Disability:IN DC Metro

National Disability Employment Awareness Month

Celebration

October 2024

Leading with Authentic Inclusion™:

Leadership, Disability, and AI

Celebrate NDEAM with Disability:IN DC Metro and the American Institute on Research for a Premier Leadership virtual event with Frances West, former Chief Accessibility Officer at IBM, as she shares her business acumen and proven insights on how embedding accessibility within organizational strategy can drive disruptive innovation and market leadership. This event is essential for executives, business leaders, and decision-makers who want to understand how to leverage accessibility as a strategic advantage in driving innovation and achieving sustained market leadership.

Frances served on the original Disability:IN Board of Directors aside DC Metro's The Hon. Katherine McCary, Disability:IN's founding Chair. We are thrilled to welcome her into the Disability:IN DC Metro family!

Leadership for Innovation in Accessibility

Wednesday, October 30th 11-12:30 ET

In honor of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), Access AIR, in partnership with Disability: IN DC Metro, will present "Leading with Authentic Inclusion™: Leadership, Disability, and AI" with Frances West, former IBM Chief Accessibility Officer. Frances, a pioneering technology executive, will share her inspiring journey from a first-generation immigrant to a trusted global advisor and leader. She will discuss how her unique experiences have shaped her understanding and creation of Authentic Inclusion™ and its crucial role in leadership and innovation. She will provide practical insights on how to operationalize Authentic Inclusion™, creating workplace environments where all employees, especially those with disabilities, can thrive. The virtual event will feature a 20-minute presentation from Frances West, followed by a fireside chat with Access leadership, and end with an interactive Q&A session with the audience. 

REGISTER NOW

Key Takeaways

• Strategic Integration of Accessibility: Frances West will elucidate how accessibility, when integrated into the core strategy, can serve as a catalyst for innovation and organizational transformation.
• Authentic Inclusion™ Strategy Framework: Learn about the proven Authentic Inclusion™ strategy framework and how it can significantly impact business differentiation and market positioning.
• Business Differentiation and Talent Acquisition: Understand how prioritizing accessibility not only strengthens business differentiation but also enhances talent acquisition and retention.
• Leadership and Market Impact: Discover how authentic leadership in accessibility can elevate an organization’s market presence and leadership stature.

Why Attend

• Gain actionable insights from a leader who has successfully embedded accessibility into business strategies.
• Understand the transformative impact of accessibility on business innovation and market leadership.
• Learn practical applications of the Authentic Inclusion™ strategy framework to drive your organization’s growth and differentiation.
• Network with like-minded professionals and leaders committed to fostering inclusive and innovative business environments.

Disability:IN DC Metro NEWS

Welcome to our new members!

Congratulations on taking us with you on your disability journey!

Join Your Peers and You and Your Employees will Reap These Benefits!

• Best Practice Networking and Shared Strategic Thinking
• Employee Engagement and ERG Development
• DC Metro Professional Development CoursesLeadership Development
• Talent Acquisition
• Working Groups
• Internal, Customer and Vendor Branding Engagement
• Stay Up To Date on Disability News

NDEAM- Educate and Celebrate

Turning the Tide: The Ripple Effect of Disability Inclusion

This October, Disability:IN will celebrate the far-reaching ripple effects of disability inclusion in the workforce by exploring the implications of emerging EU legislation for businesses worldwide, sharing groundbreaking research on global trends, and highlighting actions companies can take to accelerate disability employment and inclusion. Learn more about these highlights from Disability:IN.

Disability:IN DC Metro is Committed to

Inclusive Hiring.

Contact us to post a vacancy in our newsletter.

