Disability:IN DC Metro

Business Disability News You Can Use!

August 2024

NDEAM Poster Access to Good Jobs for All

Available Now

While NDEAM takes place annually in October, planning for it gets started well before, and to help, we are thrilled to reveal ODEP’s new poster for National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) 2024! Our NDEAM theme this year is Access to Good Jobs for All. As in previous years, employers can download and customize the poster for their workplace—in English or Spanish. We hope you will roll it out in your workplace to celebrate inclusion and access as we lead up to NDEAM in October!

Highlighting this year’s theme, Access to Good Jobs for All, the 2024 NDEAM poster is a great way to display a commitment to workplace disability inclusion, every month of the year. It’s available in both English and Spanish and can be downloaded by visiting the NDEAM webpage. While there, you’ll also find other resources and ideas for planning NDEAM observances.

Good jobs change lives, and all workers—including disabled workers—deserve the opportunity to prepare for, obtain and succeed in them. Help us spread the message. Download your NDEAM poster today!

Download the NDEAM poster

If you attended the Disability:IN Conference last Month, you probably met several Disability:IN Partners who are members of their local or regional Affiliate, including Ryan Walters, Deloitte who serves as Chair, DC Metro Affiliate.

Don't miss out on engagement at the local level. If you have any DC-based facility, or simply want to take advantage of our Award-winning Affiliate, contact us!

Exciting New Member Benefits for

Gold, Silver, Platinum and Titanium Members

Become a New Member or Elevate your Current Member Level!

• Annual Access to Disability 101 Professional Development Course plus additional courses of the organization’s choosing - based on member level.
• Disability 101 internal Live group webinar sessions, unlimited seats (customized, branded, recorded for internal distribution) Ideal for a Senior level Briefing or Business/Employee Resource Group
• May serve on the Advisory Board
• Invitation to Annual Senior Executive Series
• Invitation to attend the Disability ERG Roundtable
• May appoint an employee to the Emerging Leaders Advisory Council
• May appoint employees to participate in DC Metro Working Groups

Contact us to learn more.

• The Role of an ERG/BRG: Advocating, Supporting and Providing Access - Webinar - August 8
• 2024 Mental Health America Conference - DC- September 19
• 2024 AFBLC Conference - MN September 23-25
• Identity and the Disability Experience- NOD & EY: NYC- September 26
• 2024 Inclusion Summit “Audacious Dialogues”- Kansas City + Virtual - September 26-27

Check Out October-December Events Following the Business News Section!

Including:

Harkin Summit - DC- Registration Open; Call for Presenters Open

KEY NEWS ARTICLES

• NDEAM Poster Now Available!
• AFB and Mattel Announce Blind Barbie
• Feds To Enforce Accessibility Standards For Medical Equipment
• Read the 2024 State of Mental Health in America report
• Supporting Digital Accessibility in the Public and Private Sectors
• Trauma is Common. PTSD Doesn’t Have to Be.
• Disability:IN Announces 2024 Inclusion Awards
• OFCCP Publishes VEVRAA Resource on Apprenticeship Programs

Did You Miss this Webinar?

Check out the Recording Here.

You can find the recording of

Demystifying Disability Inclusion: 

Celebrating the 34th Anniversary of the ADA 

 online here.

The recording is 90 minutes long and is captioned.Please contact us if you would like the transcript.

Upcoming Disability:IN DC Metro Virtual Events

• Authentic Leadership for Innovation in Accessibility Featuring Frances West, former IBM Chief Accessibility Officer
• Fall Disability ERG Leaders Forum
• Annual Accessibility Forum- Exploring AI
• Procurement and Disability Supplier Diversity
• Supporting Military Spouses and Caregivers

Upcoming Events in the Capital Area Region

and Beyond

Upcoming Events

August and September

Join Disability:IN Minnesota’s Webinar

“The Role of an ERG/BRG: Advocating, Supporting and Providing Access”

Thursday, August 8, 2024

Time: 1:00 – 1:00 PM (EDT)

Virtual

This virtual meeting will be held on Zoom. Registration is required to attend. Please register by August 6 at 5:00 PM.

