Strategy for Access Foundation, led by Abilities Expo Ambassador Vanessa Williams, is thrilled to announce the debut of its new docu-series, Accessible Chicago. Strategy for Access is the parent nonprofit for Fun4theDisabled, an organization whose mission is to promote enjoyable, accessible experiences for individuals with disabilities.The docu-series, which highlights the accessibility and inclusivity of multiple attractions in the city of Chicago, premiered on February 13 at the Museum of Science and Industry. The event was an evening of inspiration and disability awareness, bringing together key figures in accessibility advocacy and representatives from prominent Chicago institutions.This dynamic line-up includes Susan Brehm…
Author: DIVERSEability Community
Thanks to significant funding, opportunities for people with disabilities may begin to expand. The Department of Education’s Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) announced that it would award nearly $199 million to 20 model demonstration projects across the country. All 20 projects are dedicated to the economic self-sufficiency of children and youth with disabilities by creating systemic approaches to enhance post-school outcomes.The funding will go to the Pathways to Partnerships innovative model demonstration project, an initiative that supports collaborative partnerships between state vocational rehabilitation agencies, state and local educational agencies, and federally funded centers for independent living. These programs help individuals with…
Shortly after graduating high school, Kelvin Crosby began to lose his peripheral vision as a result of Usher Syndrome Type II, a condition that affects the vision and hearing. Soon, Crosby found himself at a crossroads between choosing a career path and beginning his healing process, which eventually led him to pottery, entrepreneurship and a platform that would help him reach others in a whole new light.DIVERSEability Magazine (DM) took the time to sit down with Crosby to discuss his journey as a deafblind artist and entrepreneur.DM: How did the idea to become a business owner and start Smart Guider…
RespectAbility’s 10-Year Anniversary Celebration was held in November at the Loews Hollywood Hotel in Los Angeles, California. The evening, hosted by comedian Nikki Bailey, unfolded with an energy that mirrored the spirit of RespectAbility itself.The event celebrated RespectAbility’s first decade of impact in disability advocacy and ignited renewed commitment and passion for the decade ahead.Andrew Holbrook, SVP and head of Loudspeaker Enterprise Insights & Analytics at Wells Fargo, kicked off the evening off with impactful remarks, followed by stirring addresses from key figures, including RespectAbility President and CEO Ariel Simms and esteemed leaders from RespectAbility’s Board of Directors, including Linda…
The future of disability rights took center stage in New Orleans this November as The Arc gathered its mighty nationwide community for three days of visionary learning, sharing and connecting. Over 835 empowered attendees joined us—including people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), their family members, service providers and advocates.Attendees received practical insights across 75+ sessions tackling critical issues they face daily, such as finding meaningful employment, getting a quality education, improving the criminal justice system, building leadership skills, strengthening grassroots advocacy and much more. Presenters like Chris Ulmer of Special Books by Special Kids deeply inspired attendees with his…
By Natalie Rodgers, Regardless of where you are in your business or entrepreneurial journey, you understand the difficulties that can come with being your own boss. Not only do you have to manage every aspect of your own company, but you have to find ways to best fund, expand, recruit and sustain your business.If you’ve been on the fence about seeking your business certification, now is the perfect time to officially become Disability-Owned Business Enterprise (DOBE) certified. With a certification, you’ll gain the title and access to a plethora of resources that will help you grow your business. Here’s what…
The Council of State Administrators of Vocational Rehabilitation (CSAVR), the membership organization of the 78 public vocational rehabilitation (VR) programs across the U.S., held its fall conference in October. The focus was celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The 1973 amendments to the Rehabilitation Act included the first legislative focus on access and equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities. Title V of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 requires access to programs and activities that are funded by federal agencies and access to federal employment.The conference included a focus on the strategic priorities for CSAVR, which include:Recruiting…
By Louis Chesney,Discussions around Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DE&I) continue to evolve. Although neurodiversity has been on the radar for many organizations for quite some time, 2023 has brought a renewed focus as many move their initiatives forward with a new sense of urgency.In our discussions with clients, companies are shifting their mindsets from simply embracing neurodiversity in the workplace to making it a reality. Business and HR leaders are keenly aware that the more cognitively diverse teams are, the faster they solve problems and the more likely they are to exceed their financial targets. Fortunately, companies like Microsoft, JP…
The Arc is thrilled to announce that Katherine (Katy) Neas has been selected as our new CEO after an extensive national search!With over 35 years of disability policy and advocacy experience, Katy is a passionate leader with deep knowledge and connections in disability rights. She joins us from the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, where she oversaw key programs as Deputy Assistant Secretary. Previously, Katy served as Executive Vice President of Public Affairs for Easterseals and the American Physical Therapy Association, and Chair of the Consortium for Constituents with Disabilities (CCD).“Stepping into this role…
By Sarah Mosqueda, Henry Winkler is most recognized for his portrayal of Arthur Herbert Fonzarelli, or “The Fonz” on the popular television series, Happy Days. Fonzie, is widely regarded as one of the greatest television characters of all time; a leather-jacket-wearing loyal friend and flirt. The character was also portrayed as a high school dropout. The aversion to school was one Winkler was familiar with.“It really wasn’t called school to me,” Winkler said. “It was called ‘oh, you gotta go to struggle today.’”It’s difficult to imagine Winkler, a successful actor, producer, director and author, ever struggled with anything. But Winkler’s…
