Disability:IN Minnesota

"By being proactive with accessibility design, employers can be ahead of the game as they prepare for future workforce changes," says Maria McFarlane, Sr. Enterprise Program Manager at Best Buy. "Imagine low-light work spaces for people who suffer from migraines, quiet rooms for people with sensory sensitivity, accessible places for people with mobility conditions, or other re-imagined workspaces to become more inclusive and accessible for the needs of their current and future workforce."

Read more from Maria in the Disability:IN Minnesota Membership Column of the August newsletter! conta.cc/4czDPJv



ID: Headshot of Maria McFarlane, a woman with shoulder-length, curly brown hair. Maria is wearing a black blazer and tan blouse. Maria is sitting on a stool, leaning forward, and smiling at the camera.

Thank you, Ramsey County, Minnesota, for your joining Disability:IN Minnesota! We look forward to collaborating with you to build a more inclusive future. Learn more about membership: di-mn.org/membership-benefits/



ID: Graphic reads Thank you, Ramsey County, for becoming a member of Disability:IN Minnesota! in dark blue text against a white background with a green decorative border. Ramsey Co.'s red logo appears in the center of the image. Below the logo reads Are you IN? and To learn more, visit DI-MN.org/membership-benefits in green and dark blue text

Save-the-date and join us on Thursday, September 19 at 12:00 PM (CDT) for our annual Disability-Owned Business Enterprise event! "Building Inclusive Partnerships: Integrating DOBE®s into Supply Chain Management" is a collaborative event hosted in partnership with Center for Disability Inclusion, Disability:IN Chicagoland, Disability:IN DC Metro, Disability:IN - North Carolina, and Disability:IN Wisconsin. Register now and take the first step towards building stronger, more resilient partnerships! di-mn.org/events/september-2024-member-meeting-building-inclusive-partnerships-integrating-dobes-into-supply-chain-management/



ID: Graphic reads "Building Inclusive Partnerships: Integrating DOBEs into Supply Chain Management in white text against a dark blue background. To the right is a photo of a young woman in a supply store. She is standing up, writing a clipboard, and smiling at the camera. Below is a green banner that reads "12:00 PM (CDT), Thursday, September 19" in white text. Host logos are featured below.

"In celebration of Disability Pride Month in July, MPR News highlighted people throughout the month with disabilities who are working to make Minnesota more inclusive and accessible for everyone." Meet 10 disability advocates from Minnesota fighting for equity: mprnews.org/story/2024/07/31/10-disability-advocates-from-minnesota-fighting-for-equity

10 disability advocates from Minnesota fighting for equity In celebration of Disability Pride Month in July, MPR News highlighted people throughout the month with disabilities who are working to make Minnesota more inclusive and accessible for everyone. From a Minneapolis school board member to a Paralympian, we aimed to capture a wide range of people with....

"[Autism] is not a disease, it is not a disorder, it is not a deficit. If you look at the manual of mental disorders, these are the words you're going to see," says Delia Samuel. "Some people look at us, autistics, as if there is something wrong with us and we need to be fixed. And so that is why they call it a disorder. As if it is something we should be ashamed of. But it's not. It is such a beautiful way of life. It is such a beautiful way of thinking."

The number of adults who identify as autistic is growing, along with awareness of neurodivergence. MPR News host Angela Davis recently spoke with Delia Samuel, Zephyr James, and Dustin Schmidt about what it’s like for adults on the autism spectrum to navigate work, relationships, and other experiences. Listen to the program now! mprnews.org/episode/2024/08/02/managing-work-and-relationships-as-an-adult-with-autism

Managing work and relationships as an adult with autism The number of adults who identify as being on the autism spectrum is growing, along with awareness. Listen back to a conversation on MPR News with host Angela Davis about what it’s like to move into adulthood with autism.

The August news is in! As we move into the latter part of summer, we have much to reflect on and celebrate. Check out Disability:IN Minnesota's latest news to learn more and get involved! conta.cc/4czDPJv



ID: Graphic reads Disability: IN Minnesota and NEWS IS: IN in dark blue and green text in front of a light green and blue gradient background. There is a white envelope illustration in the center of the graphic and an outline of a megaphone at the bottom left-hand corner. August 2024 appears in dark blue text at the bottom right-hand corner.