DC Metro members may register for FREE using this promo code: AFFILIATEPARTNER2024. 

Register today!

About this event

Join us virtually for Disability:IN Minnesota’s August Member Meeting, an Inclusion Networking Session to explore the role and inclusive impact of Employee Resource Groups (ERG) and Business Resource Groups (BRG) in the workplace. During this interactive session, participants can look forward to gaining valuable insights from member companies and learn best practices as a springboard for fostering belonging at work. Following the panel discussion, participants will have the opportunity to network with other attendees and ERG/BRG members in breakout sessions.

What is an ERG/BRG?

Employee Resource Group (ERG) or Business Resource Groups (BRG) are a voluntary, employee-led group that serves as a resource for members and organizations by fostering a diverse, inclusive workplace aligned with organizational mission, values, goals, practices, and objectives.

Discussion Topics:

• Disability awareness and understanding
• Promoting inclusivity, diversity, and a sense of belonging
• Creating accessible, inclusive meetings and events

Panelists:

• Denise Bachman, Senior Benefits Analyst, Prime Therapeutics
• J’Nai Buchanan, Director of Diversity, Equity, inclusion and Belonging, Element Fleet Management
• Brandon Nnodi, Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, UnitedHealth Group

2024 Mental Health America Conference

“Disrupt, Reform, Transform”

Capital Hilton Washington, DC

September 19-21, 2024

Register Today

Attend the Mental Health America Conference and join peers, providers, government officials, media, and advocates to ignite a collective spark, share invaluable knowledge, and foster the next wave of advocacy for mental health.

At this year's conference, we will explore ways to DISRUPT systemic barriers, REFORM harmful practices that prevent progress, and TRANSFORM the current landscape, ensuring everyone has equitable opportunity for optimal mental health and well-being.

Topics include:

• Community Responses to Disaster and Humanitarian Crises: Responding to climate issues, acts of violence, and other threats to the safety of local communities.
• Local Solutions to Equity Needs: Identifying, responding to, and understanding the health equity needs of local communities and the impact on mental health.
• Innovation: Exploring emerging trends in mental health treatment and well-being promotion, including digital mental health support, alternative therapies, spirituality, and more.
• Substance Use and Mental Health: Exploring the connection between substance use and mental health and innovations in the treatment of dual diagnoses.
• Advocacy and Policy: Innovative ways communities are advocating and implementing policy changes to support equitable access to mental health care and services.
• Youth and Young Adults: Sharing youth-driven solutions co-created or led by young people.

Nonprofit, standard, and young adult registration rates are available for in-person attendance. We expect to offer CEUs through NASW-VA. All registrants will be able to access session recordings for 30 days after the event.

For questions or details on sponsorship opportunities, please contact events@mhanational.org.

See you in September!

Save the Date for the 2024 AFBLC

September 23-25

Mark your calendars! We are excited to announce that the 2024 American Foundation for the Blind Leadership Conference will be held at the Hyatt Regency in Minneapolis, Minnesota, from September 23rd - 25th, 2024. Learn more about the AFB Leadership Conference.

Identity and the Disability Experience

Co-Hosted by EY: 

Thursday, Sept. 26 | Live Event

Stay tuned for ticketing information! 

We are thrilled to co-host a live event, Identity and the Disability Experience, with EY at their iconic One Manhattan West location in New York City on September 26. 

Set against the skyline of Manhattan’s West Side, guests will enjoy an awards ceremony honoring champions in disability inclusion, an engaging speaker panel, and inspiring entertainment. 

We’re profoundly grateful to EY for opening their doors. Not only does their space serve as a stunning backdrop, it embodies their commitment to disability inclusion by allowing friends and colleagues to gather and make meaningful strides towards equitable opportunity in the workplace.  

Become a Sponsor

Show Your Disability Pride! Event sponsorships offer a unique opportunity to publicly commit to disability inclusion, connect with leaders in HR, DEI, and advocacy, and build genuine connections with the nation’s leading employers. 

Your contribution is more than a philanthropic gift; it is an investment in professional opportunities, spaces, and futures for America's largest marginalized community.

