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Hello again from Disability:IN Chicagoland. As we come to the end of Women's History Month we look forward to spring 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 distinguishing disability inclusion from affirmative action; a save the date for a May virtual training on stress management in uncertain times; registration information for the Disability:IN national conference; a reminder about a new communications' series on the evolving DEI landscape; an announcement of a new Disability:IN Chicagoland partner; 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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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. Disabiltiy:IN Chicagoland partners can register at no cost. Contact Laura Wilhelm - laura@di-chi.org - for promo code.

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Save the Date: Stress Management in Uncertain Times

Employees face various stressors both in and out of the workplace. Concerns about employer support are common, and inadequate stress management can result in high burnout and attrition rates. Join Disability:IN Chicagoland from 11:00-12:00 Central on Thursday, May 8th for this virtual training utilizing therapy-based tools to foster meaningful connections and an experiential approach to enhance vulnerability and build a shared reality. The workshop addresses the unique challenges of prolonged workplace stress. Dr. Sunitha Chandy, Founder & CEO of the Artesian Collaborative, leads this interactive discussion of stress management strategies, generating questions and suggestions to foster healthy team functioning. Register online here. Disabiltiy:IN Chicagoland partners can register at no cost. Contact Laura Wilhelm - laura@di-chi.org - for promo code.

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Disability:IN Annual Conference Registration Open

The 2025 Disability:IN Global Conference & Expo will be held July 14-17, 2025, in Orlando, Florida. This year’s event is shaping up to be the biggest yet. Registration is now open. Please visit the Conference registration page to see this year's agenda, hotel details and to register for the event.

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. This month, Disability:IN Chicagoland launched a monthly partner 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.

Disability:IN Chicagoland Welcomes its New Partner

For more information about partnership with Disability:IN Chicagoland, contact Ann Kisting, Director of Partnerships - Ann@di-chi.org.

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Upcoming Events:

Disability:IN Chicagoland hosts a webinar - Differentiating Disability Inclusion from Affirmative Action on Wednesday, April 9th at 11:00 Central. Register online here.

Disability:IN North Carolina hosts its Business2Business April Monthly Meeting on April 9th at 2:30 Central. Register online here.

Disability:IN Wisconsin hosts its virtual ERG/BRG Networking Event on April 18th, at 12:00 Central. Register online here.

Disability:IN Minnesota hosts an Inclusive Virtual Career Fair on April 25th from 1:00-4:00 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