Thank you, Talent Software Services, Inc. for your continued commitment to disability inclusion! We're honored to work with you. Learn more about Disability:IN Minnesota membership: di-mn.org/membership-benefits/



ID: Graphic reads Thank you, Talent, for renewing your membership with Disability:IN Minnesota! in dark blue text against a white background with a green decorative border. Talent's red logo appears against a dark blue background in the center of the image. Below the logo reads Are you IN? and To learn more, visit DI-MN.org/membership-benefits in green and dark blue text

How inclusive is your workplace? "'Too often we look at equality in the workplace in a ‘one-size-fits-all’ way, but that is counterproductive; every employee is different and needs different things to succeed,' said [Pam Maynard, CEO at Avanade]. Equality can, therefore, not be confused with equity."

"Creating equitable workplaces that are both productive and inclusive requires a commitment from everyone-- not just HR." Learn more tips for "How To Create A Genuinely Inclusive Workplace:" forbes.com/sites/benjaminlaker/2023/03/13/how-to-create-a-genuinely-inclusive-workplace/

How To Create A Genuinely Inclusive Workplace Creating equitable workplaces that are both productive and inclusive requires a commitment from everyone—not just HR. Here's why

"In today's increasingly diverse and globalized world, organizations are recognizing the importance of fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within their workplaces. One vital tool in achieving these goals is Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), which have a rich history dating back to the 1960s."

ERGs offer multiple benefits to employees and employers, including community building and employee engagement, workforce diversity and representation, and employee integration, and more! Learn about "The Impact Of Employee Resource Groups In The Workforce:" forbes.com/sites/kalinabryant/2023/09/15/the-impact-of-employee-resource-groups-in-the-workforce/

The Impact Of Employee Resource Groups In The Workforce In today's increasingly diverse and globalized world, organizations are recognizing the importance of fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within their wor...

Thank you, U.S. Bank, for your continued commitment to disability inclusion! We're honored to work with you. Learn more about Disability:IN Minnesota membership: di-mn.org/membership-benefits/



ID: Graphic reads Thank you, U.S. Bank, for renewing your membership with Disability:IN Minnesota! in dark blue text against a white background with a green decorative border. U.S. Bank's red and blue logo appears against a dark blue background in the center of the image. Below the logo reads Are you IN? and To learn more, visit DI-MN.org/membership-benefits in green and dark blue text

"I didn’t really have access to seeing disabled athletes in media, it just wasn’t something that exists," shares Chuck Aoki, a Minneapolis-based Paralympian. "I think one of my goals is to be a visibly disabled athlete that other visibly disabled athletes can look up to and amplify other stories of visibly disabled athletes for kids."

Disability representation matters. Check out Aoki's full story on MPR News! mprnews.org/story/2024/07/31/four-time-paralympian-chuck-aoki-strives-to-make-athletes-with-disabilities-more-visible

Four-time Paralympian Chuck Aoki strives to make athletes with disabilities more visible Minneapolis-native Chuck Aoki will be heading to Paris next month for the Paralympics to compete in wheelchair rugby. He already has a two silver medals and a bronze, and this year he’ll be going for the gold.

Last chance to register! 🚨 Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and Business Resource Groups (BRGs) are known to increase access and inclusion in the workplace. Want to learn more? Join us on Thursday, August 8 at 12:00 PM for a virtual Inclusion Networking session on "The Role of an ERG/BRG: Advocating, Supporting, and Providing Access." There's still time to register! di-mn.org/events/august-2024-member-meeting-inclusion-networking-the-role-of-an-erg-brg/



ID: Graphic reads Disability:IN Minnesota Inclusion Networking, The Role of an ERG/BRG:Advocating, Supporting, and Providing Access. August 8, 2024, 12:00 - 1:00 PM in blue and white text against a light blue background. A white banner above features Disability:IN Minnesota's logo. Below the text is a photo of a group of employees wearing bright colors. They are leaning against a desk and laughing.

