DePaul University Newsline > Sections > DeBuzz > DePaul to host events for National Disability Employment Awareness Month

DePaul to host events for National Disability Employment Awareness Month

St. Vincent statue
October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month. In recognition of that designation, Ability Alliance for Allies and Advocates, DePaul's resource group for employees with disabilities, and the Office of Institutional Diversity, Equity and Inclusion will host several events open to the campus community. 

Leaning into the DEI advantage: Key findings, initiatives and opportunities
Tuesday, Oct. 4
11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Online
RSVP - Use promo code OpptySummit22 to register.

During this session, diversity equity and inclusion leaders from Grant Thornton, Northern Trust and Walgreens will discuss how they used Disability:IN’s corporate benchmarking tool, the Disability Equality Index, as a roadmap to become more inclusive. Participating brands will discuss why they chose to take the index, and their initial expectations and key findings. They also will share their top five DEI generated workplace initiatives and successful outcomes.

Working caregivers: Why you should care and how you can support them
Tuesday, Oct. 11
11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Online
RSVP - Use promo code OpptySummit22 to register

Employees today are more likely to care not just for children, but also for family members who have a disability or are elderly. Approximately 20% of employees identify as a caregiver. An additional 20% do not consider themselves a caregiver even though they provide ongoing care for an aging family member, relative, friend or someone with a disability or chronic health condition. Organizations have an opportunity to support these employees by offering access to programs and resources that can help make their lives easier while also seeing a return on investment in the form of increased engagement and productivity. Professionals from Allstate and Health care Service Corporation will share leading practices for supporting employees who are caregivers. 

A conversation on supporting employees who acquire disabilities
Tuesday, Oct. 18
11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Online
RSVP - Use promo code OpptySummit22 to register

This panel will feature a conversation on acquired disabilities and their impact on employers and employees. Rehabilitation experts from Shirley Ryan AbilityLab and the Illinois Spina Bifida Association will share ways to engage with businesses in preparing individuals to return to work. Professionals from Northern Trust also will speak to their own experiences in working before and after acquiring a disability, tying in their perspectives on how to successfully navigate corporate policies and practices.

A conversation with David Harrell
Thursday, Oct. 20
2 p.m.
Online
RSVP

To celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month, recognize the contributions of America’s workers with disabilities and commend supportive, inclusive employment policies and practices, OIDE will host a conversation with David Harrell. An international award-winning actor, speaker and disability advocate, Harrell has worked as the accessibility and outreach director for the Raleigh Ensemble Players in North Carolina and a disability and programming associate for inclusion in the arts in New York City. He currently serves on the advisory board for the Queens Theater’s "Theater for All" initiative.

Questions may be directed to Kent Klaus.