Send an email to learn more about sponsorship opportunities.

2024 Inclusion Summit “Audacious Dialogues”

National hybrid conference in Kansas City + Virtual

September 26-27

Led by the Center for Disability Inclusion (CDI)

in collaboration with the

KC Chamber, D&I Consortium, and the National Association of Asian-American Professionals (NAAAP-KC), 2023 Summit attendees spanned DEIAB/ HR/ Talent practitioners and business leaders from 142 companies, 24 states and 2 countries

Register Now

Are you ready for bold learning, brave conversations, authentic connections and audacious dialogues

that foster a more inclusive work culture?

Why Attend

• MEET inclusion experts and influencers in-person
• Receive new TOOLS and bounce IDEAS off your peers
• LEARN from subject matter experts
• Feel the ENERGY of like-minded people and REGAIN your focus
• GAIN info on leading topics you can apply immediately at work
• NETWORK with peers and get to know others in your field
• HAVE FUN!

ALSO: Check Out October-December Events Following the Business News Section!

Business News

Barbie® Introduces the First Blind Barbie Fashionista Doll and Black Barbie Fashionista Doll with Down Syndrome, Allowing Even More Children to Tell Stories Through Play

Have you heard about the latest Barbie? It’s the first blind Barbie Fashionista doll!

It ranked as the #1 selling doll on Amazon and among the hottest news releases of the week. From The New York Times to People, Barbie is prompting people to talk about blindness and low vision. In its first 24 hours, the blind Barbie had over 2 billion media impressions.

AFB’s team of experts has advised Mattel at every step. From Barbie's white cane to the braille on the box, we aimed to make this launch an inspiration to blind and low-vision children. The result is an authentic representative product that has already begun a conversation about what it means to be blind. Read the AFB Press Release.

Barbie partnered with the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB), an organization dedicated to creating a world of endless possibilities for individuals with blindness and low vision, to ensure details of the blind Barbie doll, including face sculpt, fashion, accessories, packaging experience, and e-commerce communication, accurately depict individuals with blindness or low vision.

Counseled by AFB, Barbie was committed to represent individuals with blindness and low vision throughout all stages of the design process, from the doll’s sculpt to the dress pattern:

• Accessories: The doll comes with a white and red cane with an identifiable marshmallow tip and includes stylish and functional sunglasses. With some blind or low-vision individuals sensitive to light, the lens provides additional eye protection.
• Elbow Articulations: The blind Barbie doll includes elbow articulations to ensure comfortable cane use.
• Textured and Vibrant Fabrics: Barbie conducted testing with blind and low-vision children to ensure that the doll provided an accessible and satisfying play experience for kids with blindness or low vision. With AFB’s guidance, Barbie designed the doll’s fashion to include a satiny pink blouse with a textured ruffle skirt for tactile interest. Additional details include a brightly colored high-contrast hook and loop fasteners for closure on the back of the doll’s top, as well as an elastic skirt waistband to make swapping outfits easier.
• Packaging and Design: Barbie worked with AFB to create accessible packaging for the doll, including the placement and writing of ‘Barbie’ in braille on the package.
• Eye Gaze: The doll is designed with an eye gaze facing slightly up and out to accurately reflect the sometimes-distinct eye gaze of a blind individual.

"It was an honor to collaborate with Barbie on the development of the blind Barbie doll,” said Eric Bridges, CEO and President, American Foundation for the Blind. “By increasing representation and promoting awareness about the experiences of blind individuals and those with low vision, our shared goal is to inspire boundless opportunities for everyone, ultimately leading to a world of greater accessibility and inclusion."

