Join/Renew
%E2%80%94a%20time%20to%20honor%20the%20contributions%20of%20people%20with%20disabilities.%20The%20theme%20this%20year%20is%20%E2%80%9CCelebrating%20Value%20and%20Talent.%E2%80%9D%0D%0A%0D%0ANACE%E2%80%99s%20Disability%20Signature%20Series:%20Celebrating%20Value%20and%20Talent%20will%20explore%20strategies,%20tools,%20and%20perspectives%20to%20help%20talent%20acquisition%20professionals,%20partner%20organizations,%20and%20other%20stakeholders%20deepen%20their%20understanding%20of%20disability%20employment.)
%E2%80%94a%20time%20to%20honor%20the%20contributions%20of%20people%20with%20disabilities.%20The%20theme%20this%20year%20is%20%E2%80%9CCelebrating%20Value%20and%20Talent.%E2%80%9D%0D%0A%0D%0ANACE%E2%80%99s%20Disability%20Signature%20Series:%20Celebrating%20Value%20and%20Talent%20will%20explore%20strategies,%20tools,%20and%20perspectives%20to%20help%20talent%20acquisition%20professionals,%20partner%20organizations,%20and%20other%20stakeholders%20deepen%20their%20understanding%20of%20disability%20employment.)
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Summary
Agenda
Session 1 | Keeping Gen Z Engaged in Internships
Wednesday, October 1, 2025 • 1 - 2 p.m. ET
Generation Z brings fresh perspectives, strong values, and high expectations to the workplace, especially in internships. But how can employer and career services professionals create internship experiences that truly engage this dynamic generation?
In this candid panel discussion, students, each bringing unique perspectives as they navigate the space with disabilities, will share their firsthand insights on what makes internships meaningful and motivating. Whether they are currently in an internship or reflecting on a recent one, these panelists will offer honest feedback on what works, what doesn’t, and how organizations can better connect with and support Gen Z talent.
Moderator
Robyn Acampora, Deputy Director, Office of Career Strategy, Yale University
Student Panelists
Ciara Cade, Computer Science, University of Michigan
Alison Lee, Intern, Harvard University
Corinne Fischer, Economics, Dartmouth College
Caroline Rogers, Coordinator for Disability Outreach, University of North Carolina, Charlotte
Adria "Adri" Underwood, MS Healthcare Administration, Excelsior University
Session 2 | Talent Untapped: Building Career Pathways for the Uniquely Abled
Thursday, October 16, 2025 • 1 - 2 p.m. ET
The Uniquely Abled Academy is a first-of-its-kind collaboration between manufacturing companies and high-functioning individuals on the Autism Spectrum. These individuals form a vastly underutilized, yet extremely capable, employment pool. The skills and qualities of these “uniquely abled” individuals were recognized through testing and demonstrated characteristics suitable for a career as a Computer Numeric Control (CNC) operator. Participants will learn how to properly maintain and operate CNC machines. They will also learn how to use quality control instruments, safety and metrology, shop mathematics, blueprint reading, and how to operate mill and lathe machines. This is a fast-track program that includes in-class instruction and soft skills that include job-readiness instruction. Upon completion of the program, they will receive a College Certificate of Completion, National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) credentials, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Safety Certificate (or equivalent), Tooling-USME Training Program/Certificate (or equivalent), and ACT WorkKeys Certificate (or equivalent). They will also receive the ability to create a meaningful career for themselves that will provide an income, dignity, and purpose while filling a major need for employers.
Presenter
Stacy Ellard, Community Outreach and Industry Partners Relations for the Uniquely Abled Academy at the Eastfield Campus of Dallas College
Session 3 | From Potential to Impact: Celebrating the Value and Talent of Early Career Professionals with Disabilities
Thursday, October 23, 2025 • 1 - 2 p.m. ET
This culminating session brings together national leaders who are putting disability inclusion into practice through strategic, scalable, and sustainable programs. Together, they will explore the full spectrum of early-career success for professionals with disabilities, from recruitment and onboarding through development, advancement, and retention.
Panelists will share how they create smooth, supportive transitions for new hires entering the workforce; build environments where early-career professionals can grow and thrive; and accelerate long-term career success through intentional learning and workforce development strategies.
Building on earlier sessions that amplified student voices and explored college-to-career transitions, this discussion will show how employers and inclusion-focused organizations ensure that talent is not just welcomed but truly valued, developed, and championed for long-term success.
Moderator
Margaret Ling, Senior Manager, Partnerships, National Organization on Disability
Panelists
Sean Baker, Inclusiveness Recruiting Consultant, EY
Danielle Meadows, Executive Director-Head of Business Solutions Team, JP Morgan Chase
Emily McDonald, Senior Director of Learning & Workforce Development, Disability:IN
Learning Outcomes
Following this program, you will be able to:
- Learn how leaders and those who recruit individuals with disabilities approach this work,
- Learn from students with disabilities about the challenges and hurdles they face in navigating the job search—and how those can be overcome,
- Expand your network to include others invested in successful employment outcomes, and
- Acquire tools to implement that support your inclusion efforts.
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Event Details
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Format
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