Disability Impact

August 2026

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

A Message from Our CEO

In honor of the 36th ADA Anniversary and Disability Pride Month, Disability:IN DC Metro announced a new strategic partnership with the National Organization on Disability (NOD) at last month's Disability:IN Annual Global Conference. Through this partnership, members gain access to NOD's on-demand training platform, EnAble Learning — flexible, expert-driven resources to support disability inclusion.

— The Hon. Katherine McCary, CEO

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!

At a Glance

Events in the August Newsletter

• Aging and Vision Loss: What You Need to Know and How You Can Help (AFB) — August 10
• Webinar: DEI's Ongoing Evolution — Current Risks and Strategies for Employers — August 11
• RESIST! Launch of the Community Coalition for Sustainable Diversity and Inclusion (LinkedIn Live) — August 11
• NOD Recruiting College Talent with Disabilities: What Works, What Doesn’t & Why, Thursday, Aug. 13 
• Ability.Jobs Career Fair — August 20 (also Oct. 22, Dec. 12)
• Webinar: Closing the Accessibility Evidence Gap (Level Access) — August 26
• Gallaudet University Fall Internship & Job Fair — September 24
• 2026 M-Enabling Summit — October 5–7
• NOD LIVE 2026 — October 1 (New York, NY)
• 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

Aging and Vision Loss: What You Need to Know and How You Can Help

Monday, August 10, 2026 | 2:00 – 3:30 PM ET | In Person: WVU School of Medicine Charleston Campus, 3110 MacCorkle Avenue SE, Charleston, WV | Also Available Virtually via Zoom

Join the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) for a free presentation on aging and vision loss. AFB's Public Policy and Research Institute will present this session featuring Dr. Priscilla Rogers, Dr. Arielle Silverman, and Angie Whistler. Whether you're an older adult, family member, caregiver, healthcare provider, rehabilitation professional, or simply interested in learning more, all are welcome to attend.

Participants Will Learn About

•   Common causes of age-related vision loss and their impact on daily activities

•   Assistive technologies and simple interventions for older adults with vision loss

•   Respectful ways to interact with people who are blind or have low vision

•   Vision rehabilitation services and other useful resources

Attend In Person

Attend Virtually

Webinar: DEI's Ongoing Evolution — Current Risks and Strategies for Employers

Register Here

Tuesday, August 11, 2026 | 1:00 – 2:00 PM Eastern / 12:00 – 1:00 PM Central / 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM Mountain / 10:00 – 11:00 AM Pacific

The DEI landscape continues to evolve at a rapid pace, and 2026 has already brought a number of significant developments that employers should be monitoring closely. Federal executive actions, enforcement priorities, litigation trends, and growing external pressures are creating new challenges and opportunities for organizations seeking to maintain effective workplace inclusion initiatives while managing legal risk. Join Seyfarth for an update on the latest developments shaping the DEI landscape and what they may mean for employers heading into 2027, including practical perspectives on risk assessment, program design, and strategies for navigating a changing environment while supporting equal employment opportunity and inclusion objectives.

Topics Will Include

•   Recent federal executive actions and enforcement signals affecting workplace DEI initiatives

•   Key legal, regulatory, and market forces reshaping the DEI landscape

•   EEOC activity, litigation developments, and emerging compliance considerations

•   Increasing areas of risk and employer priorities heading into 2027

•   Practical frameworks for evaluating DEI-related programs and initiatives

•   Strategies for maintaining inclusion and equal employment opportunity commitments within evolving legal guardrails

Speakers

•   Brandon L. Dixon, Partner, Seyfarth Shaw LLP

•   Christy E. Kiely, Partner, Seyfarth Shaw LLP

Questions? Contact Kate Stacey and reference this event.

RESIST! Join the Launch of the Community Coalition for Sustainable Diversity and Inclusion — A LinkedIn Live Event

Register for RESIST!

Tuesday, August 11, 2026 | 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM Pacific / 2:00 – 3:00 PM Eastern | Free

Dr. Kirk Adams and the Institute for Sustainable Diversity & Inclusion (ISDI) invite you to the public launch of the Community Coalition for Sustainable Diversity and Inclusion, a free LinkedIn Live event. Writing against a backdrop of dismantled programs, disappearing funding, and practitioners left working in isolation, Adams argues that the answer to this moment is not retreat but community, organizing the Coalition around a single-word theme: RESIST. Resist fear. Resist division. Resist isolation. And resist the idea that the work of inclusion belongs to any one organization or any one movement.