WHAT'S HAPPENING- Events Summary

Affiliate Collaborative Events

Nov. 7: Creating a Trauma-Aware Workplace: Supporting Employees with PTSD

October Events Not to Be Missed

• nTIDE Lunch & Learn Season 9 ,Episode 10 - October 4
• NOD Digging Deeper into Neurodiversity in the Workplace- Oct 15, 2024
• 31st Annual Mid-Atlantic ADA Conference
• Broad Futures Voices for Change Celebration -October 19, 2024 Buy Tickets and Donate

SAVE THE DATE

Omnium Circus February 2025

DISABILITY:IN Global Conference July 2025

KEY NEWS ARTICLES

• Ideas for Employers and Employees To Celebrate NDEAM
• Senate Panel Hears SHRM Testimony on the Need for Greater AI Literacy
• Section 508 Best Practices Webinar in Archives: Enhancing Accessibility Through Customer Experience
• Become An Infomation Access Champion

Creating a Trauma-Aware Workplace:

Supporting Employees with PTSD

November 7, 2024

Noon-1 PM ET

Did you know that approximately 6 percent of the U.S. populations will experience Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in their lifetime? Join Disability:IN Minnesota in partnership with Center for Disability Inclusion, Disability:IN Chicagoland, Disability:IN DC Metro, Disability:IN North Carolina, and Disability:IN Wisconsin, for a virtual conversation on the impacts of trauma and how to create an inclusive and supportive work environment for trauma survivors. During the event, participants will have the chance to learn from clinical professionals, hear personal stories from trauma survivors, explore tools and resources, and ask questions during a Q&A session. Learn about the different types of trauma (i.e. acute, childhood, intergenerational, systemic, etc.) and best practices for fostering an accessible, trauma-aware workplace that will benefit all employees on your team.

Discussion Topics

• What is trauma?
• How does trauma manifest in daily life?
• Strategies for coping
• Best practices for supporting survivors
• Resources for survivors and employers

Presenters

Dr. Allison Battles, Psychologist, PhD, PSYPACT

Dr. Allison Battles is a licensed clinical psychologist at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System where she works in trauma recovery and vocational rehabilitation. She received her PhD in clinical psychology from the Virginia Consortium in 2020 and completed both her pre-doctoral internship and postdoctoral residency at the Minneapolis VA specializing in the treatment of trauma-related conditions. Dr. Battles area of clinical specialty is in the implementation and advancement of treatments for chronic and complex traumas. Additionally, Dr. Battles has conducted research for over a decade on trauma responses among Veterans, particularly combat-related PTSD, moral injury, and comorbid substance abuse. She continues to conduct research and has shifted the focus of work to the evaluation and implementation of advancements in psychological treatments. Most notably, she developed a novel group therapy at the Minneapolis VA that combines recreational therapy with traditional psychotherapy. 

Kevin Rumely, Vet. Purple Heart, LCSW, LCAS, CCS, musician

Kevin is a combat wounded (32 surgeries) Marine Corps veteran, receiving a Purple Heart for injuries sustained in combat. Kevin is also a person in long-term-recovery, remaining a vocal community advocate for harm reduction modalities, including medication assisted therapy. Kevin serves as the Program Director for the Buncombe County Veterans Treatment Court (VTC), a treatment-based alternative to incarceration for justice-involved veterans. He completed his Doctorate in Social Work from the University of Tennessee in 2024. In his free time he enjoys playing music. He released his first ever solo album in April of 2024.

Disability:IN DC Metro WINTER EVENTS

Disability ERG Leaders Forum

We are inviting all Disability ERGS to join us!

Annual Accessibility Forum - Exploring AI



Contact us for more information

Upcoming Events in the Capital Area Region

and Beyond

October Events

nTIDE Lunch & Learn Season 9

Episode 10

Friday, October 4, 2024 | 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. (ET) | Free

Register for the nTide webinar

Welcome to the National Trends in Disability Employment (or nTIDE) Lunch & Learn series. On the first Friday of every month, corresponding with the Bureau of Labor Statistics jobs report, we will be offering a live broadcast via Zoom Webinar to share the results of the latest nTIDE findings. In addition, we will provide news and updates from the field of Disability Employment, as well as host an invited panelist who will discuss current disability related findings and events.