In 2023 Barbie introduced the first-ever Barbie doll with Down syndrome, which won the Corporate Social Responsibility Initiative of the Year award presented by the Toy Association. This year, Barbie once again partnered with the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) to introduce its next doll with Down syndrome to the Barbie Fashionistas 2024 lineup. Throughout all stages of the design process, Barbie and NDSS worked together to ensure the Black Barbie doll with Down syndrome accurately reflected and resonated with members of the Down syndrome community. NDSS connected Barbie with a focus group of Black individuals from the Down syndrome community, including a young Black woman with Down syndrome, to review the doll’s sculpt, hair, fashion and glasses:

• Sculpt: Barbie collaborated with the NDSS to accurately represent physical characteristics of people with Down syndrome including a shorter frame, longer torso and low muscle tone. Additionally, the doll’s palms include a single line, a characteristic often associated with those with Down syndrome. Special care was put into the face sculpt, featuring a rounder shape, smaller ears, and a flat nasal bridge. The eyes are slightly slanted in an almond shape while white dots can be seen in the iris.
• Hair: The doll has a braided hair texture which was one of the key features asked from the Black Down syndrome community.
• Fashion: Symbols are incorporated throughout the doll’s outfit, and the blue and yellow color palette represents Down syndrome awareness. The three arrows in some of the hearts on the dress, represent the third 21st chromosome that individuals with Down syndrome have.
• Glasses: The doll also wears pink eyeglasses, representing individuals with Down syndrome who often experience difficulties with their vision.

"NDSS is thrilled to introduce a second Barbie doll with Down syndrome. Having this doll launched alongside the new Barbie doll with Blindness marks another important step in expanding representation for the disability community,” said Kandi Pickard, President and CEO, NDSS. “We are proud to partner with Barbie as they grow to reflect our diverse and beautiful world."

“We are delighted to introduce these dolls in partnership with the American Foundation for the Blind and National Down Syndrome Society to further our mission for every young girl to feel represented and celebrated through Barbie.” Berger continued.

Doll play has proven to help develop empathy and social processing skills among children, fueling social skills needed to excel in their futures as they imagine they can be anything. As the brand's most diverse doll line, the Barbie Fashionistas series offers more than 175+ looks in a variety of skin tones, eye colors, hair colors and textures, body types, disabilities and fashions. This includes dolls with vitiligo, dolls that use a wheelchair or a prosthetic limb, a doll with hearing aids and a doll without hair. The 2024 Fashionistas dolls aim to advance Barbie’s continued goal of reflecting a multi-dimensional view of beauty and fashion, allowing more children to see their world reflected through play.

The 2024 Fashionistas dolls, including the blind Barbie doll and Black Barbie doll with Down syndrome, are available online now and in store this Summer at major retailers for $10.99. 

With your support, we can turn our vision into reality. Through initiatives like the Blind Barbie, we aim to break down barriers and promote understanding and inclusion in society. Your contributions play a crucial role in making these initiatives possible.

This is already among our milestone achievements, including work on the first audiobooks and a uniform braille code to be adopted worldwide.

The consistent factor throughout it all has been the power of the AFB community. We’re working hard every day to continue this legacy of innovation and inclusion.

You can help us change the national narrative about blindness—and so much more.

Please donate today.

Donate Now

P.S. Our 2024 Leadership Conference (AFBLC) will be held in Minneapolis, MN, this Sept 23-25! This is a pivotal platform where we bring together our corporate partners, advocacy groups, government representatives, and the blind and low-vision community to share information that propels our mission forward. Explore our exciting conference agenda and register for AFBLC to join us in leading the way for an inclusive future.

Feds To Enforce Accessibility Standards For Medical Equipment

by Michelle Diament | July 29, 2024

The U.S. Department of Justice is finalizing a new rule aimed at dramatically increasing the availability of medical examination tables, weight scales and other diagnostic equipment that’s accessible to people with disabilities.

Federal officials said late last week that they would implement a regulation under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act adopting technical standards that must be met by certain hospitals and health care clinics. The announcement coincided with the 34th anniversary of the disability rights law.

“Thirty-four years after passage of the ADA, people with disabilities should not have to forgo needed medical care due to inaccessible medical diagnostic equipment,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “This rule marks a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to ensure that people with disabilities can get the medical treatment they need.”

The rule was first proposed earlier this year in response to numerous complaints that the Justice Department said it received from people with disabilities who have been denied basic medical services because of a lack of accessible equipment.

