U.S. Secretary of Labor Tom Perez, Congresswoman Tammy Duckworth, Delaware Governor Jack Markell, Former Congressman Tony Coelho, executives, experts and innovators will join a two-day summit to increase inclusion of people with disabilities in education and employment on Monday, Nov. 16
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
WHAT:
More than one in 10 Illinoisans have a disability — representing a significant consumer market and a largely untapped talent pool, as only 35 percent of the state's working age people with disabilities are employed, compared to 75 percent of those without disabilities.
Today, 25 years after the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act ( ADA ), the technology and tools are in place to fulfill the ADA's promise of economic self-sufficiency. The Opportunity Summit is an important and historic event intended to demonstrate unequivocally the competitive advantage of hiring and retaining people with disabilities. Employers increasingly recognize this, but need to learn about next steps and best practices for a fully inclusive workforce.
Over the course of a two-day Disability Inclusion Opportunity Summit, produced by ADA 25 Chicago and the Chicagoland Business Leadership Network ( CBLN ), national and local leaders will convene to explore best practices and new strategies related to education and employment, while also considering how technology can serve as a catalyst for greater access and inclusion.
To view the full program agenda, visit: adaopportunitysummit.eventbrite.com . To join the Summit conversation online, follow #OpportunitySummit.
WHO:
Leaders, experts and innovators from across the country, including:
U.S. Secretary of Labor Thomas E. Perez
U.S. Congresswoman Tammy Duckworth ( D-IL 8th District )
Delaware Governor Jack Markell
Former Congressman and original author of the ADA Tony Coelho
Journalist and author John Hockenberry
Walgreens Boots Alliance Global Chief Diversity Officer Steve Pemberton
Leading experts on disability issues from AT&T, the Federal Communications Commission, Harvard University, Microsoft, Rush University Medical Center and more.
WHEN:
Monday, November 16
9:00 a.m. — 5:00 p.m.
Registration opens: 8:00 a.m.
Opening plenary begins: 9:00 a.m.
Keynote remarks by Secretary Thomas E. Perez: 12:30 p.m.
Tuesday, November 17
9:00 a.m. — 4:00 p.m.
Registration opens: 8:00 a.m.
WHERE:
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois
300 East Randolph Street, Chicago
RSVP:
All press must RSVP in advance to Bess Featherstone at bess_featherstone@jtpr.com . Interviews can be coordinated in advance.
NOTES:
Enter through building's main entrance on Randolph and check in at Registration
A mult box will be provided
ADA 25 Chicago is a network of 200 civic partners who have come together to commemorate and advance a civil rights milestone — the 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act ( ADA ). Despite 25 years of progress, people with disabilities still have higher poverty rates, lower employment and poorer educational outcomes than those without disabilities. The vision of ADA 25 Chicago is to help make Metropolitan Chicago the most inclusive region in the nation. The Chicago Community Trust is the lead supporter of ADA 25 Chicago. For more information, please visit www.ADA25Chicago.org and follow us on Facebook and Twitter @ADA25Chicago #ADA25Chicago.
Chicagoland Business Leadership Network ( CBLN ), an affiliate of the US Business Leadership Network driven by the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce Foundation, looks to advance the employment of individuals with disabilities. CBLN will facilitate the creation of workplaces, marketplaces and supply chains where people with disabilities are included by convening solution-focused forums that will help employers overcome traditional barriers to hiring people with disabilities. As a legacy project of ADA 25 Chicago, CBLN seeks 25 business members to create a vibrant business-to-business network with the long-term goal of reducing the unemployment rate for people with disabilities. Members to-date include: AT&T, Baxalta, Baxter, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois, BMO Harris, Comcast, Deloitte, Discover Financial Services, EY, Grainger, Hyatt, inQuest, KPMG, ManpowerGroup, McDonald's Corporation, Northern Trust, University of Phoenix and Walgreens Boots Alliance.