Digging Deeper into Neurodiversity in the Workplace

Oct 15, 2024 01:00 PM

Successful neurodiverse programs require more than just hires. Hear from our panel of experts who walk through the full lifecycle of employment from recruitment and onboarding to professional development. Inclusion is good for everyone: build a positive culture and successfully retain your talent.

Panelists

• Melissa Bradley, Director, Juan and Lisa Jones Center for Career Preparation, Beacon College
• Dr. Oksana Hagerty, Dean of the Center for Student Success, Beacon College
• Marcia Scheiner, President and Founder of Integrate

Accessibility: Captions and ASL Sign Language Interpreter will be provided.

Accommodations + Questions: Please contact events@nod.org with your request or inquiry.

31st Annual Mid-Atlantic ADA Conference

Tuesday, October 15, 2024 through Thursday, October 17, 2024

HOTEL DUPONT

Wilmington, Delaware

This exclusive conference is your opportunity to unlock the potential of accessibility and disability inclusion in the hospitality and tourism industry, enhancing customer satisfaction and driving significant financial benefits.

Join us at the 2024 ADAcon and take the first step towards greater inclusivity and profitability in the hospitality and tourism industry!

Nearly 19% of the U.S. population has a disability, representing over $200 billion in discretionary spending. Gain insights and tools to capture this vast, under-served market segment and boost your business’s bottom line.

Tailored Experience for Hospitality and Tourism Professionals

Our conference sessions provide actionable solutions and practical advice for your industry. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced hospitality professional, our two full days of interactive sessions and affinity discussions will ensure you leave with ideas and concrete strategies to implement immediately. See our jam-packed agenda for details.

Intimate Setting Fosters Connections and Collaboration

From our “meet and greet” reception in the hotel’s elegant ballroom to opportunities for personal conversations with experts, peers, and exhibitors, this exclusive conference is your chance to build valuable relationships and partnerships that can drive your business forward.

Real-World Applications

Experience an optional pre-conference tour of Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library, showcasing accessibility principles in action at one of the area’s premier cultural gems.

BroadFutures 2024 Fall Gala

Voices for Change

Buy Tickets and Donate

October 19, 2024

5:30 pm - 8:00 pm ET

The District Wharf Rooftop Penthouse and Terrace

1000 Maine Ave SW, Washington, DC 20024

Join us for an evening dedicated to making a difference as we gather to celebrate the diverse voices shaping impactful change within our community!

From our alumni to our employer and university partners, to parents, donors, and community members, your voices each play a vital role in our success and your support is critical to our ability to deliver our mission. This year, we are amplifying the diversity of voices that drive our work and make positive transformation.

U.S. Access Board Meeting and Webcast

October 30 1:30-3:00

Learn More About the Meeting

All are welcome to attend the next meeting of the U.S. Access Board, which will be open to the public and take place virtually on October 30 from 1:30 – 3:00 p.m. (ET). The agenda for the meeting includes brief reports from standing and ad hoc Board committees, federal agency updates, and a report by Executive Director Sachin Pavithran.

Members of the public may attend the meeting through the Zoom.gov platform or by phone (listen-only mode). Please note that participation over Zoom will require the use of the passcode provided below. For further information, contact Rose Marie Bunales at events@access-board.gov.

Meeting of the U.S. Access Board

October 30, 2024, 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM (E.T.) Zoom: https://www.zoomgov.com/j/1616536186

Meeting ID: 161 653 6186

Passcode: 128200

Dial in: (646) 828-7666

Contact: events@access-board.gov

Business News

Ideas for Employers and Employees To Celebrate NDEAM

Which Ideas Have You Implemented?

The workplace is an important part of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). The ideas below are just a few ways employers and their employees can participate, during October and all year long. For additional inspiration, check out Beyond NDEAM: Year-Round Employer Strategies for Advancing Disability Inclusion.



Review Policies

NDEAM is an opportune time to review your company's policies to ensure they convey a commitment to an inclusive workplace culture. For assistance in doing so, see Inclusion@Work (in particular the first section, "Lead the Way: Inclusive Business Culture").

