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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: details on a March insurance industry networking session; registration information for a webinar on inclusion and belonging in the workplace; registration details for Disability:IN's July Global Conference; 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

Next Month: Insurance Roundtable on Disability Inclusion

Disability:IN Chicagoland partners are invited to participate in a March 4th conversation from 3:00-4:30 at Ryan Specialty, 155 N Wacker, Suite 4000 with fellow insurance professionals about disability inclusion in the workplace and marketplace. This roundtable is being co-hosted by Ryan Specialty and Disability:IN Chicagoland, and is designed to create a space where industry peers can talk openly, share experiences, and learn from one another. This roundtable will explore several topics including:

How insurance companies are creating inclusive workplaces
Ways we can better serve customers and communities with disabilities
Opportunities to collaborate across the industry

For more information contact Laura Wilhelm - laura@disabilityinchicagoland.org.

Join affiliate partner, Disability:IN Minnesota, for a March 19th webinar from 12:00-1:00 Central, Unhide and Thrive: Inclusion & Belonging in the Workplace. Guest speaker, Ruth Rathblott, will reveal how authenticity boosts performance and why unhiding your true self leads to success. In her conversation, Rathblott will explore the high cost of “covering” in the workplace—the act of concealing one’s true self to fit in—and how hiding unique differences drains productivity and stifles connection. This conversation will provide a practical roadmap to build psychologically safe environments where everyone can bring their full selves to work. Details and registration information are available online now.

Are you in? 2026 Disability:IN Conference, July 27 to 30 in Dallas.

Registration for Disability:IN's Annual Conference is now open. The conference is scheduled for July 27-30, in Dallas, TX and will bring together more than 3,000 in-person attendees for 30+ sessions on topics like: accessibility; E/BRGs; inclusive marketing and communications; supplier diversity; and ESG investing. Participants will connect with corporate inclusion leaders, Disability Owned Business Enterprises (DOBEs), affiliates, and NextGen Leaders. Register by March 16th to receive an early bird discount.

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 information contact Ann Kisting, Director of Partnerships, at ann@disabilityinchicagoland.org.

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Upcoming Events:

Disability:IN Chicagoland and Ryan Specialty host an Insurance Roundtable on Disability Inclusion on March 4th at 3:00 Central at Ryan Specialty, 155 N Wacker, Suite 4000. Email Laura Wilhelm to register: laura@disabilityinchicagoland.org.
Great Lakes ADA Center hosts its ADA Litigation Update on March 18th at 1:00 Central. Register online here.
Disability:IN Minnesota hosts Unhide and Thrive: Inclusion and Belonging in the Workplace on March 19th at 12:00 Central, details and registration available online here.
Great Lakes ADA Center hosts Artificial Intelligence: Problems & Possibilities for People with Disabilities on March 19th at 1:00 Central. Register online here.

Disability:IN Chicagoland Partners

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Disability:IN Chicagoland | www.disabilityinchicagoland.org