Account

Centralized Accommodation Program Webinar

March 4, 2020

1:00-2:00 p.m. EST

Register for the webinar

The Employer Assistance and Resource Network on Disability Inclusion (EARN) will present a webinar on Centralized Accommodation Programs (CAP) on March 4 from 1:00-2:00 p.m. EST. The purpose of CAPs is to consolidate in a single office or location the subject matter expertise necessary to assess, evaluate, and select effective and meaningful workplace accommodations. Some CAPs also consolidate funding for some or all accommodations at a level removed from the department or unit in which individuals with disabilities are working.

Save the Date for March nTIDE Lunch & Learn Webinar

Friday March 6, 2020 at 12 Noon EST

Register now 

Join nTIDe for their monthly webinar detailing findings of the latest Jobs Report release, announcements from the disability employment field, and special guest presentations.

Agenda

• 12:00 pm: Overview of National Trends in Disability Employment (nTIDE) Jobs Report Release – Andrew Houtenville, UNH-IOD & John O'Neill, Kessler Foundation

• 12:15 pm: News from the field of Disability Employment – Denise Rozell, AUCD

• 12:30 pm: Guest Panelist - Kelly Nye-Lengerman, David Johnson, University of Minnesota

• 12:45 pm: Open Question & Answer period for attendees

Representation in the Media:

How Advocacy and Mentoring is Paving the Way for Authenticity and Representation

Hosted by Tari Hartman Squire,

EIN SOF Communications Inc.

March 6th 1:00-2:00 p.m. EST

Register for the Presentation

When you are prompted for login information, please enter your name where prompted. Make sure "PYD Room 1" is selected. For the password, enter inclusion4all and click to login.

CART will be provided during this event. If you require additional accommodations, please email  [email protected] .

Internship and Job Fair Information for Employers

Gallaudet University's Spring 2020 Internship & Job Fair

 Friday, March 6, 2020

11 AM - 3 PM 

Field House Gymnasium

The Career Center is excited to announce the Spring 2020 Internship and Job Fair! Participating in this event will provide employers with opportunities to recruit from hundreds of eager and qualified candidates, add to diversity recruitment strategies, and increase or maintain visibility at the world's only university in which all programs and services are specifically designed to accommodate deaf and hard of hearing students.

Register today to secure a spot!

We provide our guests with convenient free on-site parking and access to comfortable accommodations at the  Gallaudet University Kellogg Conference Center and Hotel . Registration includes a booth, free Wi-Fi, continental breakfast and hot lunch for two representatives.

2020 AAPD Leadership Awards Gala

March 10, 2020

Washington Hilton

1919 Connecticut Ave, NW

Washington, DC 20009

6:30 to 10:15 pm

Tickets and Information

The AAPD Leadership Awards Gala provides a unique opportunity for AAPD’s partners, supporters, and colleagues to show their support of disability rights and inclusion for all Americans with disabilities, while bringing together the disability community with business and government leaders for one night each year.

Join us as we celebrate the 25th anniversary of AAPD and 30 years since the passing of the ADA. 

The 2nd Annual Digital Accessibility Legal Summit

Updates, Best Practices & Core‑Concept Training

Thursday, April 23, 2020

American University Washington College of Law

Washington, DC

The main summit on the 23rd is a full day of current-issue talks from leading experts in the legal and accessibility fields, together with networking opportunities:

An optional one day course is offered on Wednesday April 22: "Organizational Risk Assessments and Risk Mitigation Tools":

An optional half day workshop is offered on Friday April 24: "Guidelines for Legal and Accessibility professionals":

Register to attend the 2nd Annual Digital Accessibility Legal Summit

2020 Melwood Ability Awards

April 28, 2020

Mandarin Oriental Hotel

Washington DC

Celebrating the 30th Anniversary of the ADA

Tuesday, April 28, 2020 | Reception 6:00-7:00 pm | Awards Dinner 7:00-9:30 pm

Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Washington, D.C.

Visit our  sponsorship page for a full listing of sponsorship levels and benefits. For corporate sponsorship 

packages over $10,000, contact Richard Kim-Solloway at (301) 599-4524 or  [email protected].

Annual Summit

Wednesday, May 20 – Thursday, May 21, 2020

McLean, VA

General Cost:  $895 until April 6  ($995 Full Price)

Member Cost:  $745 until April 6  ($795 Full Price)

Learn more and register

In 2020, employers can expect more OFCCP enforcement activity and more varied types of audits. OFCCP has plans for a significant increase in audits and a particular ramp up in focused reviews. Section 503 focused reviews (and the hundreds of onsite visits that come along with them) are in full swing. Next up, 500 VEVRAA focused reviews, which also will include onsite visits. These and other developments compel employers to learn about the changing enforcement landscape to protect their organizations.