Establish an Employee Resource Group

NDEAM is a perfect time to launch a disability Employee Resource Group (ERG). Sometimes referred to as Employee Networks or Affinity Groups, ERGs offer employees an opportunity to connect and receive support from others with similar backgrounds or interests. For more information, see A Toolkit for Establishing and Maintaining Successful Employee Resource Groups. If your company already has a disability ERG, consider using NDEAM to remind employees about it through displays, information tables or other communication channels.

Create a Display

NDEAM is a great time to freshen up bulletin boards in break areas or other locations that employees frequent by posting positive messages about your company's commitment to a disability-inclusive workforce. Start by putting up this year's NDEAM poster (English | Spanish). Additional display materials include the "What Can YOU Do?" poster series.

Train Supervisors

Supervisors are the individuals closest to an organization's workforce. As part of NDEAM, consider conducting training to ensure they understand their role in fostering an inclusive workplace culture. Such training may include a review of relevant policies, including the process for providing reasonable accommodations. One easy way to provide such training is to make use of available "turn-key" training modules and available materials, such as those available from the Campaign for Disability Employment.

Educate Employees

It is critical that companies committed to disability inclusion effectively and regularly reinforce that commitment to employees. NDEAM offers an opportunity to do this through disability training or informal educational events such as brown-bag lunch discussions. Several ready-to-use resources can assist in facilitating such activities, such as disability etiquette materials and videos with accompanying discussion guides. Another option is to contact local disability organizations to see if they offer workplace training programs.

Publish Articles

NDEAM offers timely and fresh content for an employee newsletter or internal website. Articles could address a range of topics, such as general information about the company's commitment to an inclusive workplace, the process for requesting reasonable accommodations, or perhaps recognizing the contributions of employees with

disabilities—either in general or on an individual level. Your company's top executive could also issue a message to all employees recognizing NDEAM.

Feature NDEAM in social media activities

Likewise, NDEAM provides an interesting hook for social media platforms, including Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and X. Organizations are encouraged to include the hashtag #NDEAM. Sample key messages are available to assist in incorporating NDEAM into social media activities.



Issue an NDEAM press release

Employers can also issue a press release to local media to announce their involvement in NDEAM. To assist, a "fill-in-the-blank" template is available that organizations can quickly customize and pitch to their local media.

Participate in Disability Mentoring Day

Disability Mentoring Day promotes career development for youth with disabilities through hands-on programs, job shadowing and ongoing mentoring. The nationwide observance is the third Wednesday of each October, but companies may choose to host their own events on any day of the month (or year for that matter). The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) offers information to assist in implementing a Disability Mentoring Day event.

Senate Panel Hears SHRM Testimony on the

Need for Greater AI Literacy

Artificial intelligence literacy and curiosity are new must-have skills for employees in nearly every role in the workplace, testified Ken Meyer, SHRM-SCP, senior director of human resources for Ryan Health in New York City, on behalf of SHRM before a U.S. Senate subcommittee on Sept. 25. Meyer is the immediate past president of the New York City chapter of SHRM.

As more businesses adopt AI, U.S. workers will need to learn, adapt to, and use this technology to remain competitive, Meyer testified during the hearing, called “Reading the Room: Preparing Workers for AI.” SHRM’s research shows that 30% of HR leaders feel greater pressure to innovate and 28% believe there is an increased need to upskill and reskill workers.

There is a “huge scarcity in AI literacy” in the talent pool, testified Karin Kimbrough, chief economist at LinkedIn in Sunnyvale, Calif. The gap will not be closed easily, she said before the Senate Subcommittee on Employment and Workplace Safety, a subpanel of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions.

The AI revolution that is taking place “will define a generation of students and workers,” testified Alex Kotran, co-founder and CEO of aiEDU in San Francisco. He called for a national movement for AI readiness and warned that, after the next recession, there could be “wide-ranging displacement” due to AI.

AI Scares Some, Excites Others

New technology scares some, noted Sen. Mike Braun, R-Ind., ranking member of the subcommittee. He asked the witnesses for the hearing whether older workers were more frightened by AI than younger workers who are more comfortable with technology.