The hour is built as an open “Ask Us Anything” conversation rather than a presentation, with candid questions welcome on the Coalition itself, the future of DEIA work, accessibility, belonging, organizational change, and leadership. Joining Adams are ISDI board chair Joseph Marth; board members Barbara Deane, Effenus Henderson, Amelia Ransom, and Constance Engelstad; and community advisors Jacob Davidson, Alexandra Matthiesen, and Terry Loving. The launch also opens Founding Membership in the Coalition, giving early members a hand in shaping it from the start plus access to a growing national network of leaders, resources, and cross-sector collaboration.

Practitioners, executives, nonprofit and government leaders, educators, disability advocates, community organizers, ERG leaders, and students are all invited to bring their questions, their experiences, and a colleague or a friend.

Empowering Your Workforce:

Strategic Veteran Recruitment Strategies

Register for the Veteran Recruitment strategies webinar

Aug 11, 2026 11:00 AM in Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join us for an insightful presentation by the US Department of Labor’s Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (VETS), led by Regional Veterans’ Employment Coordinator, Matthew Passmore. This session will provide employers with comprehensive strategies to effectively recruit, hire, train, and retain Veterans. Discover how to leverage federal, state, and local resources to streamline your recruitment processes, reduce costs, and strategically address skill gaps. Enhance your Veteran recruitment practices and unlock the potential of Veteran talent in your workforce.

Recruiting College Talent with Disabilities:

What Works, What Doesn’t & Why

Thursday, Aug. 13 | 1-1:30 PM EST

Register for the Recruiting College students webinar

As organizations compete for early career talent, college students and recent graduates with disabilities remain one of the most overlooked talent pools. Many employers are eager to hire them, but struggle to create inclusive and accessible recruiting experiences, and onboard new hires once they join the organization.

Drawing on insights from NOD research, this session explores practical strategies for strengthening disability-inclusive recruiting and creating workplace cultures where early career talent can thrive.

REGISTER TODAY

WHAT WE'LL COVER:

• The top reasons recruiters struggle when recruiting students with disability—and how to fix it
• Practical ways to create more accessible recruiting, interviewing, and internship experiences

FEATURING:

Lorena Chelaru, Human Resources & Operations Manager, NOD

Lorena Chelaru is Human Resources & Operations Manager at NOD, leading HR initiatives and operational excellence. She brings experience in program evaluation, youth development, and community engagement, with degrees in Community Development, Planning, and Psychology.

Margaret Ling, Senior Manager, Partnerships, NOD

Margaret Ling is Senior Manager of Partnerships at NOD, advising Leadership Council members on disability inclusion. She leads NOD’s Virtual Career Fair, connecting students and alumni with disabilities to employers, and manages Workforce Solutions initiatives that help organizations build more inclusive workplaces.

Learn more about the NOD webinar

Unlock the Power of disABILITY Talent

ABILITY Job Fair

Job Fair Dates: August 20, 2026

(also October 22 and December 12)

Register for direct engagement

Contact Lori Daly for more information.



Since 1995, abilityJOBS.com has been the leading resource for employers seeking to hire skilled professionals with disabilities, offering an AI-enhanced job board and extensive resume bank.

The ABILITYJobFair.org is an accessible online job fair connecting recruiters and job seekers with disabilities through face-to-face video, text chat, real-time captions, and ASL interpreters — delivering a human, in-person feel without the need to travel.

Straight from the Source:

A Fireside Chat with EEOC Legal Counsel

Aug 25, 2026 12:00 PM in Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Register for thr EEOC Legal Counsel webinar

The regulatory landscape is shifting fast — and employers need answers.

Join the National Industry Liaison Group for an exclusive fireside chat with Heather Olowski, Legal Counsel and head of the EEOC's Office of Legal Counsel (OLC), as she sits down with NILG Board Members Tabbitha Anderson (T-Mobile) and Kevin Carpenter (Charles Schwab) for a candid conversation about what's changing at the Commission and what it means for your organization.

Topics will include:

• The EEOC's new National Enforcement Plan (FY2025–2029) and what changed

• DEI-related enforcement priorities and how employers should respond

• AI in hiring, selection procedures, and updated guidance on the horizon

• OFCCP coordination, federal contractor obligations, and EEO-1 data

• Practical steps employers can take now to reduce enforcement exposure

This is a rare opportunity to hear directly from EEOC leadership — bring your questions.