The agency cited cases where individuals were only given a cursory physical exam because they could not be moved from their wheelchair to an exam table as well as people who have gone without dental exams, mammograms and other preventive care services.

The Justice Department said that Attorney General Merrick B. Garland signed the final rule on Friday, but the agency did not officially release it, saying instead that the rule and a fact sheet will be made available for review soon.

The rule falls under Title II of the ADA, which requires state and local government services, programs and activities to be accessible to people with disabilities. As a result, the new requirements will apply to public hospitals, health clinics and other entities that state and local governments contract with to provide health care services.

With the proposal, federal officials sought to adopt accessibility standards created in 2017 by the U.S. Access Board for exam tables, chairs used for eye and dental exams, weight scales, mammography equipment, x-ray machines and other diagnostic tools.

The proposal included a prohibition on covered health care providers denying services to patients with disabilities because of a lack of accessible equipment and it said that people with disabilities could not be required to bring someone to help them with an exam. In addition, the plan stipulated that covered entities only buy accessible medical equipment going forward until an adequate number are acquired.

The proposal also included a requirement that all providers who use exam tables, weight scales or both have at least one accessible version of the equipment within two years. And, staff would be required to operate accessible medical equipment and assist patients with transfers and positioning.

For the tenth year, we released our annual State of Mental Health in America report, which ranks all 50 states and the District of Columbia according to 15 mental health access and prevalence measures.



Read the 2024 State of Mental Health in America report

The report provides a snapshot of mental health among youth and adults and tracks changes in the prevalence of mental health conditions.

Our analysis shows the U.S. continues to be in a mental health crisis. The need for care is urgent, but persistent barriers to access prevent many Americans from obtaining treatment. With this report, we aim to increase dialogue with, and improve outcomes for, individuals and families with mental health needs.

Supporting Digital Accessibility in the Public and Private Sectors

Interaction with the digital world is constantly evolving. The way people access and use information has changed dramatically in recent years and continues to do so. New technologies allow users to reach almost anyone, anywhere, with an internet connection. How we work has also changed. Today, people use information and communication technology (ICT) to work, communicate with friends and family, form social connections, pay bills, conduct business, and interact with government services. When organizations in both the public and private sectors consider the experiences of disabled applicants and employees, they can create a truly accessible and inclusive environment. EARN’s new resource, “Supporting Digital Accessibility in the Public and Private Sectors,” explores research-based strategies and promising practices that help organizations enhance digital accessibility.

Review the Strategies

Trauma is Common. PTSD Doesn’t Have to Be.

Here’s How to Proactively Treat Workplace Trauma.

Trauma is a common experience, but not everyone who experiences it develops PTSD. Recognizing this difference is vital for workplace leaders to support their employees’ recovery, reducing the risk of long-term psychological impact. Read the Article on Treating Trauma.

Disability:IN Announces 2024 Inclusion Awards with Winners in 12 Categories

Disability:IN, the global organization driving disability inclusion and equality in business, today announced the winners of its 2024 Inclusion Awards. The annual accolade recognizes outstanding disability inclusion efforts by visionary brands and individuals from among Disability:IN’s more than 500 corporate partners.

“Each year we are fortunate to see exemplary disability inclusion efforts from so many worthy companies and individuals. The volume reaffirms that this work continues to become a business imperative for companies around the globe,” said Jill Houghton, president and CEO of Disability:IN. “Our 2024 Inclusion Awards recipients represent the companies that have demonstrated noteworthy efforts in disability inclusion and accessibility. On behalf of everyone at Disability:IN, we applaud you.”

For 2024, Disability:IN named Wells Fargo the winner of its Inclusive Business of the Year award, which recognizes a company for exemplary implementation of policies, strategies and initiatives that have resulted in measurable impact in the areas of disability inclusiveness in the workplace, marketplace, accessibility, and supply chain both inside the U.S. and internationally. The company displays a commitment to the comprehensive inclusion of people with disabilities both internally and externally, recognizing the value of expertise from employees and customers with disabilities in developing a more inclusive workplace and business.