46th Annual AAAED National Conference and Annual Meeting

"Turning Obstacles into Opportunities"

June 6-10, 2020

Washington, DC

THE ADA AT 30: 1990-2020

The American Association for Access, Equity and Diversity (AAAED) is excited to announce that the 46th National Conference and Annual Meeting is heading to Washington, DC in June 2020. Join AAAED June 6-10, 2020, in our nation's capital, for our National Conference Turning Obstacles into Opportunities. In 2020, we will also acknowledge the 30th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

As is our tradition, every four years the AAAED National Conference is held in Washington, DC, during an election year. Participants will be able to meet with their congressional representatives and host our award honorees at a reception on the Hill. Our conference hotel will be the historic Capital Hilton in the center of Washington, DC, on 16th and K Streets, NW.

Join us in 2020 as we convene to Turn Obstacles into Opportunities!

Confirmed Speakers: Disability:IN DC Metro- The Hon.Katherine McCary, CEO and Andrea Hall, Chair.

More conference information

Disability:IN 2020 Annual Conference

July 13-16, 2020

Orlando, FL

Registration Details!

Registration Deadline:  June 12, 2020

Late & Onsite Registration:  Disability:IN Conference registration fees will increase on June 13, 2020. The cost for all attendees, regardless of organization type, will be $1,500

Registration Pricing

*3-Day Package WITHOUT Inclusion Awards Dinner Includes: Conference breakfasts, lunches and receptions.

*3-Day Package WITH Inclusion Awards Dinner Includes: Conference breakfasts, lunches, receptions and the Inclusion Awards Dinner.

Disability:IN Corporate Partners: Please reach out to  [email protected]   with any questions regarding your partnership or COMP codes.

Exhibitor Pricing

Job Accommodations Network Academy

Conference Hotel

Make sure to reserve your room at our host hotel, the Ritz Carlton and JW Marriott Grande Lakes in Orlando, FL, using the link below to get the best price. Accessible rooms are also available, on a first come, first serve basis, information on booking accessible rooms is on our website.

Book Hotel with Discounted Rate

NILG 2020 National Conference

A Vision for the Future

National Harbor, Maryland

July 28-31, 2020

Register NOW for NILG National Conference

THE place to be for Affirmative Action, Equal Employment Opportunity, and Diversity/Inclusion fields.

Learn the latest trends and best practices in AA, EEO, and diversity, and meet the government representatives who oversee compliance. The NILG conference brings together industry experts, government representatives, and professionals in human resources, compliance, legal and diversity fields to discuss the latest issues and trends involving government compliance and workplace equality.

You’ll hear speakers from a variety of government agencies including the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP), the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the Office of Disability Employment Policies (ODEP), and the Veterans’ Employment & Training Service (VETS).

Plus, you’ll take a wide-ranging look at a changing workplace through data analytics and trends, helping you prepare for, and shape, a vision for the future.

Save the date for the Mid-Atlantic ADA Conference 2020!

27th Annual Conference on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

Presented by TransCen, Inc. and the Mid-Atlantic ADA Center

September 9 - 11, 2020

Alexandria, Virginia

To join the list to receive information about the 2020 Mid-Atlantic ADA Conference send a message to  [email protected] .

Questions about the Mid-Atlantic ADA Conference, contact:

Mid-Atlantic ADA Center

1-800-949-4232 V/TTY in DC, 

Lights! Camera! Access! (LCA)

Coming to Baltimore Fall 2020

LCA is designed for aspiring media professionals with disabilities who want to explore careers in all forms of media and technology. LCA regional career exploration summits are designed for aspiring media professionals with disabilities who want to explore careers in all forms of media and technology.

Are you, or someone you know…a media employer looking for aspiring

filmmakers, storytellers, video game developers, writers, performers,

directors, editors, musicians, dancers, or animators with a disability?

Are you, or someone you know… a college student, recent graduate,

transitioning youth or Veteran with a disability?

LCA is coming to Baltimore to empower aspiring media professionals

LCA is designed for college students, recent graduates, transitioning youth and Veterans with disabilities. We are planning to produce LCA Baltimore next September or October.

LCA Objectives:

Increase employment of people with disabilities in front of/behind the camera

Improve disability images

Increase accessible media with captions and audio descriptions

For context, check out TV Guide coverage of BBDO-hosted

LCA NYC:

https://www.tvguide.com/news/people-with-disabilities-hollywood-representation-diversity-inclusion/

This is NOT a job fair – LCA is a Career Exploration Summit

We have produced Lights! Camera! Access! (LCA) San Diego Career Exploration Summit with 24 talented aspiring media professionals with disabilities meeting BBDO ad agency, Cox Media, ABC News 10, La Jolla Playhouse, National Disability Theatre, creators of the Amazon Prime show ABLE, and others.

Contact Tari Hartman Squire with questions.