National Disability Institute

Join us for NDI Small Business Hub’s upcoming webinar, “Making Space for Disabled Creatives!” Register at rebrand.ly/2d5aako to learn about Making Space, an accessible talent acquisition and learning platform that enhances quality employment opportunities for Disabled people.

Image description: Square teal graphic with white text reading: Making Space for Disabled Creatives. Live Webinar. Wednesday, July 31, 2-3 pm ET. Hosted by Keely Cat-Wells, Founder & CEO, C Talent. There is a cutout photo of Keely smiling and wearing a red dress and lipstick. Above Keely’s head is a white icon of a lightbulb with a brain icon inside the bulb. The NDI logo is in the top right corner.

Meet Kirstin! Kirstin Beard is the Integrity & Growth Manager for the American Dream Employment Network (ADEN), a division of National Disability Institute (NDI). Kirstin is tasked with assuring quality performance and project growth to build a better financial future for people with disabilities.

Prior to joining NDI, she spent eight years with the State of Georgia Government, serving in different capacities, most recently as the Employment Services Coordinator. Kirstin has over 14 years of experience orchestrating and delivering vital social services to individuals and families for state- and federally-funded initiatives.

Kirstin earned her bachelor’s degree from North Carolina A&T State University and her Certified Work Incentives Practitioner certification from Cornell University. Outside of NDI, Kirstin enjoys spending time with her family, crafting and cooking.

Image description: Square teal graphic with white text reading: Meet the Team. Hello, I’m Kirstin! Meet NDI ADEN Integrity & Growth Manager Kirstin Beard. [email protected]. NationalDisabilityInstitute.org. There is a photo of Kirstin smiling in a black blouse and glasses with a Polaroid frame. Above the photo is the NDI logo.

AI is transforming accessibility for people like Matthew Sherwood, who has been blind for over 15 years. New AI advancements and tools like Be My Eyes are removing barriers and promoting independence. Check out the full article on CNN to discover how AI is revolutionizing assistive technology. rebrand.ly/ydfjl5u

Image description: Square teal graphic with white text reading: ‘We don’t want to leave people behind’: AI is helping disabled people in surprising new ways. In the background is an image of a person with a prosthetic arm typing on a laptop. The NDI logo is in the top right corner.

Get to know these four trailblazers in the Disability Rights Movement! NDI Director of Public Policy Lydia XZ Brown, JD shares their thoughts on these activists in this article via the University of New Hampshire: “It’s important to remember that activism is born from a desire for change or a need to improve one’s situation and that need will always exist.”

Check out the full article at iod.unh.edu/blog/2023/08/ask-kathy-5-people-extremely-important-disability-rights-movement.

ID: Five square teal slides with white text. Slide one: Four Faces of Disability Rights to celebrate this Disability Pride and ADA Anniversary Month. The NDI logo is in the top right corner.

Slide two: Justin Dart (1930-2002). Known as the Godfather of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Justin Dart visited each of the fifty states at least five times to advocate for the historic civil rights law that protects disabled citizens from discrimination. He co-founded the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD). There is a cutout photo of Justin in the bottom right corner of the graphic smiling and wearing a cowboy hat with a pin of an American flag with the wheelchair symbol.

Slide three: Judy Heumann (1947-2023). Judy Heumann will forever be remembered as the “Mother of the disability rights movement.” She is most famous for the historic 1977 Section 504 sit-in that she organized. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act protected individuals with disabilities from being denied benefits and services from any program that receives federal funds. There is a photo of Judy smiling warmly wearing a blue shirt embroidered with colorful flowers and holding two books she authored: Being Heumann and Rolling Warrior.

Slide four: Bob Williams. Bob Williams had a distinguished four-decade career in federal and state government. He helped advocate for the passing of the ADA, and is currently the Policy Director at Communication FIRSTand has advanced the rights of people with significant disabilities.

Slide five: Ed Roberts (1939-1995). Ed was the first person with a significant disability to graduate from UC Berkley. In 1976, Governor Jerry Brown appointed him as Director of the California Department of Vocational Rehabilitation. He kept that job with the same agency that had once labeled him too severely disabled to work until 1983. Ed Roberts also participated in the historic Section 504 sit-in with Judy Heumann.