"I am a job-seeker who is neurodivergent — meaning my brain doesn’t work in a typical way and processes information differently than most people. Some studies estimate that 15-20% of the population is the same way. Despite this, employers aren’t seeking us out." Read more about why employers should use 'neurodivergent' in job postings: minnpost.com/community-voices/2024/07/employers-should-list-neurodivergent-and-neurodiverse-in-their-job-postings/

Employers should use ‘neurodivergent' in job postings The use of neurodivergent and neurodiverse is more inclusive — and it might just lead to the hiring of someone with a unique skillset.

“Disability inclusion and accessibility are nonnegotiable for a contemporary business,” diversity consultant Deb Dagit shared with SHRM. "Modern-day businesses are immersed in AI, which 'can be a very helpful tool for people with disabilities, just like everyone else, if used judiciously.'”

How can the ADA protect disabled workers in the age of AI? Check out the full article: "ADA at 34: AI’s Promise and Challenge" https://ow.ly/OMXg50SMI0J

ADA at 34: AI’s Promise and Challenge Much progress has been made in the 34 years following the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in 1990, but there’s room for more inclusion in U.S. workplaces for people with disabilities. AI can help.

"Our disabilities are not flaws to be fixed, but integral parts of our identities that shape our unique perspectives and strengths," Kim Chua said. "I wish people knew that we're not defined solely by our disabilities. We're whole, complex individuals with dreams, talents, and contributions to make. By embracing neurodiversity and disability as natural variations of the human experience, we can unlock the full potential of our society.”

On the last day of Disability Pride Month, hear what NPR readers want you to know about living with a disability. Read the full article: https://ow.ly/Yw8V50SNJc8

www.npr.org

"The idea behind using person-first language was to see the human behind the disability or the person before the disability. However, I would argue that I am still human with my disability," says Nina Tame. "When we deny Disability, when we try to soften it somehow by using terms like 'differently-abled' and 'handicapable,' we’re erasing the acknowledgment of societal barriers that Disabled people face."

As Disability Pride month comes to a close, we are reflecting on the power of language, identity, and community. How can identifying as Disabled challenge societal myths and stigma associated with disability? Check out Nina's full story, "Disabled is Not a Bad Word" thevaluable500.com/spotlight/opinion-disabled-is-not-a-bad-word

Opinion: Disabled is Not a Bad Word. We use cookies to optimize site functionality and give you the best possible experience. To learn more about the cookies we use, please visit our Cookie Policy.

Thank you, ECMC Group, for your continued commitment to disability inclusion! We're honored to work with you. Learn more about Disability:IN Minnesota membership: di-mn.org/membership-benefits/



ID: Graphic reads Thank you, ECMC Group, for renewing your membership with Disability:IN Minnesota! in dark blue text against a white background with a green decorative border. ECMC's green and white logo appears against a dark blue background in the center of the image. Below the logo reads Are you IN? and To learn more, visit DI-MN.org/membership-benefits in green and dark blue text

"Nothing about us without us." It's National Disability Independence Day! On July 26, 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) became law. Join us in learning more about the civil rights law and the Disability Rights Movement: adata.org/learn-about-ada

Curious about Employee Resource Group (ERG) or Business Resource Groups (BRG) as a way to increase access and inclusion in the workplace? Join us on Thursday, August 8 at 12:00 PM for a virtual Inclusion Networking session on "The Role of an ERG/BRG: Advocating, Supporting, and Providing Access." Don't wait to register! di-mn.org/events/august-2024-member-meeting-inclusion-networking-the-role-of-an-erg-brg/



ID: Graphic reads Disability:IN Minnesota Inclusion Networking, The Role of an ERG/BRG:Advocating, Supporting, and Providing Access. August 8, 2024, 12:00 - 1:00 PM in blue and white text against a light blue background. A white banner above features Disability:IN Minnesota's logo. Below the text is a photo of a group of employees wearing bright colors. They are leaning against a desk and laughing.

