Disability Impact

September 2026

News & Events for Disability Inclusion Leaders in the National Capital Region and Beyond!

A Message from Our CEO

I'm excited to announce a new way to stay connected with Disability:IN DC Metro — our brand-new LinkedIn group, DisabilityIN DC Metro Connect!

This private community brings together professionals, employers, job seekers, students, and allies across DC, Maryland, and Virginia who are advancing disability inclusion in the workplace and beyond. It's where our work continues between events — with job postings, event announcements, accessibility resources, and regional news you won't want to miss.

Members can look forward to:

•    Early notice of upcoming events, panels, and networking sessions — plus recaps if you can't make it

•    Job openings from employers committed to disability inclusion

•    Real-world conversation on accessibility practices, assistive technology, and inclusive hiring

•    Direct connections to corporate partners, government offices, and community organizations across the region

•    Recognition of member and partner achievements



We've kept this group private and focused so every post stays relevant and useful — no unrelated ads or solicitations, just real opportunities and real community. Posts should stay specific and useful: an event, a job, a resource, or a genuine question for the group.

Ready to join us? Request membership today and tell us a bit about your connection to Disability:IN DC Metro or the disability inclusion field. We can't wait to welcome you!



— The Hon. Katherine McCary, CEO

LATEST NEWS BULLETIN

🚨 BREAKING NEWS

DOL Rolls Back Section 503 Disability Self-ID Requirement for Federal Contractors — Effective September 21, 2026

Effective September 21, 2026, the Department of Labor's (DOL) new Section 503 final rule eliminates the longstanding requirement that federal contractors invite applicants and employees to voluntarily self-identify as individuals with disabilities. Importantly, DOL does not prohibit contractors from continuing to collect this information — it simply no longer mandates it, leaving the decision to each contractor's own “legal and business judgment” under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

The rule also rescinds the mandatory 7% utilization goal, though DOL notes contractors “remain free” to conduct their own utilization analyses at their discretion, provided they act consistently with the ADA.

Complicating matters, DOL's new position — that pre-offer disability inquiries categorically conflict with the ADA, even when voluntary — creates a direct conflict with the EEOC's longstanding guidance, which permits voluntary self-identification for legitimate affirmative-action purposes provided key safeguards are met (genuine voluntariness, confidentiality, no adverse consequences for declining, and separation from hiring decision-makers).

Notably, the federal government's own hiring practices — including OPM's SF-256 and the Schedule A hiring authority — continue to solicit disability status pre-offer, government-wide, underscoring that DOL's position is not self-evidently compelled by the ADA's text.

Bottom line for federal contractors: this is not settled law in either direction. Before changing self-identification practices, consult legal counsel and evaluate the purpose, stage, and safeguards of any collection — including genuine voluntariness, confidentiality, and a firewall separating self-ID data from the people making hiring decisions. (Source: DCI, August 2026; Author: David Cohen, M.S.)

Learning Opportunities about the Changes to

Section 503 Self-ID

NILG Webinar Series

Section 503 After OFCCP's Final Rule:

What's Gone, What's Left, and What's Next

TODAY at 2 pm

Sep 3, 2026 02:00 PM in Eastern Time (US and Canada)

• 
  
• No disability self-identification requirement.
• No utilization analysis.
• No disability applicant and hiring metrics.

Register for the NILG Webinar

Speaker

Danny Petrella

Partner, NT Lakis LLP

SVP, Compliance & Assistant General Counsel, CWC

OFCCP’s final rule eliminates several familiar components of Section 503 compliance—but federal contractors still have important disability-related obligations. Join Danny Petrella on September 3 for a practical look at the new regulatory framework and how contractors should distinguish rescinded requirements from continuing obligations.

Understand the changes made by OFCCP's final Section 503 rule and the disability compliance requirements that have been eliminated.

Evaluate when disability-related inquiries remain permissible under the Americans with Disabilities Act and EEOC regulations.

Distinguish between rescinded requirements and the Section 503 obligations that remain in effect for federal contractors.

Identify practical steps for updating affirmative action, applicant tracking, accommodation, and recordkeeping practices in response to the new regulatory framework.

Participants will leave with actionable insights for updating policies, processes, and compliance programs to align with OFCCP's new Section 503 landscape.

.Questions?

Contact info@nationalilg.org

Can Federal Contractors Still Ask About Disability Status?