Meet Shannon! Shannon Edam is the Research Associate at National Disability Institute. Shannon has experience analyzing and presenting data on disability projects related to employment and financial empowerment. She has worked on employment initiatives related to WIOA including the Workforce Innovation Technical Assistance Center (WINTAC), the Vocational Rehabilitation Technical Assistance Center for Quality Management (VRTAC-QM), and National Center on Leadership for the Employment and Economic Advancement of People with Disabilities (LEAD). She currently conducts annual reviews of policies and legislation related to disability employment in 50 states, DC and five U.S. territories.

Shannon earned a master’s degree in human rights and social justice from American University’s School of International Service (SIS) in 2014 and a master’s degree in Education from Lesley University in 2016. She studied abroad in Ghana, Cuba and Belgium, speaks several languages and is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion. Shannon is a person with a disability and brings her lived experience to her advocacy.

Image description: Square teal graphic with white text reading: Meet the Team. Hello, I’m Shannon! Meet NDI Research Associate Shannon Edam. [email protected]. NationalDisabilityInstitute.org. There is a photo of Shannon smiling in a black blouse and grey blazer with a Polaroid frame. Above the photo is the NDI logo.

Let’s bust some common myths about the !

Image description: Four light teal square graphics with white text reading: Slide one: Let’s bust some common myths about the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Slide two: Myth: The ADA applies to the federal government. Fact: The ADA applies to state and local governments but not to the federal government. The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 governs the federal government. This act prohibits disability-based discrimination in programs conducted by federal agencies, in programs receiving federal financial assistance, in federal employment, and in the employment practices of federal contractors.

Slide three: Myth: A service animal protected by the ADA is any animal that provides assistance to a person with a disability. Fact: As defined by the ADA, a service animal is an animal that is trained to perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual or other disability. Therapy or emotional support animals, even if used as part of a prescribed medical treatment, are not considered as service animals under the ADA.

Slide four: Myth: The ADA doesn’t apply to people who are pregnant. Fact: Your pregnancy may be protected under the ADA, the Family and Medical Leave Act and the Pregnancy Discrimination Act. Under these laws, if an employee is temporarily unable to perform their job due to pregnancy, the employer must treat them the same as any other employee with a temporary disability and provide reasonable accommodations.

Check out these fantastic resources at your local library or wherever you get your books this month. What books would you add to this list?

Image description: Four light teal square graphics with white text reading: Slide one: Books to check out this Disability Pride Month. The NDI logo is in the top right corner.

Slide two: Disability Visibility by Alice Wong. There is a photo of the book cover, which is white with a colorful geometric pattern in the background.

Slide three: Demystifying Disability by Emily Ladau. There is a photo of the book cover, which is seafoam green and features icons of people with disabilities in rows in the background.

Slide four: Sitting Pretty by Rebekah Taussig. There is a photo of the book cover, which is light red and features a hybrid photo illustration of the author, a wheelchair user, wearing a yellow shirt and black shorts.

Pop quiz! What year was the ADA signed into law? Let us know in the comments!

Image description: Square light teal graphic with white text reading: What year was the Americans with Disabilities Act signed into law? A) 1983 B) 1987 C) 1990 D) 1993

Meet Michelle! Michelle Bornhoft is the Business Manager for the American Dream Employment Network (ADEN), a division of National Disability Institute (NDI). Michelle brings nine years of experience providing direct services to people with disabilities. Michelle is a Certified Work Incentives Practitioner and earned her BA in Nonprofit Leadership from Rockhurst University. Michelle lives in Denver, CO with her husband, dog and cat.

Image description: Square teal graphic with white text reading: Meet the Team. Hello, I’m Michelle! Meet NDI ADEN Program Manager Michelle Bornhoft. [email protected]. NationalDisabilityInstitute.org. There is a photo of Michelle smiling in a red blouse and grey blazer with a Polaroid frame. Above the photo is the NDI logo.

Wishing you a safe and Happy Independence Day from all of us at NDI!

Image description: Square teal graphic with white text reading: Happy 4th of July! The NDI logo is centered below the text. In the background is a transparent image of an American flag.

