Past Events
From Island to Impact: Celebrating International Day of Persons with Disabilities
This celebratory event centered around a conversation with Survivor 48 contestants as they shared their journey as disability inclusion advocates.
Eva Erickson and Mitch Guerra from the hit TV show, Survivor, shared their personal journeys of resilience, representation, and inclusion. From Island to Impact explored how surviving on the island was just the beginning—these individuals continue to overcome challenges and break barriers in their everyday lives.
Attendees gained a deeper understanding of the importance of visibility, accessibility, and allyship in creating inclusive communities and workplaces.
December 3, 2025
12:00-1:30pm CDT
Virtual via Zoom
2025 Disability Inclusion Opportunity Summit
October 30, 2025
9:00am-4:00pm CDT
McDonald’s: 110 North Carpenter Street
On Thursday, October 30, Disability:IN Chicagoland – the local affiliate
of Disability:IN and Illinois’ only B2B association supporting corporate disability inclusion in the workplace, marketplace and supply chain – hosted its annual Disability Inclusion Opportunity Summit in partnership with McDonald’s Corporation.
This was a full-day corporate disability inclusion conference in the West Loop of Chicago, where attendees heard from fellow disability inclusion advocates, connected over a local exhibitor fair, and participated in networking opportunities and small group discussions,
Attendees connected with disability inclusion, HR, and talent acquisition champions; E/BRG leaders; supplier diversity and accessibility professionals; and employees with disabilities. Corporate disability inclusion experts from around the country shared their insights & expertise at this in-person conference in celebration of Disability Employment Awareness Month.
Annual Meeting
Our partners met for a discussion on disability employment that was followed by a networking reception at The Chicago Lighthouse.
September 11, 2025
4:30-6:30pm CDT
The Chicago Lighthouse: 1850 W. Roosevelt Road
Change Not Charity: Celebrating the 35th Anniversary of the ADA
July 23, 2025
12:00-1:00pm CDT
Online Webinar
July 26, 2025, marked the 35th anniversary of the civil rights law, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Since its enactment, the ADA has shaped the development of and conversations around disability rights.
The virtual session included a screening of recent PBS documentary, Change Not Charity, which explores the lead up to the passage of the ADA. Following the screening, we had a fireside chat with Karen Tamley, CEO of Access Living and Chris Bell, Attorney and co-author of the ADA, who shared their experiences in the movement that led to the ADA's passage.
Disability E/BRG Leadership Within the Current Landscape
June 3, 2025
11:00am-12:00pm CDT
Online Webinar
In the last several months, disability inclusion leaders have been met with additional challenges to workplace inclusion and E/BRG engagement.
This has created questions on how to successfully balance building inclusive corporate culture while also complying with current corporate priorities. Disability:IN Chicagoland partnered with Scott Hoesman, CEO of inQUEST Consulting, for a facilitated discussion on disability Employee/Business Resource Groups (E/BRGs).
Creating Accessible Workplaces
May 13, 2025
4:00-6:00pm CDT
Access Living: 115 W. Chicago Avenue
In recognition of Global Accessibility Awareness Day (#GAAD), celebrated this year on May 15th, we partnered with Access Living for an in-person discussion on Creating Accessible Workplaces led by Bridget Hayman, Communications Director, and Karen Tamley, CEO, at Access Living.
Access Living Board members and Disability:IN Chicagoland corporate partners learned about workplace accessibility including physical space and accommodations. Attendees connected post-conversation at the reception on Access Living’s rooftop, with light hors d’oeuvres and drinks.
Stress Management in Uncertain Times
May 8, 2025
11:00am-12:00pm CDT
Online Webinar
Employees face various stressors both in and out of the workplace. Concerns about employer support are common, and inadequate stress management can result in high burnout and attrition rates.
This virtual training provided therapy-based tools to foster meaningful connections and an experiential approach to enhance vulnerability and build a shared reality. Dr. Sunitha Chandy, Founder & CEO of the Artesian Collaborative, lead this interactive discussion of stress management strategies, generating questions and suggestions to foster healthy team functioning.
Distinguishing Disability Inclusion from Affirmative Action
April 9, 2025
11:00am-12:30pm CDT
Online Webinar
The recent Executive Orders on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) issued by the new administration this year have prompted both review of & changes to corporate DEI events. This has prompted many of us to seek clarification & guidance, coupled with concerns about corporate disability inclusion efforts.
Ann Deschamps from the Mid-Atlantic ADA Center & Robin Jones from the Great Lakes ADA Center lead a virtual conversation on disability inclusion in the context of the ADA. The discussion included a review of reasonable accommodations & the ADA’s objective to level the playing field, not to create preferential treatment.
Your Business Partner for Disability Inclusion
Disability:IN Chicagoland is the leading nonprofit resource for business disability inclusion. Our network of nearly 50 partner organizations drives progress on disability inclusion through initiatives, tools, and expertise that deliver long-term business impact.