Webinar: Closing the Accessibility Evidence Gap — Live Demo of the Level Access Reporting Agent

Wednesday, August 26, 2026 | 1:00 PM ET

Reserve My Spot

Can't attend on August 26? Register anyway and a recording will be sent afterward.

Reporting on accessibility shouldn't be guesswork. But when your data only exists in disconnected spreadsheets, it's hard to prove your program is working, and to defend that impact to legal and executive teams. Join Level Access to explore closing the evidence gap — the distance between the accessibility work your team does and the documented proof it's paying off — plus a live demo of the Level Access Reporting Agent, which turns program data into executive-ready summaries in minutes.

In This Session, You'll Learn How To

•   Recognize whether your organization has this challenge, and what's at stake if you do

•   Produce the metrics and documentation that regulators, customers, and executives expect

•   Connect accessibility work to outcomes like compliance risk, customer trust, and revenue

Speakers

•   Corbb O'Connor, Director of Thought Leadership, Level Access

•   Jackie Dutot, Lead Engagement Manager, Level Access

•   Nathalia Marins, Senior Product Manager, Level Access

Gallaudet University's Fall 2026 Internship and Job Fair

Thursday, September 24, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 2:30 PM | Multi-Purpose Room, Student Academic Building (SAC)

Registration is open now on Handshake. Early bird rate (through May 22) was $200 for Schools/Non-Profits and $250 for For-Profit & Government entities; fees increase per group by $50 from May 23 through September 10. Fees include two representatives and a light lunch; up to four representatives may attend, with virtual interpreters available on request. Don't miss the opportunity to connect with Gallaudet's exceptional students and alumni.

Questions? Contact Anjali Desai-Margolin

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 10036 | Business Professional Attire Encouraged



Purchase Tickets

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

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. With an emphasis on actionable solutions, industry standards, and the future of innovation, this event will provide attendees with the tools and insights needed to foster more inclusive and accessible work environments for not only people with disabilities, but all employees.

•   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. Meet the creators behind the innovation and see firsthand how technology is making inclusion more practical, powerful, and possible.

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.

Edited by Alan Schwarz

May 19, 2026 at 10:00 AM

CLICK HERE for the full story and methodology

With one-sixth of the world’s population having some kind of disability, companies are leaning into accessibility to serve and create broader markets for their products. It has evolved from legal mandate, to social imperative, to now something that speaks to an entirely new audience: smart business.

“There are more than 1.4 billion people with disabilities,” says Neil Barnett, Microsoft’s chief accessibility officer. “Our products need to be accessible. It’s always been at the core of what we do.”

The Forbes Accessibility 200 highlights the biggest innovators and impact-makers in accessibility, from juggernauts like Microsoft to VC-seeking startups. Based on more than 700 interviews and input from an expert advisory board across all sectors of business and society, the list highlights companies, individuals, and organizations that make the world more available to everyone.

For the purposes of this list, “Accessibility” is defined as products, software and services that allow people with disabilities to have equitable access to information, content, public spaces, employment and life experiences. Disabilities impacted include senses (blind and low-vision), mobility (related to paralysis, cerebral palsy or limb differences, for example) and neurodivergence (autism and other disorders). For the complete rundown of how the list was created, our methodology synopsis is here.

Accessibility tools often evolve to benefit broad swaths of the population, disability or not, says JoAnna Hansen, Amazon’s director of Experience Quality Technologies. A classic example is closed captioning, which was designed for the deaf and hard of hearing; the majority of Americans now use it. And now, across dozens of industries and companies, AI is forging entirely new products and features that will serve far more than the disabled. The best of them are represented on the full Accessibility 200 list.

As with all Forbes lists, companies do not pay any fee to be considered or selected. For questions about this list, please email accessibilitylist [at] forbes.com.

Disability:IN North Carolina (DI-NC) awarded the prestigious 2026 Disability:IN Affiliate of the Year

by Disability:IN, the global leader in disability access

Congratulations to our Sister Affiliate, Disability:IN North Carolina, and its amazing Executive Director, Beth Butler!

Since our founding in 2012, DI-NC has relentlessly championed disability access, transforming thousands of lives across North Carolina. To date, DI-NC has empowered more than 3,000 individuals by bridging businesses with talent, driving accessible hiring, and providing expert consulting and training statewide. This award stands as a testament to our unwavering leadership and innovation in building accessible workplaces and unleashing the full potential of people with disabilities. At DI-NC, we believe that every disability—visible or nonvisible—warrants not only acceptance, but celebration and opportunity.