Lots to celebrate this month! Join us on July 31 for a special event with Making Space Founder & CEO Keely Cat-Wells. Register at bit.ly/3xyMhKp. This event is ideal for people who are:

-Aiming for careers in creative fields, or
-Focused on fostering inclusive employment in the HR field, or
-Educating in creative and technical disciplines, or
-Advocating for disability rights and workplace inclusion

Image description: Square teal blue graphic with light pink text reading: July events: July 4- Happy 4th! NDI closed. July 26- 34th Anniversary of the ADA. July 31 2-3pm- Making Space for Disabled Creatives.

Happy Disability Pride Month! What are you celebrating this month? Let us know in the comments!

Image description: Four square teal blue slides with light pink and white text. Slide one: Happy Disability Pride Month! An illustration of two people, one a wheelchair user, dancing and wearing disco attire.

Slide two: What is Disability Pride Month? Disability Pride Month is a time to recognize and celebrate the history, accomplishments, experiences and challenges of the disability community. It’s celebrated in July because it coincides with the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a groundbreaking law that removed obstacles to inclusion on July 26, 1990.

Slide three: How You Can Support: Learn about the history of the Disability Rights Movement. Attend a disability pride month event. Donate to disability rights organizations. Hire people with disabilities. Write or call elected officials to advocate for people with disabilities and demand policies to support disability rights.

Slide four: Disability rights, inclusion, accessibility and pride are important every month of every year. The NDI logo is centered at the bottom of the graphic.

Month is almost here! NDI has great resources to help you celebrate and invest in your financial future.

July kicks off NDI’s celebration of Disability Pride Month and the 34th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Stay tuned next month as we highlight and honor the disability community's rich history, achievements and experiences.

Image description: Square light teal graphic with white text reading: Disability Pride. The NDI logo is in the top right corner. In the background is an illustration of a group of people with visible and invisible disabilities wearing brightly colored clothing and smiling together.

Meet Jeff! 👋 Jeff joined the NDI team after working for several years in the intellectual and developmental disabilities field, serving children, adolescents and adults with I/DD. With a varied background in advocacy, education, and both the nonprofit and political spheres, Jeff is a seasoned digital marketing and communications professional with 10+ years of experience.

He brings a shared passion for helping people with disabilities access employment supports, education and financial literacy and community access. Jeff is eager to advance NDI’s mission and work by helping to improve the lives of people with disabilities. Jeff holds a master’s in professional studies with an emphasis in advocacy from George Washington University.

Image description: Square teal graphic with white text reading: Meet the Team. Hello, I’m Jeff! Meet NDI Marketing Manager Jeff Howard. [email protected]. nationaldisabilityinstitute.org. There is a photo of Jeff smiling in a blue suit with a Polaroid frame. Above the photo is the NDI logo.

In this article on financial freedom for people with disabilities, NDI's Executive Director, Tom Foley, shares his insight: "A couple of years ago, we conducted some research to examine the additional costs of living with a disability. We found that, in today's dollars, an individual with a disability requires nearly $18,000 more annually to maintain the same standard of living as someone without a disability." Access the full story at bit.ly/4c7HEG1.

Image description: Square teal graphic with white text reading: Imagining a more accessible financial world and workplace. The NDI logo is centered above the text. In the background is an image of a guide dog helping a blind person cross the street.

Saturday marked 25 years since the Olmstead decision. NDI celebrates the 25th anniversary of this landmark Supreme Court ruling. In 1999, the Supreme Court ruled that unjustified segregation of persons with disabilities violates the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

The case involved two women, Lois Curtis and Elaine Wilson, who fought for their right to be discharged from a psychiatric unit and receive community-based services. The decision emphasizes the importance of integration and independence for people with disabilities.

This decision continues to profoundly impact the lives of people with disabilities by ensuring the right to live and fully participate in their communities. Learn more at leadcenter.org/resources/olmstead25/.

Image description: Square teal graphic with dark teal and white text reading: 25 Years of Olmstead. The NDI logo is in the top left corner. In the background is a cutout photo of a Lady Justice statue holding up the scales of justice.

Receiving public benefits doesn’t mean giving up on your dreams of owning a home.

Check out NDI’s Homeownership Guide to learn more about what it means to be a homeowner, tools to help you get there and financial assistance programs to help you meet your housing needs. Check out the guide at bit.ly/ndihomeguide.

Image description: Two people with big smiles hugging and holding the keys to their home as they stand together in their living room.

