Hello from Disability:IN Chicagoland!
We recognize Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15th - October 15th celebrating the history, culture and contributions of Hispanic-Americans. September is also Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, an opportunity to raise awareness by sharing suicide prevention information and resources. As we look ahead to October and Disability Employment Awareness Month, our newsletter includes:
- Registration details for October's Disability Inclusion Opportunity Summit;
- A recap of Disability:IN Chicagoland's Annual Meeting;
- Social media resources to promote Disability Employment Awareness Month;
- A save the date for a November supplier inclusion webinar and a list of upcoming partner events.
We look forward to opportunities for ongoing partnership and collaboration as we continue together on this journey toward inclusion.
Sincerely,
Laura Wilhelm, Executive Director, Disability:IN Chicagoland
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Next Month: Disability Inclusion Opportunity Summit
In recognition of Disability Employment Awareness Month (DEAM), celebrated annually in October, Disability:IN Chicagoland will host the 2026 Disability Inclusion Opportunity Summit on Thursday, October 22nd at Old National Bank, 333 W. Wacker, Chicago, IL 60606. The in-person corporate disability inclusion conference will bring together Chicago area business leaders for learning, best practice sharing and networking all centered around disability inclusion. Speakers include:
- Rachel Arfa, Commissioner, City of Chicago's Mayor's Officer for People with Disabilities
- Heather Bailey, Partner, Amundsen Davis
- Mark Daniels, Director Community Engagement, Guidewire Software & Chair Disability:IN Chicagoland Board
- Corliss Garner, Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer, Old National Bank
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Stefanie Hicks, Head of National Business Resource Group Development & Strategic Partnerships, Walgreens
- Scott Hoesman, CEO, inQUEST Consulting
- Sarah Kinsella, Vice President, Chicago Community Marketing & Engagement Manager, National Chair Abilities First ERG, Old National Bank
- Mary Ann Pastori, Talent Acquisition Leader, AbbVie
- Carlos Terrazas, Global Disability Inclusion, McDonald's
Register now. Disability:IN Chicagoland partners can contact Laura Wilhelm to receive a promo code to register at no cost.
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Recap: Disability:IN Chicagoland 2026 Annual Meeting
On September 10th, Disability:IN Chicagoland partnered with Allstate to host its Annual Meeting. Business partners came together for light hors d’oeuvres and drinks to learn from Claudia Diaz, Director, Great Lakes ADA Center, about recent disability policy changes at the state and federal level. Participants enjoyed the robust conversation and the opportunity to connect with other companies working to prioritize disability inclusion. Disability:IN Chicagoland partners can find the meeting's materials online here.
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Celebrating Disability Employment Awareness Month
October is Disability Employment Awareness Month (DEAM) and in recognition, Disability:IN Chicagoland partners are building awareness and planning programs focused on disability inclusion. This year's theme: 'Celebrating Value and Talent' recognizes the skills and contributions Americans with disabilities add to the nation’s workplaces, communities, and economy. Our national partner, Disability:IN, has developed a social media toolkit with images and draft content to support disability inclusion messaging throughout October. You can access the toolkit online here.
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We're officially a 501c3!
Disability:IN Chicagoland is now a 501c3 nonprofit organization and can now accept tax-deductible donations! Your support helps us advance disability inclusion across the Chicagoland region by connecting businesses, elevating best practices, fostering collaboration, and creating opportunities that drive meaningful change for people with disabilities. Every contribution—big or small—helps build a more inclusive future for all.
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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
| | | Disability:IN Chicagoland Partners | | | | |