Looking for a job? Jobs Ability matches candidates with disabilities to jobs and assists businesses in recruiting, using a combination of technology and dedicated teamwork to provide feedback on the accessibility of your digital collateral. Create your profile today! jobsability.com/



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Jobs Ability We firmly believe that the internet should be available and accessible to anyone, and are committed to providing a website that is accessible to the widest possible audience, regardless of circumstance and ability.

"As a college disability coordinator at North Hennepin Community College, I have had the privilege to work with so many bright and talented students with disabilities," said Tom Lynch, Disability:IN Minnesota Board Member, Post-Secondary Liaison, Minnesota Association of Higher Education and Disability (MNAHEAD). "Thankfully for my students and for college students with disabilities across the state of Minnesota, our Disability:IN MN members have realized what a tremendous resource they have available to them and have set up efforts to actively seek out this untapped resource in their HR practices." Hear more from Tom in Disability:IN Minnesota's July Member Column: conta.cc/463Ztno



ID: Headshot of Tom Lynch, a white man with dark grey hair wearing a collared shirt

LAST CHANCE TO REGISTER! 🚨 The 34th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is this week. Come celebrate! Join us for a virtual conversation on "Demystifying Disability Inclusion: Celebrating the ADA’s 34th Anniversary" this Wednesday, July 24 at 11:00 AM CDT.

We are thrilled to host this event in partnership with Center for Disability Inclusion, Disability:IN Chicagoland, Disability:IN DC Metro, and Disability:IN Wisconsin. Join us to honor Disability Pride Month. Learn more and register today: di-mn.org/events/july-2024-member-meeting-demystifying-disability-inclusion-celebrating-the-adas-34th-anniversary/

Note: Employees of Disability:IN Minnesota member companies may register for free using a promo code. Please contact us at [email protected] to receive the discount code. If you are unsure whether your company is a member of Disability:IN Minnesota, please review our membership page: di-mn.org/members/



ID: Graphic reads Demystifying Disability Inclusion: Celebrating the 34th Anniversary of the ADA. Wednesday, July 24, 2024 11:00-12:30 Central / 12:00-1:30 Eastern in green text against a white background. To the right is a photo of a group of disabled professionals having a business meeting. Below the image reads Hosted By followed by logos for Disability:IN Minnesota; Disability:IN Chicagoland; Disability:IN DC Metro; Disability:IN Wisconsin; and the Center for Disability Inclusion

Did you know the clean energy sector is booming? Join EARN - Employer Assistance and Resource Network on Disability Inclusion on Wednesday, July 24 at 1:00 PM CDT for its "Pathways for Hiring People with Disabilities into Clean Energy Jobs" webinar!

"According to the U.S. Department of Energy, there are millions of clean energy jobs in the United States, and these opportunities are growing faster than overall job growth. Employers need a large talent pool to keep up with innovation and advancements, and people with disabilities are an untapped talent pool that should be accessed."

During the event, representatives from the Climate Jobs Institute (CJI) at Cornell University’s ILR School will discuss strategies for enhancing disability inclusion in the climate jobs industry, the importance of increasing equitable access to clean energy jobs, and creating inclusive pre-apprenticeships. Learn more and register today! https://ow.ly/iQrz50SAxgt



ID: Photo of a energy worker on the job. The individual is wearing a white safety helmet and a blue reflective jacket. They are holding a laptop in one hand and opening panel door with their other hand and smiling at the camera. Solar panels are in the background.

The 2024 Disability Equality Index® (DEI) Report is here! Congratulations to our top-scoring Disability:IN Minnesota member companies who were recognized as a Best Place to Work for disability inclusion in 2024!

3M
Ameriprise Financial
Best Buy
Cargill
Land O'Lakes, Inc.
Mayo Clinic
nVent Electric
Thomson Reuters
UnitedHealth Group
U.S. Bank

For the first time, scored benchmarks were available in eight countries. Based on this year’s findings, Disability:IN has identified five measurable actions that companies and individuals can take to continue to work toward sustainable and inclusive practices.

Check out the 2024 Best Places to Work at disabilityin.org/what-we-do/disability-equality-index/2024companies/

Read the DEI report now at disabilityin.org/2024-dei-report/ ?