Join us in leading the way—together, we can build a future where every person is valued, every workplace is accessible, and every business is stronger.

Unlocking the Purchasing Power of People with Disabilities

Read the AIR project page

A new study from the American Institutes for Research (AIR), funded by Disability:IN, finds that working-age adults with disabilities hold an estimated $674.3 billion in disposable income, including $107 billion in discretionary income. On average, individuals with disabilities earned $39,613 in 2024, compared to $68,069 for those without disabilities — underscoring both the size of this market and the opportunity gap. The study builds on a 2018 AIR report but uses an updated methodology, so the two should be viewed as distinct snapshots rather than a direct year-over-year comparison.

15 July 2026 Case Study

Growing Future Talent: Building Apprenticeship Pathways

The Challenge

Registered Apprenticeship Programs can help employers fill high-growth and high-need jobs and prepare workers to fill those roles. But building, expanding, and sustaining these programs can be challenging. 

Explore all our case studies to understand how AIR is making an impact.

• Aligning state apprenticeship systems with other systems covering workforce and education, such as community colleges and other intermediaries, is not always smooth.
• Employers often see apprenticeships as complex or burdensome.
• Too many apprentices drop out and do not complete their programs. 
•  

AIR's Approach

AIR’s technical assistance and applied research helps advance apprenticeship programs in all 50 states.

AIR works with states, employers, and organizations to strengthen apprenticeship systems—focusing on helping partners build, expand, and sustain programs over time.

Through research and partnership, AIR:

Improves apprentice selection and retention.

AIR works with established apprenticeship programs to improve how apprentices are selected, supported, and retained. For example, through a long-standing partnership with the Electrical Training ALLIANCE, AIR designs and maintains fair and effective apprentice selection processes, identifies factors that affect retention, and provides guidance to improve completion rates and program sustainability. As part of the Upward Apprenticeship Initiative, AIR will study the journey of apprentices in community college programs to understand when and why they drop out. With this information, community colleges can establish stronger procedures and direct support to help apprentices finish their programs successfully. 

Helps states grow and align apprenticeship systems.

AIR conducts assessments of state apprenticeship systems; supports partnerships among workforce agencies, education providers, and employers; and helps states align funding with workforce and economic development goals. For instance, AIR contributed to a statewide effort in New Jersey to build capacity, share best practices, and develop recommendations for expanding apprenticeship access. 

Expands apprenticeships in emerging industries.

AIR also works at the national level to grow apprenticeships, particularly in technology roles including tech support specialist, network support specialist, cybersecurity support, technician, and data analyst. For instance, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Labor, AIR helped expand apprenticeship programs in technology, support employers in adopting apprenticeship models, and increase the number of apprentices hired in these fields. 

Facilitates pathways into apprenticeship.

Through hands on training, career and supportive services, and more, pre-apprenticeship programs help adults and youth prepare for a Registered Apprenticeship Program or other employment. With support from Britebound, AIR conducted a national survey and developed case studies that show how states and territories are expanding partnerships, using federal and state funding, and adopting policies and procedures that bolster these increasingly popular pre‑apprenticeship programs.

The Impact

Better Alignment, More Effective Collaboration, New Opportunities for Workers and Businesses

As a result of AIR's work: 

AIR’s partnership with the Department of Labor resulted in more than 1,500 new apprentices hired across 20 states, growing from five initial technology roles to more than 20.

• State agencies are better positioned to align the different systems—such as community colleges, workforce agencies, and community organizations—that support apprenticeship goals; 
• Funding streams are more intentionally coordinated to support programs;
• More employers have access to support and proven approaches for designing, launching, and sustaining apprenticeships;
• Apprenticeship programs are growing in both traditional and emerging industries; and
• More workers have access to earn-and-learn pathways into in-demand careers.

By improving coordination, expanding programs, and supporting long-term sustainability, AIR aims to make apprenticeships a more widely accessible pathway for workers and a more reliable talent strategy for employers.

