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Hello again from Disability:IN Chicagoland. As we come to the end of June, we are reminded of the importance of intersectionality and stand in partnership and allyship with the LGBTQ+ community. We look forward to more opportunities to engage with our Chicago business network in building inclusion into the workplace, marketplace and supply chain. This month's newsletter highlights several upcoming disability inclusion programs like: registration for July's celebration of the 36th Anniversary of the ADA; registration details for a virtual disability pride discussion featuring insurance industry professionals; details on our new Partner Spotlight feature; a recap of this month's Disability E/BRG workshop; information about the upcoming Disability Pride Parade; and details on other upcoming partner 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- Accommodations in 2026: Celebrating the 36th Anniversary of the ADA | | July is Disability Pride Month and the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). To celebrate, Disability:IN Chicagoland, in collaboration with its affiliate partners Disability:IN Minnesota, Disability:IN DC Metro, Disability:IN North Carolina, and Disability:IN Wisconsin, are hosting a webinar on Accommodations in 2026: Celebrating the 36th Anniversary of the ADA on Tuesday, July 14th from 11:00-12:00 Central. Join this virtual discussion featuring: Lisa Mathess, Principal Consultant, Job Accommodation Network (JAN); Kelley Frake, Program Coordinator for Technical Assistance and Employer Outreach, and Rob Gould, Director of Research and Principal Investigator, at the Great Lakes ADA Center, who will lead a virtual conversation sharing practical guidance on accommodations and the interactive process while highlighting available resources. They will also discuss accessibility considerations along with opportunities and potential pitfalls to be aware of when creating workplace accommodations systems. Register online now. A promo code is available for Disability:IN Chicagoland partners. For the promo code, other questions or accommodations information email: laura@disabilityinchicagoland.org. | | |
Register Now - Disability Pride: Stories of Personal & Professional Identity Across the Insurance Industry
In honor of Disability Pride Month and the 36th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), both in July, Disability:IN Chicagoland is hosting - Disability Pride: Stories of Personal & Professional Identity in the Insurance Industry on Wednesday, July 22nd from 11:00-12:00 Central. This virtual discussion brings together four corporate leaders with disabilities from the insurance industry for an honest conversation about identity, leadership, and their lived experience of navigating the workplace. Through personal stories and reflections, they’ll share moments that shaped their careers, including both challenges and opportunities — offering insight for organizations committed to inclusion. Registration is open online now. For questions or accommodations email: laura@disabilityinchicagoland.org.
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New Feature: Disability:IN Chicagoland's Partner Spotlight
Disability:IN Chicagoland is proud to work alongside companies committed to supporting disability inclusion. New this month, Disability:IN Chicagoland begins a Partner Spotlight series to highlight the businesses, employers, leaders, and organizations helping to create workplaces where people with disabilities can thrive. Through these conversations, we share stories, best practices, and insights that demonstrate how disability inclusion strengthens workplace culture, drives innovation, and creates opportunities for all. Our first Spotlight features, Ryan Specialty, an organization driving inclusion through culture. Read the full article online.
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Recap: Disability E/BRG Leadership Within the Current Landscape
On Wednesday, June 3rd, Disability:IN Chicagoland partnered with inQUEST Consulting, for a virtual workshop on Disability E/BRG Leadership Within the Current Landscape. In the last year and a half, changing perceptions of E/BRG value have increased scrutiny of activities and diminished funding, leaving disability E/BRG leaders to shift their focus from managing a complicated external environment to justifying their work internally. Fifty participants registered for this hour-long workshop facilitated by Pari Karim, Sr. Partner at inQUEST Consulting, who shared context on the current inclusion landscape and facilitated this highly interactive virtual discussion. A recording of the webinar is available to Disability;IN Chicagoland partners online here.
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Join the Annual Disability Pride Parade on July 25th
In recognition of July as Disability Pride Month and the 36th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Chicago will celebrate its 23rd Annual Disability Pride Parade on Saturday, July 25th. Registration is open now for individuals, non-profits and corporations. This year's theme, How do you play? celebrates 23 years of disability pride!
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Interested In Partnership?
Disability:IN Chicagoland is a nonprofit 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. Want to learn more? Contact Ann Kisting, Director of Partnerships, ann@disabilityinchicagoland.org.
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