“Thank you, Disability:IN, for your work toward making a more inclusive global economy, and for recognizing our commitment to our employees, communities and customers with disabilities,” said Kristy Fercho, Head of Diverse Segments, Representation and Inclusion at Wells Fargo.

Disability:IN proudly partners with Cristaux International, a certified Disability-Owned Business Enterprise to develop the Disability:IN program. Based in Chicago, Cristaux leads modern recognition with one-of-a-kind awards and seamless program management.

The additional 2024 Inclusion Awards winners are:

Autism Inclusion Company of the Year presented in collaboration with SAP: DXC Technology

Powered by SAP, the Autism Inclusion Company of the Year recognizes innovative policies, strategies and initiatives that drive measurable results in hiring, retaining, and advancing autistic colleagues in the U.S. and around the globe. This year’s winner, DXC Technology, is recognized for its work to enable sustainable, long-term careers in information and communications technology for neurodivergent people. For example, DXC’s Dandelion Program helps neurodivergent people build necessary technical and life skills by developing their self-determination and self-advocacy; understanding of their sensory profile; understanding of their working and processing style; and building on their abilities, strengths and setting goals.

Accessibility Impact Award: Procter & Gamble

Procter & Gamble (P&G) has been named this year’s Accessibility Impact Award winner for its dedication to continuously refining accessibility accommodation practices. P&G works to ensure a consistent process that meets the needs of disabled job applicants requesting an accommodation. P&G also offers current employees a comprehensive accommodation request process, including for off-site company meetings/activities, virtual meetings, and company-supported, industry-relevant meetings and events. For customers, P&G is working to embed accessibility into creative strategies and content, including the use of audio description tracks to enable visually impaired consumers to understand by listening as well as captioning for people with hearing impairments.

Global ERG Impact Award: BNY

BNY’s HEART is this year’s recipient of the Global ERG Impact Award for its tireless work to raise awareness and leverage the talents of employees with disabilities at the company. Across five regions and 37 chapters the team reinforces an inclusive and accessible environment through storytelling, education and collaboration internally; industry collaborations, relationships and commitments; client collaborations and disability hiring.

ERG/BRG Executive Sponsor of the Year: Elizabeth Joyce

Elizabeth Joyce of State Street has been named ERG / BRG Executive Sponsor of the year for her longstanding commitment to furthering disability inclusion. Notably, she recently commissioned a new program at State Street to establish a dedicated talent pipeline targeting individuals within the neurodiverse community. Rolled out for the firm’s Cyber Security organization, this program will help shape and define how the company recognizes the contributions of the neurodiverse community.

Inclusive Marketing Campaign of the Year: Amazon Devices and Services

This year, Amazon Devices and Services received the Inclusive Marketing Campaign of the Year award for the launch of a new solution, developed in partnership with Cochlear™, a global manufacturer of widely used hearing implants, that allows Cochlear implant users to more comfortably enjoy movies and TV episodes available from Netflix, Prime Video, and other streaming services, as well as local TV networks. This innovation marks the first time that a smart TV device streams sound directly to a hearing implant sound processor.

Mary Brougher Supplier Diversity Advocate of the Year Award: Nedra Dickson

The Mary Brougher Supplier Diversity Advocate of the Year Award commemorates the late disability rights leader and advocate for the employment of youth and adults with disabilities. This year’s recipient is Nedra Dickson of Accenture, who has worked tirelessly as the leader for Accenture’s well-established efforts to diversify the company’s suppliers and subcontractors across 16 countries, growing the firm’s Supplier Diversity spend to over 30% in the US and opening so many doors for Disability:IN certified Disability-Owned Businesses (DOBEs®) to contracts with Accenture and beyond.

NextGen Alumni Achievement Award: Sena Pottackal

Sena Pottackal of Current Global has been named the 2024 NextGen Leader Alum of the Year for her contributions to her workplace and community and her ongoing support of students and recent graduates with disabilities. Since Sena’s graduation from the NextGen program, she has remained engaged as a corporate partner, serving as Current Global’s delegate for Disability:IN’s CMO & CCO Coalition, and is also currently a member of the inaugural Early Career Talent Accelerator. Sena consistently works to advance disability inclusion in all that she does and serves as a strong role-model for professionals with disabilities.