Disability Self-Identification Form Approved Through July 2029

Fred Satterwhite, M.S., M.T.S

The collection of disability status from applicants and employees by federal contractors has been extended for another three years. On July 16, 2026, the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) approved, without change, the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Program's (OFCCP) information collection request (ICR) for various requirements under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 503) and its implementing regulations at 41 CFR part 60-741. OIRA's action extends the approval of Form CC-305 ("Voluntary Self-Identification of Disability") for use by employers until July 31, 2029.

The disability self-identification form had been on a month-to-month extension since OIRA began its review of the ICR earlier this year.

This action suggests that OFCCP's final rule on updating the Section 503 affirmative action regulations, which is listed in the White House's current Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions as imminent, may not remove the utilization goal, related data collection analysis, and disability self-identification requirements. OFCCP proposed removing those Section 503 AAP requirements last year and received overwhelming opposition during the subsequent public comment period.

DCI will continue to monitor for updates regarding OFCCP's final rule on Section 503 affirmative action requirements and self-identification data collection for individuals with disabilities. Sign up here to receive alerts.

EEOC Votes to Advance Proposal Rescinding EEO-1 Reporting

On July 21, 2026, the EEOC voted 2-1 along party lines to publish a proposed rule (NPRM) that would rescind the EEO-1 Report and related EEO-2 through EEO-6 workforce demographic reports, along with associated recordkeeping requirements. If finalized, the rule would eliminate demographic reporting by race, ethnicity, sex, and job category for private employers with 100+ employees, federal contractors meeting applicable thresholds, labor unions, public schools, and state/local government employers.

Chair Andrea Lucas and Commissioner Panuccio argued the mandatory reporting raises constitutional concerns and imposes significant compliance costs, with Lucas stating the reports “stand in direct tension with Title VII's requirement that employment practices be colorblind” and noting the agency retains authority to request tailored records during charge investigations. Commissioner Kotagal dissented, calling EEO-1 data a foundational enforcement tool used for roughly 60 years to identify discrimination patterns.

Critics outside the agency have also pushed back: Katie Sandson, senior counsel at the National Women's Law Center, called the vote “a grave attack on civil rights enforcement” that would make discrimination harder to identify and address. SHRM has said it supports rescinding current EEO reporting requirements only if they are replaced with a more modern, accurate framework that supports compliance and informed workforce decision-making.

Important: This vote does not eliminate reporting requirements yet. A public comment period follows before any rule can be finalized. Employers should continue current EEO-1 compliance and monitor the rulemaking process closely. (Sources: Seyfarth Shaw, July 21, 2026; SHRM, July 22, 2026)

Disability Index: New Participation Model for 2027

Under the new model, all non-governmental businesses or organizations with independent governance and more than 500 employees in the segment being benchmarked are eligible to participate in the Disability:IN Disability Index at no cost. Every participant will receive a complimentary Universal Report with their score and proficiency level. Companies seeking deeper insights may upgrade to a Premier Insights Report at a cost of $2,500 per submission.

An early interest form for the 2027 cycle opens in January 2027. For more in-depth questions, members can reach out to index@disabilityin.org.

Disability Inclusion Data, Research & Benchmarking (Disability:IN)

The 2026 NDEAM Poster Is Here!

National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) takes place in October, but planning begins well before. 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!

Transforming Neurodiversity into Organizational Strength

June 25, 2026 | Lacy Lusk

Approximately 20% of the population is neurodivergent — a figure that climbs above 50% for Gen Z and Gen Alpha entering the workforce. Speaking at SHRM26, Lee Judson (Bridge2Work Coaching) and Beth Sirull (President & CEO, National Organization on Disability) highlighted that neurodivergent employees often rank among the strongest critical thinkers, with traits like ADHD hyperfocus driving exceptional productivity when paired with clear instructions and expectations. Research from EY finds neurodivergent employees can be up to 31% more proficient in in-demand skills when given the right support.

The most effective approach builds support into everyday systems rather than treating it as an exception — universal design practices like captioned videos, written instructions, and quiet spaces benefit neurodivergent employees while improving clarity for everyone. Many helpful accommodations cost little or nothing: sending meeting agendas in advance, offering flexible schedules, providing noise-canceling headphones, and encouraging time blocking. Consistent, organization-wide manager training helps ensure support doesn't depend on which manager an employee happens to report to.

Scalable, strengths-based approaches include employee resource groups, on-demand training modules, external coaches for smaller organizations, regular one-on-ones, and promoting standard low-cost accommodations as everyday practice for all. (Source: SHRM, June 25, 2026)

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.”

Follow Us on LinkedIN and YouTube