Wednesday, September 16, 2026 | 2:00 – 2:45 PM Eastern

Register for the DCI Webinar

Effective September 21, 2026, the Department of Labor's (DOL) new Section 503 regulations remove the requirement that federal contractors invite applicants and employees to voluntarily self-identify as individuals with disabilities. DOL stopped short of prohibiting the practice, directing contractors instead to exercise their own legal and business judgment about whether disability inquiries comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Additionally, longstanding Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) guidance still permits voluntary self-identification for affirmative action purposes.

This leaves contractors wondering what to do next. Join DCI experts as they walk through the options available to federal contractors and how to build a defensible path forward.

In this webinar, we'll cover:

•    What changes on September 21, 2026, and what stays in place

•    How to decide whether to continue, modify, or discontinue disability self-identification

•    Why pre-offer, post-offer, and existing-employee inquiries call for different decisions

•    Practical safeguards for contractors that keep collecting, including documented purpose, genuine voluntariness, and confidentiality firewalls

•    How to document the decision your organization reaches

•    How your decision impacts requirements still in effect

Speakers: Rosemary Cox, Principal Consultant; Victoria Ungvary, Senior Consultant

At a Glance

Events in the September Newsletter

•     NILG Webinar: Section 503 After OFCCP's Final Rule — September 3

•    nTIDE Lunch & Learn — September 4

•    Discover How NOD Can Help You Now & In 2027 — September 14

•    Can Federal Contractors Still Ask About Disability Status? (DCI) — September 16

•    Virginia Voice 48th Anniversary Gala — September 17

•    Free Webinar: How Neuro-Inclusive Practices Transform Teams (BroadFutures) — September 23

•    Gallaudet University Fall Internship & Job Fair — September 24

•    Webinar: Planning Accessible Events: Building Accessibility into Every Stage (ADA Center) — September 30

•    NOD LIVE 2026 — October 1 (New York, NY)

•    2026 M-Enabling Summit — October 5–7

•    25th NTID Career Fair — October 7 (Rochester, NY)

•    BroadFutures Fall Gala: Ripples to Waves — October 17

•    2026 AFB Leadership Summit: Shaping the Future Together — October 26

•    Save the Date: The Art of Measurement — 2027 Disability Statistics State-of-the-Science Conference — March 17–18, 2027

bility Statistics State-of-the-Science Conference — March 17–18, 2027

National Trends in Disability Employment (nTIDE) Lunch & Learn Series

Friday, September 4, 2026 Noon - 1:00 pm

Register for the nTide webinar

Welcome to the National Trends in Disability Employment (nTIDE) Lunch & Learn series. On the first Friday of every month, corresponding with the Bureau of Labor Statistics jobs report, we will offer 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.

Discover How NOD Can Help You Now & In 2027

Monday, September 14, 2026 | 1:00 – 1:45 PM Eastern

Register for NOD Webinar

Find out what the employers excelling in disability inclusion are doing right. We'll share how the top organizations build programming that inspires, educates, and moves the needle. Partner with NOD to bring that same success to your workplace, now and throughout all of 2027.

During this interactive open house, we'll explore practical actions that offer big impact, with solutions available for organizations of all sizes, industries, and budgets.

What we'll cover:

•    Get NDEAM Ready: It's not too late to bring disability inclusion programming to your workplace for National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) this October — just a few slots remain for virtual talks and trainings delivered by NOD Disability Inclusion Specialists

•    Find Out First: Learn about our new professional development membership network that's perfect for ERG members

•    Mission-Driven Discounts: Learn about a special offer on unlimited disability inclusion training for educational institutions and non-profits

Virginia Voice 48th Anniversary Gala

Wednesday, September 17, 2026 | 4:00 – 7:00 PM | James River Cellars Winery Richmond VA

Buy Tickets to Virginia Voice Gala

There is still time to buy tickets for our 48th Anniversary Gala! Join Virginia Voice at James River Cellars Winery for an evening of culinary delights, music, and a silent auction. Upgrade your ticket and take part in an interactive blind experience activity — participants will don distortion glasses and complete a LEGO build using text-based instructions from Bricks for the Blind.

Special Musical Performance: Don't miss a chance to hear musical guest Justin Kauflin, an award-winning jazz pianist known for his clear touch and ideas, blending post-bop elements with the soulful influences of gospel music. After losing his sight at age 11, he has promoted technological accessibility for visually impaired musicians and producers. He is a recipient of the Kennedy Center Access/VSA International Young Soloist Award, recognizing both his musical excellence and his advocacy for musicians with disabilities.