ID: Graphic 1 reads "DEI Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion 2024" in green and white text against a dark blue background. World globe icons surround the text. Below reads "Congratulations to DI-MN member companies who were included in the 2024 report!" in green text against a white background. Disability:IN Minnesota's logo appears to the right.

Graphic 2 reads "Congratulations to Disability:IN Minnesota member companies who were recognized as a Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion in 2024!" in dark blue text against a white background. Logos for winning member companies appear below. A green decorative border surrounds the text.

Last month, Disability:IN's "Intersectionality in the APAC Workplace Webinar" brought together experienced company representatives to discuss elevating intersectional inclusion in the APAC workplace.

More than 320 Disability:IN corporate members from 141 companies across 30 countries registered for this event, the second in a 3-part series planned by the APAC Council for 2024. Participants were eager to learn from both corporate and personal journeys in building psychologically safe environments where everyone can show up authentically. It's not too late to tune in to this insightful conversation! Watch the webinar recording today: https://bit.ly/3zD8hEx



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It's Disability Pride Month! Throughout July, we encourage you to participate in events, share your stories, and amplify the voices of those with disabilities. Check out Disability:IN Minnesota's latest news to learn more and get involved! https://conta.cc/463Ztno



ID: Graphic reads Disability: IN Minnesota and NEWS IS: IN in dark blue and green text in front of a light green and blue gradient background. There is a white envelope illustration in the center of the graphic and an outline of a megaphone at the bottom left-hand corner. July 2024 appears in dark blue text at the bottom right-hand corner.

Want to increase access, inclusion, and belonging in your workplace? Employee Resource Group (ERG) or Business Resource Groups (BRG)'s are a great place to start! Join us on Thursday, August 8 at 12:00 PM for a virtual Inclusion Networking session on "The Role of an ERG/BRG: Advocating, Supporting, and Providing Access." Learn more & register today! di-mn.org/events/august-2024-member-meeting-inclusion-networking-the-role-of-an-erg-brg/



ID: Graphic reads Disability:IN Minnesota Inclusion Networking, The Role of an ERG/BRG:Advocating, Supporting, and Providing Access. August 8, 2024, 12:00 - 1:00 PM in blue and white text against a light blue background. A white banner above features Disability:IN Minnesota's logo. Below the text is a photo of a group of employees wearing bright colors. They are leaning against a desk and laughing.

Did you know that fifty-six percent of accommodations cost employers nothing?! Accommodations support disabled applicants and employees' success on the job and benefit your company as a whole.

Join the EARN - Employer Assistance and Resource Network on Disability Inclusion and the Job Accommodation Network (JAN) on Wednesday, July 31 from 1:00 to 2:15 PM for "The Low Cost and High Impact of Accommodating Employees,” the third webinar in their 'Small Business Series.'

You won't want to miss this! Register today: https://ow.ly/zuUQ50SwzU8



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"We should be able to do all the same things that you guys can do without disabilities," says Dupree Edwards, a local rapper and disability advocate. "And that is what the whole fight is for, that we can be part of the community."

In honor of Disability Pride Month, Dupree recently spoke with WCCO about disability rights, the importance of increasing wages for Personal Care Assistants (PCAs), and his personal journey as a disabled rapper and advocate. Listen to Dupree's story: cbsnews.com/minnesota/news/dupree-edwards-overcomes-lead-poisoning-advocates-for-others-disabilities/

Dupree Edwards overcomes brain damage from lead poisoning, advocates for others with disabilities Dupree Edwards has developed computer skills and a career at the U of M as a self-advocate. He goes on podcasts and makes speeches about what it's like to live with a disability.

Thank you, Thomson Reuters, for your continued commitment to disability inclusion! We're honored to work with you. Learn more about Disability:IN Minnesota membership: di-mn.org/membership-benefits/



ID: Graphic reads Thank you, Thomson Reuters, for renewing your membership with Disability:IN Minnesota! in dark blue text against a white background with a green decorative border. Thomson Reuters's black and red logo appears in the center of the image. Below the logo reads Are you IN? and To learn more, visit DI-MN.org/membership-benefits in green and dark blue text