Event Description

This two-part webinar series will suggest organizational (internal) and programmatic (external) strategies to consider when approaching disability inclusion and accessibility in philanthropy.These presentations, featuring foundation staff with disabilities will answer questions like, ‘how do I start the conversation about disability inclusion with managers/executive teams?’‘ what can I do to make our grant application and grant-making processes more accessible?’ and ‘what can we do so our entire organizations more inclusive of people with disabilities?’

Participants can expect the panelists to cover topics including accessibility as part of diversity, equity, and inclusion strategies, the value of intersectional approaches to grantmaking, and actionable steps funders can take to address accessibility and disability inclusion in their philanthropic efforts. Please join us to learn more about how to address ableism in our workplaces and incorporate a disability lens into your organization and programs.

Series Goals:

  • Emphasize a “nothing about us, without us” philosophy and the importance of disability inclusion in organizational and programmatic practices.
  • Highlight the value of equitable and inclusive philanthropy practices and suggest ways for funders to make their processes more accessible.
  • Highlight the presence of disabilities within common issue areas and demonstrate intersectional approaches to grantmaking.
  • Direct participants to resources and information to further their education on the topics introduced.

You can register for the full series or the individual sessions of your choice. We recommend attending Session 1 along with any other individual sessions you choose as it lays the groundwork for all session content. 

Session Info

Ramps Aren't Enough: Improving Accessibility in Your Workplace | November 30, 2022 | 10:30 am - 12:00 noon 

This 90-minute presentation features representatives of Ability Central and a WITH Foundation vendor who will cover the basic principles of accessibility and introduce it as an element of having truly inclusive workplace environments. Institutions that are working on equity, diversity, and inclusion can learn how disability issues are a part of this work. Coming from diverse perspectives, the panelists will highlight the systemic barriers faced by disabled people, share personal experiences on the consequences of inequitable environments, and guide the audience through actionable steps anyone can take to begin advocating for more inclusive practices. Participants will receive a curated list of free online resources, books, and training opportunities for additional information on accessibility and disability inclusion. Whether you’re HR personnel, event planning staff, responsible for communications and marketing, or just want to learn how to be a better ally to people with disabilities, this webinar will be packed with information for you.

To learn more about Session 2 click here >
 

Speakers

Profile photo of Jennifer Restle

Jennifer Restle

Ability Central Grants Advisory Member, and Council Member, Shirley Ryan Ability Lab Rehabilitation Research and Training Center

For over 25 years, Jennifer Restle has chosen to spend her time at the crossroads of disability and LGBTQ+ identities. Her most recent notable accomplishments were serving five years on the Board of Directors of Disability Rights California, including two as president. From 2012 until 2019, Jen also worked in a variety of roles at San Diego Pride, striving to make their events more accessible, resulting in her receiving a Legacy of Liberation award. Along the way, she has lead organizations such as the San Diego Bisexual Forum, created and facilitated discussion groups, developed panels, and workshops, and generally spoken to any group that asked. This has presented her with great opportunities such as attending the White House Pride Reception in 2014. At the 2016 San Diego Spirit of Stonewall Rally, she became the first person with a disability and the first bisexual individual to grace the stage. Breaking more ground, she spoke at L.A. County’s first Mental Health Conference focused on LGBTQ+ issues.

Currently, Jen serves on the Shirley Ryan Ability Lab Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Home and Community Based Services’ Participant Council, facilitates the Pan*Fluid*Bi+ discussion group at the San Diego LGBTQ Community Center, and is a member of the Grants Advisory Group for Ability Central.’
Profile photo of Alyah Thomas

Alyah Thomas

Ability Central

Alyah Thomas is an emerging philanthropy and nonprofit specialist dedicated to communications and information access as a human right. She holds a B.A. in Deaf Studies and is a Certified Professional in Accessibility Core Competencies through the International Association of Accessibility Professionals. Captivated by the intersection of disability, universal design, and accessibility, she believes in their collective ability to build equitable environments through collaboration between diverse perspectives. At Ability Central, Alyah feels deeply aligned with the mission and welcomes the opportunity to be involved in multiple facets of the organization as the Philanthropy Program Associate. As she progresses in her role at Ability Central and her career, Alyah aspires to emphasize the importance of accessibility to wider audiences. Motivating others to start conversations about inclusion in their communities and connecting them with resources to begin building a more accessible world today.
Profile photo of Sofia Webster

Sofia Webster

Lead Consultant, LaVant Consulting, Inc

Sofia Webster is the Lead Consultant of Content Marketing and Strategy at LaVant Consulting, Inc., a social impact communications firm led by disabled people of color. Sofia is an Ecuadorian-American woman living in Sacramento, California. Her multi-ethnic identity colors her personal experiences with race, disability, and gender, while also informing the ways she understands intersecting forms of oppression. Her love of and appreciation for the disability community on the Internet acted as kindling for her work creating accessible social media experiences for people with disabilities. She feels called to do disability-focused social impact work, having been a part of Sins Invalid, the Crip Camp impact campaign, and chronic illness advocacy groups.

Image Description: Sofia Webster, a light-skinned Ecuadorian American woman with long brown hair, cat-eye glasses, and green tassel earrings, smiles at the camera in front of Lake Merritt.

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