Tickets are $75. Upgrade for the Blind Experience is $25. Call 804.266.2477 for more information.

Free Webinar: How Neuro-Inclusive Practices

Transform Teams

Wednesday, September 23, 2026 | 12:00 PM Eastern

Register for the BroadFutures webinar

Where is the field of neurodiversity and workforce inclusion headed next? Join us for the third and final session in the Ripples of Impact webinar series, "Expanding the Ripple: Experts Advancing Neurodiversity & Workforce Inclusion."

Joined by Danielle Meadows from JPMorganChase, Russell Shaffer from Disability:IN, and Kirstie Wilson from PurpleSpace, the webinar will zoom out to explore the broader landscape of neurodiversity and employment, including emerging trends and best practices, workforce and policy shifts, opportunities for collaboration, and where the field still needs to grow.

Join BroadFutures for the final webinar in the 2026 series, "Ripples of Impact: Conversations on Neurodiversity." This session explores emerging trends in hiring, best practices, and the future of inclusive employment.

Webinar: Planning Accessible Events —

Building Accessibility into Every Stage

Wednesday, September 30, 2026 | 2:00 – 3:00 PM Eastern

Register for the ADA Center Webinar



Creating an accessible event takes more than meeting minimum ADA requirements. This webinar will explore how to thoughtfully incorporate accessibility into every stage of event planning — from initial design and communications with event organizers to ticket purchasing, accommodations, and on-site support.

Join us as we learn best practices for collaborating with event organizers, vendors, presenters, and other partners to anticipate and address accessibility needs. The session will highlight practical considerations and strategies for creating a great guest experience through a true accessibility lens.

Whether you are planning a small meeting, training, conference, or stadium event, this webinar will provide tools and considerations to help make accessibility an intentional part of the planning process from the start.

NOD LIVE 2026 — Exploring Technology's Impact on Accessibility, Disability Inclusion, and the Future of Workforce Innovation

Thursday, October 1, 2026 | Times Center, 242 West 41st Street, New York, NY | Business Professional Attire Encouraged

Purchase NOD Tickets

The National Organization on Disability invites leaders across business, technology, and advocacy to engage in a meaningful exploration of how emerging technologies — including AI, extended reality, and smart devices — are shaping the accessibility landscape and changing disability inclusion in the workforce.

Schedule: 12:00 PM Exclusive Partner Session (Invitation Only) | 5:00 PM Cocktail Hour & Tech Showcase | 6:30 PM Main Program. Second Annual Technology Showcase — test, try, and experience breakthrough products designed to support people with disabilities.

We believe cost should never be a barrier to entry. Please reach out to Events@NOD.org to discuss alternative ticketing options.

Connecting Visionaries and Practitioners. Driving Innovation.

October 5-7, 2026

Crystal Gateway Marriott Arlington, VA

Disability:IN DC Metro Member Price Available

Send your request to Katherine McCary

Register for the M-Enabling Summit

The M‑Enabling Summit is the premier global gathering advancing digital accessibility and inclusive technology—bringing together leaders, practitioners, and innovators to turn ideas into impact.

Organized by G3ict, a global nonprofit advancing accessibility worldwide, the Summit is the leading cross-sector conference for organizations committed to accessible digital transformation. It brings together executives, accessibility professionals, policymakers, innovators, and disability community leaders to share insights, explore emerging technologies, and shape the future of inclusion.

As a public-benefit forum, the Summit delivers practical value for both organizations and professionals —offering actionable strategies, leadership perspectives, and development opportunities that help teams embed accessibility into their culture, operations, and digital initiatives. It also serves as a central hub for the accessibility profession, supported by IAAP’s global network of certified experts driving standards, education, and best practices.

The 2026 Summit, themed “Accessibility at the Core of Digital Transformation,” will spotlight next-generation technologies, evolving regulations, and innovative approaches to governance, reporting, and inclusive user experience design. Sponsors and exhibitors engage directly with a highly qualified B2B audience of decision-makers leading and investing in accessibility programs.

From hands-on workshops and live demos to plenaries, breakout sessions, lightning talks, and a vibrant Innovation Showcase & Exhibit Hall, the Summit offers dynamic opportunities for learning, collaboration, and meaningful connection.