We couldn’t agree more with these words from Disability Reframed. Disability Reframed is focused on changing perspectives through education and conversation. You can check them out on Instagram or at disabilityreframed.com.

Image description: Square teal graphic with white text reading: Disabled people add value to our world. The Disability Reframed logo is centered below the text.

On , NDI honors the emancipation of enslaved African Americans while reaffirming our commitment to addressing financial inequities faced by Black individuals with disabilities. NDI is closed today, Wednesday, June 19th, and will reopen tomorrow, Thursday, June 20th.

Image description: Two dark teal square graphics with white text and the NDI logo in the bottom right corner. Slide one: Honoring the past, celebrating the progress building on the promise of freedom for all. Happy Juneteenth!

Slide two: Happy Juneteenth! Ways to show your support and solidarity: Educate yourself and others on the history of Juneteenth. Support Black-owned businesses and invest in the community. Volunteer your time and/or resources. There are three icons of people holding signs displaying each of the ways to support.

Great news for the city of Detroit! Everyone across the country deserves accessible public transportation. Read the full story at bit.ly/3Rvjjle.

Image description: Square teal graphic with white text reading: Detroit to launch free autonomous shuttle for elderly, disabled residents. There is a photo in the background of the Mayor Mike Duggan standing at a podium in front of an accessible van.

Meet Katie! Katie Metz is the Director of National Disability Institute’s (NDI) Financial Resilience Center. This online center provides resources and assistance to help individuals with disabilities and other chronic health conditions manage their finances, build their financial resilience, and navigate life events that may affect their income or savings. Katie has been dedicated to increasing understanding and compliance for equal access and opportunities for people with disabilities, military personnel, veterans, and their families since 2001. Her efforts span both government and private sectors.

Katie serves as a subject matter expert on disability inclusion providing training and technical assistance across the country. Her extensive knowledge encompasses the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), asset development, and financial education training. Before her role at NDI, she served as the Manager of Disabled Services and ADA Coordinator for the City of Jacksonville, where she resides with her family. Katie holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology, graduating Cum Laude from Saint Leo University.

Image description: Square teal graphic with white text reading: Meet the Team. Hello, I’m Katie! Meet NDI Financial Resilience Center Director Katie Metz. [email protected]. nationaldisabilityinstitute.org. There is a photo of Katie smiling in a blue blouse with a Polaroid frame. Above the photo is the NDI logo.

Welcome to all of the American Dream Employment Network’s New Members! Learn more about these and all of ADEN’s wonderful members at nationaldisabilityinstitute.org/aden/.

Image description: Five teal and white square graphics with doodles of clouds in the background. Slide one: Welcome New Members! The ADEN and NDI logos are centered at the top. Slides two-five feature cutout photos of each member’s CEO/President and member logos.

Slide two: Disability Network West Michigan. Will Wilson, CEO. Slide three: Rehabilitative Services & Vocational Placement, Inc. Jason Harper, President. Slide four: Next GenX Solutions. Rolando Fourcand, CEO. Slide five: Diverse Hire. Debra Morrison, CEO.



Disability Network West Michigan

NDI’s Online Course team is requesting proposals for an updated, streamlined and more dynamic enhancement of an existing seven-module course. Learn more at bit.ly/3z7g5hr.

Image description: Square split white and teal graphic with teal and white text reading: RFP: Enhancement of E-Learning Course. Responses should be submitted via email to [email protected] by Friday, June 21. There are icons in the middle of a laptop, desktop computer, tablet and phone, and documents displaying the online course material.

Thanks to innovative equipment and dedicated partnerships, visitors with disabilities can now explore stunning trails and waterfalls at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Read more at bit.ly/3XbJEIT.

Image description: Square teal graphic with white text reading: One of America’s Most Visited National Parks Just Became More Accessible: ‘This is everyone’s park.’ The NDI logo is centered above the text. In the background are two people using adaptive equipment to explore a hiking trail.

Small Business Owners - don’t miss out on this grant opportunity! Get started on your application at bit.ly/ndiverizon.

Image description: Square teal graphic with white text reading: Imagine what your business can do with $10K. “Having access to the grant from Verizon opened a new world of possibilities.” – Mia Thorn, Owner Kruz Kitchen & Taps. Logos for NDI and Verizon are in the bottom left corner. There is a cutout photo of Mia smiling on the right side of the graphic.