Meyer said people are “excited about [AI] technology,” which would only become more advanced in the future. “Three to five years from now, [AI] could be completely different,” he said.

AI offers companies a “great reverse-mentorship opportunity for organizations,” Meyer added, explaining that younger members of the workforce might mentor older workers.

AI brings anxiety for many people and anticipation and optimism for others, said Sen. Ted Budd, R-N.C., noting he was optimistic about the technology. He asked how AI might change, rather than eliminate, jobs.

“It’s hard to know what the jobs of the future are,” Kimbrough replied, as each year, the fastest-growing jobs are often occupations that didn’t exist before. But she predicted that AI won’t replace durable skills such as communication, collaboration, and strategic analysis.

Training, Talent Pool Possibilities

The need for workers to upskill is critical, Kimbrough emphasized, saying there should be “as many pathways as possible to upskill in a continuous way.”

Community colleges shouldn’t be overlooked as one possible pipeline for students trained in how to use AI, noted Denzel Wilson, grassroots community manager at SeedAI in Washington, D.C.

In addition, skills-based hiring can expand the talent pool and help include people from underrepresented groups, Kimbrough said.

Proposed Legislation

During the hearing, Sen. Ed Markey, D-Mass., said there has been extensive discussion about training the workforce in AI. He said there was a need to protect workers from the potential discriminatory impact of AI tools.

To that end, Markey introduced the AI Civil Rights Act of 2024 on Sept. 24. He cautioned that the U.S. can’t prepare workers for AI “without protecting them simultaneously.”

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has noted that it will be on the lookout for discrimination caused by AI tools. The EEOC has also issued guidance, saying it will enforce Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to protect individuals from being discriminated against by AI.

Last year, New York City began imposing new requirements for employers using automated employment decision tools. Meyer cautioned that the cost of complying with this law means that some employers may choose not to use AI applications until there is more legislative and regulatory stability, putting them at a competitive disadvantage.

“SHRM believes the overlapping laws and regulations regarding AI may lead to unintended consequences that create uncertainty and discourage workplace innovation,” he testified. “SHRM supports a uniform federal standard that provides a clear framework for how employers should strive to prevent unlawful bias when using AI. We also support federal efforts to educate all stakeholders about the benefits and risks of AI in the workplace.”

Section 508 Best Practices Webinar in Archives: Enhancing Accessibility Through Customer Experience

Is your hiring process unintentionally filtering out exceptional candidates? If you use artificial intelligence (AI)–enabled tools without making sure they are built and used in inclusive ways, the answer might be ‘yes.’ 

To address this growing concern, PEAT collaborated with disabled leaders, innovators, AI experts, government, industry, civil rights groups, and the public to develop an AI & Inclusive Hiring Framework. 

Read the AI & Inclusive Hiring Framework

The goal of this resource is to help employers learn how to break down barriers to disability inclusion in AI hiring technology so they can maximize its benefits. From asking vendors the right questions to ensuring humans are checking AI’s work, this resource covers the technology’s lifecycle in an approachable way. 

This is just the first iteration of the AI & Inclusive Hiring Framework. We hope it grows and is updated by the community as the technology and its uses evolve. Please let us know how you use it in your organization and if you have thoughts for future versions! 

What is an Info Access Champion?

A champion is an agency or organization that pledges to make its information as inclusive and accessible as possible. They agree to evaluate and improve their information accessibility in collaboration with the disability community.

As a champion, you get a badge for your website, resources to help your accessibility journey, your name on our Wall of Champions and much more.

Use these forms to help you get started on your info access journey.

1. Info Access Champions Checklist
2. Info Access Champions Checklist (Large Print)

Check out our resources and come to our events!

Email us at infoaccess@vbpd.virginia.gov with any questions or concerns.

We will email you about future events and send you a poster in the mail.