25th NTID Career Fair — Registration Open

Wednesday, October 7, 2026 | 12:30 PM – 4:00 PM

Rochester Institute of Technology

Register Now



The National Technical Institute for the Deaf (NTID) at RIT invites employer partners to participate in the 25th NTID Career Fair, designed for employers actively recruiting students and graduates for co-op, internship, and full-time positions during the 2026–2027 academic year.

What Registration Includes

•   Registration Fee: $500 for up to two (2) representatives

•   Option to add up to two (2) additional representatives at $100 each (maximum of four total per booth)

•   One 6’ skirted table, chairs, and optional power access

•   Morning beverages and lunch for all registered representatives

•   One ASL interpreter provided per booth; companies may also bring their own at no extra fee, and interpreters do not count toward the representative limit

Schedule at a Glance

•   10:00 AM – Employer check-in and booth setup

•   11:15 AM – Lunch & Awards

•   12:30 PM – Career Fair opens

•   4:00 PM – Career Fair closes

An optional Interview Day is also available on Thursday, October 8, 2026, for employers interested in reserving space to interview students the day following the fair.

Questions? Contact Erica Fleischman Roethel, Assistant Director / NTID Career Fair Coordinator, at efrnce@rit.edu or ntidcoe@rit.edu.

BroadFutures Fall Gala

Ripples to Waves: Celebrating Our Impact

October 17 5:30-8:00 PM

International Spy Museum Washington DC

Buy Tickets

Join us as we bring together our community to celebrate the momentum we are building toward a more inclusive workforce.

Become a sponsor and be part of the wave.

2026 AFB Leadership Summit: Shaping the Future Together

One Day. One Voice. United.

Register for the AFB Leadership Summit

Monday, October 26, 2026 | Downtown Louisville Marriott, Louisville, KY

We stand at the precipice of one of the most transformative times in human history. The rapid rise of artificial intelligence is influencing nearly every aspect of life — education, employment, healthcare, transportation, privacy, and security are all experiencing a paradigm shift. The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) invites all those committed to expanding technology while protecting the independence and opportunity of people who are blind or have low vision to join this one-day facilitated meeting of minds focused on the future of the field.

The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) is moving beyond the traditional conference format with a focused, one-day Leadership Summit bringing together 100+ thought leaders, scholars, practitioners, educators, technology professionals, and advocates in the blindness and low vision field. Through facilitated discussions and shared deliberations, participants will help define priorities and leave with tangible deliverables to help steer the field forward, plus a renewed commitment to shared values of independence and access — capped by an evening awards reception. The Summit kicks off a full week of programming in Louisville, including annual meetings from the American Printing House for the Blind (APH) and the Council of Schools and Services for the Blind (COSB), plus the October 27 launch party for APH's new museum, The Dot Experience.

Sponsorship opportunities available — contact partners@afb.org.

Save the Date

The Art of Measurement — 2027 Disability Statistics State-of-the-Science Conference

March 17–18, 2027 | Rubell Museum, Washington, DC | Online and In-Person

Hosted by the Center for Research on Disability at the University of New Hampshire Institute on Disability, this two-day conference brings together researchers and other disability-data users to explore the science and challenges of measuring disability in the United States.

Through expert presentations, methodological discussions, practical tools, and perspectives from research, policy, practice, and lived experience, participants will examine current measurement approaches, explore what different measures reveal, and identify opportunities for future research and collaboration.

More information about the agenda, speakers, and free registration is coming soon.

Built By Deaf People, For Deaf People, Google's New Technology

ByKeely Cat-Wells,Contributor.

Keely founded Making Space, closing the disability employment gap.

Follow Author

Aug 20, 2026, 02:15am EDTAug 21, 2026, 10:34am

.Read the full article by Keely Cat-Wells

Google DeepMind unveiled SL2T, an AI model translating sign language directly into text, now integrated into Gboard and Live Transcribe on Pixel 11 devices. This groundbreaking technology tracks 130 points across a signer's face, body, and hands, recognizing ASL's full linguistic complexity, a significant departure from previous hand-centric approaches. Developed with extensive Deaf community input, it aims to provide new communication tools. However, Google emphasizes SL2T is for low-stakes communication, not replacing human interpreters or legal accommodations. Concerns persist regarding its ability to handle diverse ASL dialects, practical usage in varied environments, and the risk of institutions misusing it as a substitute for mandated accessibility. Its current exclusivity to Pixel 11 also raises questions about equitable access. While revolutionary, its ultimate value depends on responsible implementation and ensuring the technology adapts to users, not vice-versa.

