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Hello again from Disability:IN Chicagoland. As we come to the end of Black History Month we look forward to the possibilities in the year ahead and are grateful for the continued opportunities to engage with our Chicago business network in building inclusion into the workplace, marketplace and supply chain. This month's newsletter includes: registration information for an April webinar on differentiating disability inclusion from affirmative action; a link to Disability:IN's affiliate spotlight of Disability:IN Chicagoland; an announcement of a new partner communications' series on the evolving DEI landscape; and several save the dates for upcoming events. We look forward to opportunities for ongoing partnership and collaboration this year as we continue together on this journey toward inclusion.

Sincerely, Laura Wilhelm, Executive Director, Disability:IN Chicagoland

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Distinguishing Disability Inclusion from Affirmative Action

The recent Executive Orders on Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) issued by the new administration have prompted both review of and changes to corporate DEI efforts. The fast pace at which these Executive Orders have been released has led to questions and concerns about corporate disability inclusion efforts. Join Disability:IN Chicagoland, in collaboration with its affiliate partners Disability:IN DC Metro, Disability:IN Minnesota, Disability:IN North Carolina and Disability:IN Wisconsin, on Wednesday, April 9th from 11:00 – 12:30 Central / 12:00 – 1:30 Eastern for a conversation on the current disability inclusion landscape through the lens of the landmark civil rights law, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Ann Deschamps, Director of the Mid-Atlantic ADA Center, and Robin Jones, Director of the Great Lakes ADA Center, will lead a virtual conversation on disability inclusion in the context of the ADA. The discussion will include the distinction between equity and equality, a review of reasonable accommodations, and the ADA’s objective to level the playing field, not to create preferential treatment. Bring your questions about disability inclusion and the ADA to this interactive and engaging 90-minute conversation. Register online now.

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Disability:IN Spotlight's Disability:IN Chicagoland

Each month, Disability:IN highlights one of its affiliates to celebrate their unique contributions to disability inclusion in their local market. This month, Disability:IN spotlighted Disability:IN Chicagoland with an article describing the affiliate's history, its current priorities and opportunities for local business engagement. To learn more about the Chicagoland affiliate, read Disability:IN's Spotlight online here.

Disability:IN Chicagoland Launches New Partner Update Series

With the fast-paced changes in and around the DEI landscape coming from Executive Orders issued by the new administration, Disability:IN Chicagoland partners have requested regular updates and aggregated resources to stay in the loop on the ever-changing information and guidance. Starting next month, Disability:IN Chicagoland partners will receive a monthly email with links to relevant resources, guidance and webinars to ensure Chicagoland businesses are connected to the most current resources and information. Interested in receiving these updates but not yet a Disability:IN Chicagoland partner, contact Ann Kisting, Director of Partnerships - Ann@di-chi.org.

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Upcoming Events:

The Mid Atlantic ADA Center hosts - The Intersection of Race, Disability & the ADA - on March 6th, at 11:00 Central. Register online here.
Disability:IN DC Metro hosts a March 18th webinar at 11:00 Central on - The State of Digital Accessibility. Register online here.
The Great Lakes ADA Center hosts a March Webinar - ADA Litigation Update on March 19th at 1:00 Central. Register online here.
SAVE THE DATE: Disability:IN Chicagoland hosts a webinar - Differentiating Disability Inclusion from Affirmative Action on Wednesday, April 9th at 11:00 Central. Register online here.

Interested In Partnership?

Disability:IN Chicagoland is a business-to-business network supporting disability inclusion. Chicagoland corporate partners connect with resources, engage in monthly programs, and network to increase inclusion across their organizations. For more information contact Director of Partnerships, Ann Kisting at ann@di-chi.org.

Disability:IN Chicagoland Partners

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Disability:IN Chicagoland | www.di-chi.org