Situations and Solutions Finder

The Situations and Solutions Finder draws on information collected from JAN customers. JAN receives this information from customers who choose to provide feedback, usually in an email or through an ongoing survey conducted by JAN where employers contribute information about workplace accommodations. Participating employers represent government agencies and diverse industry sectors, including healthcare, education, manufacturing, service, wholesale/retail sales, etc., and span from very small businesses to global corporations. According to JAN survey findings, workplace accommodations are typically low-cost and positively impact the workplace in many ways. To learn about the costs and benefits associated with workplace accommodations, read Workplace Accommodations: Low Cost, High Impact.

The situations and solutions included in the Situations and Solutions Finder are examples of accommodations that were made by JAN customers. Because accommodations are made on a case-by-case basis, these examples may not be effective for every individual or workplace but offer ideas about the types of accommodations that may be possible. The Situations and Solutions Finder lets users explore various accommodation scenarios by searching for examples based on Disability, Limitation, and Occupation. Various disabilities and health conditions are represented. JAN offers practical guidance on workplace accommodations and information about the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) employment provisions but does not provide legal advice or determine if a health condition qualifies as a disability under the ADA. Examples in the Situations and Solutions Finder do not imply any specific condition is a disability.

It's important to note that the Situations and Solutions Finder is not a comprehensive resource for accommodation information. For answers to specific questions about workplace accommodation situations, contact JAN directly for a free consultation, and/or use JAN’s A to Z resources.

Thank You to Our Sponsor Partners!

NOVEMBER -DECEMBER EVENTS

THE ARC OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA GALA

Saturday, November 9, 2024

Hilton McLean Tysons Corner

The Gala will bring together hundreds of our community members, elected officials, and leaders in the business and philanthropic communities, alongside our longstanding supporters and partners.

This glamorous evening will start with an open-bar cocktail reception and silent auction, proceed to a seated, gourmet dinner, followed by our program and live auction, and will end with music and dancing.

The Gala helps raise important funds that make possible all of our programs, services, and advocacy education for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities of all ages and their families. Sponsorship opportunities are available and include tickets for the event.

For more information on our 2024 Gala, please visit our 2024 Gala website at thearcofnova.org/gala or contact us via email at events@thearcofnova.org.

2024 Harkin International Disability Employment Summit

 Register for the Harkin Summit 

Washington, DC at the JW Marriott Hotel

December 18-19.

Register Now!

$450 for on-site.

The Harkin Summit brings together key champions and implementers from around the world to increase the employment of people with disabilities.

The Harkin International Disability Employment Summit has occurred annually since 2016 and has gathered private employers, government leaders, and disability advocates from more than 40 countries to address the barriers to competitive, integrated employment for persons with disabilities.

More exciting announcements about our agenda and speakers will be coming soon! You can follow our Harkin Summit social media accounts for the latest announcements:

Facebook: HarkinSummit

LinkedIn: Harkin-Summit

X (Twitter): @HarkinSummit

SAVE THESE DATES FOR 2025

OMINUM CIRCUS!

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BroadFutures

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Disability:IN Minnesota

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Center for Disability Inclusion

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Disability:IN DC Metro

“Think Globally, Act Locally”

Patrick Geedes  

Join Today!

Promoting Inclusion

Expanding Disability Education and Awareness

Our focus is on Culture Change!

Founded in 2006

Twice honored as Disability:IN Affiliate of the Year

 Led by The Hon. Katherine McCary

Founding Chair of Disability:IN National and

CEO, Executive Director of Disability:IN DC Metro

Disability:IN DC Metro (DC Metro) is an employer-led membership-based business association that creates business to business connections, dialogue, and learning within our geographic region of Washington, DC, Virginia, and Maryland, an area known as the National Capital Region. Our offerings, however, are not limited to geographic location. All DC Metro corporate member employees enjoy member benefits regardless of their physical geography. You don't have to live in the National Capital Region to engage and enjoy DC Metro's Professional Development Courses and topical Hybrid Programming!

Our Vision

“Cultivate workforces and workplaces where talent with disabilities are recruited, included, promoted, retained and valued as both internal talent and innovative vendors.”

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