Top Corporation for Inclusive Procurement: Google

Google has been named the 2024 Top Corporation for Inclusive Procurement for its outstanding inclusion of Disability:IN certified Disability-Owned Business Enterprises (DOBEs) and a general commitment to disability owned business inclusion within their supply chain.

John D. Kemp CEO Award: Michael Wirth, Chevron

The John D. Kemp CEO award recognizes a CEO who has championed disability inclusion and accessibility within their company and whose leadership has resulted in measurable outcomes that have significantly improved disability inclusion across the enterprise. The 2024 recipient is Michael Wirth of Chevron, under whose leadership the company has achieved so much for the disability community and this year will launch a pilot for centralized accommodations.

DOBE of the Year: Synterex, Inc.

The DOBE of the Year Award recognizes a Disability:IN certified Disability-Owned Business Enterprise (DOBE) with a proven track record of success utilizing the certification to grow their business while accelerating economic opportunity for the disability community. This year’s winner, Synterex, Inc., is a woman-owned, disability-owned clinical and regulatory consulting firm specializing in agile methodology, automation, and artificial intelligence-driven technologies that help deliver important new therapies to patients in an expedient manner. Synterex is recognized with this award for its exceptional contributions to the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries while remaining firmly dedicated to sustainability and disability inclusion.

Read the full press release

OFCCP Publishes VEVRAA Resource on Apprenticeship Programs

The U.S Department of Labor’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) published new promising practices encouraging the use of apprenticeship programs to attract and retain veterans protected by the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974, as amended (VEVRAA). The promising practices help contractors understand how to implement apprenticeship programs that can benefit contractors and protected veterans. They also discuss how apprenticeship programs can support contractors’ efforts to promote equal employment opportunity.

Under VEVRAA, federal contractors and subcontractors are prohibited from engaging in discrimination in employment practices against veterans and are required to provide equal employment opportunity in recruiting, hiring, promoting, and retaining protected veterans.  

Earlier this year, OFCCP updated its VEVRAA webpage. This webpage includes links to videos highlighting the importance of self-identification and veterans’ rights protected by VEVRAA, new promising practices, guidance on VEVRAA Hiring Benchmarks, an updated VEVRAA Affirmative Action Program (AAP) sample and frequently asked questions.

Please bookmark and continue to visit our VEVRAA webpage for more information.

Key Tips for Boosting Transcription Quality

3PlayMedia

Learn tips for leveraging high-quality audio, proper equipment, and professional transcriptionists to boost your transcript accessibility and accuracy.

Read The Article

Thank You to Our Sponsor Partners!

Disability:IN DC Metro is Committed to Inclusive Hiring.

Contact us to post an vacancy in our newsletter.

October-December 2024 EVENTS

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.

Why Attend?

Attract a Lucrative Market

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.

HOTEL DUPONT'S Gold Ballroom

Who Will Benefit from Attending?

Hotel Managers and Staff

• Learn best practices for enhancing property accessibility, with sessions focused on ADA compliance, customer service, and staff training.

Tourism and Travel Professionals

• Gain insights into marketing to travelers with disabilities and ensuring inclusive and equitable tourism experiences.

Meeting and Event Planners

• Understand the importance of accessibility in planning events that can be enjoyed by everyone.

Marketing and Sales Teams

• Learn effective strategies to market to the disability community, increasing reach and profitability.

Compliance Officers and Legal Advisors

• Stay updated on ADA regulations and how to implement them effectively.

Architects and Facility Designers

• Get practical advice and move from compliance to inclusion in designing accessible spaces.

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

Save the Date! 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.

Register by August 12 to save on registration!

Join us at our 2024 National Convention for three days of expert-led sessions, engaging breakouts, a fun evening event, and more! You’ll connect and learn with advocates, professionals, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), family members, and others from across the country.