Healthcare Providers Hit With New Accessibility Requirements

by Michelle Diament | August 17, 2026 | Disability Scoop



A pair of federal rules are imposing first-ever requirements designed to ensure that people with disabilities are better served when they visit the doctor.

The regulations mandate more widespread adoption of accessible medical equipment including weight scales, examination tables, X-ray machines and more.

Starting this summer, many hospitals and doctor's offices that use examination tables or weight scales must have at least one that meets accessibility standards. Staff must be qualified to operate such equipment and assist with transfers.

Meta Taps Disability Groups To Explore Uses for AI Glasses

by Shaun Heasley | August 18, 2026 | Disability Scoop

With a series of grants, Meta is backing efforts to learn how its AI glasses can increase independence and provide other benefits to people with disabilities.

The parent company of Facebook and Instagram said it is putting up nearly $2 million for groups to "solve problems in their communities and industries" using AI glasses. The smart glasses allow users to take pictures and video, accept calls, listen to music and chat with an AI assistant hands-free.

The funds will be shared among 30 organizations across 18 states, a dozen of which focus on the needs of people with disabilities.

Reminder- NEW FOR DC METRO MEMBERS

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH NOD

EnAble Learning

Through a new partnership with the National Organization on Disability (NOD), DC Metro members get direct access to a premier on-demand training platform — expert-designed, self-paced modules that scale to 2,500+ learners.



On-Demand Courses

•   Disability 101

•   Neurodiversity at Work

•   Managing Teams & Mental Health

•   AI, Emerging Tech & Accessibility

The Member Advantage

DC Metro Members purchase these premium modules through our affiliate, so inclusion practices directly enhance productivity and your organization's bottom line.

•   Build stronger leaders — Lead diverse teams with confidence

•   Reduce risk — Compliance & verified best practices

•   Culture that thrives — Beyond awareness to inclusion

Contact Katherine McCary to get started!

The 2026 NDEAM Poster

National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM)

Get started by downloading or ordering the official 2026 NDEAM poster and join ODEP in “Celebrating Value and Talent” in honor of NDEAM and the 250th birthday of our nation. The poster features a firework design and photos of individuals with disabilities, alongside the Freedom250, ODEP, and DOL logos. Visit ODEP's webpage for other media — videos, virtual backgrounds, stickers, and more — along with ideas for your own NDEAM observances.

Get your 2026 NDEAM poster now!

Disability:IN DC Metro

OUR COLLABORATIVE VALUE SYSTEM

Why We Are an Optimum Resource

Members plug into a vetted network of partners across the full inclusion lifecycle.

Strength in Collaboration

•   Disability:IN Affiliates — DC Metro, Chicagoland, Minnesota, North Carolina and Wisconsin work together for increased programming and expanded geographic outreach.

•   World Institute on Disability (WID) — leading the Disability 20 (D20) 2026 at the US G20, providing access and information on the global stage, plus healthcare-sector training.

Improving Access & Reducing Risk

•   United Spinal Accessibility Services — ADA 2010 Standards expertise to ensure a welcoming, accessible work environment.

•   C5 Digital Accessibility Services — expert analysis and actionable steps toward digital accessibility for employees, applicants and customers.

Talent

•   BroadFutures Internships — internships for neurodiverse talent, serving employer members across the US.

•   ABILITY Magazine — discounts, resources, and access to nationwide job board and fully accessible virtual job fairs for DC Metro members.

•   Melwood abilIT — preparing people with disabilities and injured veterans for careers in IT, cybersecurity and tech-adjacent fields.

And More

•   Omnium Circus — more than amazing entertainment; Omnium showcases "I'm Possible" ways to bridge the knowledge and understanding gap.

•   SME Consultant Access — C5 Consulting LLC, Diversifi Consulting Group LLC, The Resource Network, CONCEPTS Communications, TCS Teams and other vetted experts.

Benchmark Tools & Frameworks

•   Disability Inclusion Blueprint — NOD's free, confidential guide to advancing disability across the employee lifecycle, from recruitment to retention.

•   Disability Index (DI) — co-administered by Disability:IN and the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD), a premier tool for benchmarking corporate disability policies.

Become a member and tap the full network!

contact

Katherine.McCary@disabilityindcmetro.org

Founding Chair of Disability:IN National and

CEO, Executive Director of Disability:IN DC Metro

Learn More about DisabilityIN DC Metro

Twice honored as Disability:IN Affiliate of the Year

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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