Meet Liz!👋 Elizabeth (Liz) Layman is the Director, Health Equity at National Disability Institute. She has subject matter expertise at the intersection of health equity, financial empowerment and technology. Since 2015, she has developed curricula for FDIC’s Money Smart and CFPB’s Your Money, Your Goals; managed user experience research for tech giants; and collaborated with diversity, equity and inclusion powerhouses like NAACP and Unidos US.

Most recently, Liz led a national study on the impact of autonomous vehicles on employment and entrepreneurship for people with disabilities. Liz earned her bachelor’s in English and Disability Studies at the University of California, Berkeley and her master’s in Public Health at the George Washington University.

Image description: Square teal graphic with white text reading: Meet the Team. Hello, I’m Elizabeth! Meet NDI Director of Health Equity Elizabeth Layman. [email protected]. NationalDisabilityInstitute.org. There is a photo of Liz smiling in a grey turtleneck tank with a Polaroid frame. Above the photo is the NDI logo.

As we celebrate Pride Month, National Disability Institute stands with our LGBTQ+ community members, recognizing the unique experiences of those who celebrate both identities. We are committed to advocating for inclusive policies that ensure equal access to financial stability and economic opportunity for all.

Image description: Square white graphic with rainbow border and text reading: Happy Pride Month. The word pride is in a cursive font and is also rainbow-colored.

Join us tomorrow for an engaging discussion with Mayor's Office of Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing - moddhh! Register now at bit.ly/3VpisoB.

Image description: Square graphic with teal and white text reading: Cultural Competency with DC Mayor’s Office of Deaf, DeafBlind & Hard of Hearing. Wednesday, June 5, 2:00-4:00 pm EST. There are photos in the center of the graphic of the event’s presenters: Karen Quinones, Deputy Director and Kisha Gore, Chief of Staff. Logos for DC MODDHH and NDI are in the bottom right corner. In the top left corner is an icon of a mic with text reading: Live Webinar.

Homeownership provides a foundation for financial security, creating opportunities for building wealth, stability and a sense of community. For people with disabilities, owning a home also means having a space that can be tailored to meet specific accessibility needs, fostering greater independence and quality of life.

NDI is committed to breaking down the barriers that individuals with disabilities face in the journey to homeownership. Through financial education, advocacy, policy work and partnerships and resources, we strive to create a future where everyone has the opportunity to enjoy the stability that comes with owning a home. Let us know in the comments, what do you wish you knew before buying your first home?
Learn more and discover resources at bit.ly/ndihome.

Image description: Four square teal graphics with white text. Slide one: June is Home Ownership Month. A white icon of a house and keys is in the middle of the slide.

Slide two: 6 Signs You’re Ready to Buy a Home: Steady, reliable income, history of employment, bills are paid on time, some money saved, credit score around 620 and time for repairs and yard work. Colorful illustrative icons represent each of the six signs, displayed in a grid.

Slide three: If you receive a needs-based benefit, such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Medicaid, you are allowed to own one home without impacting your public benefit program. There are a variety of homeownership programs that may assist you in purchasing your first home, including: First-time Homebuyer Programs, Section 8 Homeownership and Family Self-Sufficiency Program.

Slide four: Let us know in the comments: What do you wish you knew before buying your first home? Learn more at bit.ly/ndihome. The NDI logo is in the bottom right corner.

Meet Bridgett! 👋 Bridgett Graham is a Manager of Financial Empowerment and works on the NIDILRR Financial Engagement Grant. Bridgett brings 10 years of experience working with diverse populations as a social worker. Most recently, Bridgett worked as an Economic Mobility Caseworker helping individuals and families find employment and maintain financial stability. Bridgett earned her BA in Social Work from Columbia College in Virginia. In her spare time, Bridgett enjoys reading, traveling and spending time with her loved ones.

Image description: Square teal graphic with white text reading: Meet the Team. Hello, I’m Bridgett! Meet NDI Financial Empowerment Manager Bridgett Graham. [email protected]. NationalDisabilityInstitute.org. There is a photo of Bridgett smiling in a black blouse and blazer with a Polaroid frame. Above the photo is the NDI logo.