Secure your spot now and save up to $200 with early bird registration. You can save an additional $100 when you also register for the NCE Fall Leadership Institute, which is taking place in the two days leading up to Convention. Get the early bird rate! Here’s a sneak peek of some of the session topics you won’t want to miss:

• Using podcasts as a platform for self-advocates to elevate their voices
• Building power through media
• Supporting people with IDD to lead self-determined lives
• Ending restraint and seclusion in schools
• Bridging the gap between IDD services and mental health care
• Best practices in police education about people with IDD

Get ready to gain valuable knowledge, get inspired, and make new friends!

Here’s a sneak peek of some of the Convention session topics you won’t want to miss:

• Using podcasts as a platform for self-advocates to elevate their voices
• Building power through media
• Supporting people with IDD to lead self-determined lives
• Ending restraint and seclusion in schools
• Bridging the gap between IDD services and mental health care
• Best practices in police education about people with IDD

Get ready to gain valuable knowledge, get inspired, and make new friends!

REGISTER NOW

Don't forget to grab a ticket to our local host event!

During the registration process, you can purchase a ticket to “ A Night to Remember” on November 1, from 6:00 to 9:00 pm, featuring Matt O’Nesti and Blue Spectrum.

Matt O’Nesti is a comedian, writer, and disability advocate who will challenge you and entertain you with his “stand-up” comedy. Blue Spectrum is a group of talented musicians on the autism spectrum who play a spectrum of blues, rock, R&B, soul, pop, and jazz.

Enjoy an evening of dinner, drinks, and entertainment, followed by a dance!

Save the Date for Our Gala 2024

November 9 

Join us for The Arc of Northern Virginia’s Gala 2024, which will be held on Saturday, November 9, 2024 at the 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. Super Early-Bird Tickets will go on sale on August 1.

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.

The wait is over, you can now register for the 2024 Harkin International Disability Employment Summit!

The Harkin Summit brings together key champions and implementers from around the world to increase the employment of people with disabilities. The 2024 event will be held in Washington, DC at the JW Marriott Hotel on December 18-19.

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

Register Now!

$450 for on-site.

Our Call for Proposals is also live!

We invite leaders and activists at all levels globally, to develop and submit proposals for items they want to deliver as part of this exciting two-day Summit.

You bring the content, we will provide the platform. 

We invite creative minds to come forward with content applications in the form of "Keynote Speakers", "Presentations & Showcases", "Panel Discussions", and "Workshops" under the following sub-themes:

• Nurturing the next generation of disabled innovators
• Mainstreaming disability in corporate agendas
• How can government get it right?
• Let's Talk About It: Disability in media, communications, and corporate imagery
• Data that drives change
• Harkin Legacy: Stories of success from past Harkin Summits

Proposals are due by August 30, 2024. All content applications will be considered, and we are committed to achieving diversity and international representation within this agenda. If you have an idea, no matter the scale, be creative and please come forward.

Submit Your Pitch!

Travel and Hotel

All Summit events take place at the JW Marriott Hotel, located at 1331 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004. The JW Marriott is situated in the heart of DC's lively downtown district, near the White House and the many monuments and museums on the National Mall. 

Hotel Accommodations

If you need hotel accommodations while attending the Harkin Summit, we have a contracted group room rate at the JW Marriott of $199 per night plus taxes (currently 15.95%) for a total of $230.74 per night for December 16-20, 2024. This also includes wireless internet access in your guest room

Access our group rate at the JW Marriott here.

Travel and Airport Information

• Closest Airport: Ronald Reagan Washington National Airpor
• Closet Train: Union Station
• Closest Metro/Subway: Metro Center (Orange, Silver, Blue & Red Lines)

Hotel Group Rate Booking

Interested in Becoming a Summit Sponsor?

Email daniel.vansant@drake.edu for more information about sponsorship of the Harkin Summit.

WID

AAPD

Billion Strong

The Resource Network

The Valuable 500

Blind Institute of Technology

Standard Accessibility Reporting

BroadFutures

Lingvano

RespectAbility

Soniccloud

Level Access

Omnium Circus

Disability:IN Minnesota

Disability:IN Wisconsin

Disability:IN Chicagoland

Center for Disability Inclusion

Virginia Ability

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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