2025 Conference Agenda

Walk the meeting space at the Gaylord Palms to become oriented with the space. Tours will depart from the Conference Registration Desk, located on floor 2.

Walk the meeting space at the Gaylord Palms to become oriented with the space. Tours will depart from the Conference Registration Desk, located on floor 2.

Inclusion Works Breakfast and Lunch

Inclusion Works Reception

(Open exclusively to Disability:IN certified disability-owned business enterprises (DOBEs)

(Open only to Disability:IN corporate partners)

Walk the meeting space at the Gaylord Palms to become oriented with the space. Tours will depart from the Conference Registration Desk, located on floor 2.

As we kick-off this year’s Disability:IN conference, hear from senior leaders about how their company is meeting the moment to advance accessibility and economic opportunities for all around the world, through executive leadership, innovation and creativity, and fostering connections in business.

During this one-on-one speed networking session, company representatives will be matched to NextGen Leaders who possess the field of study, educational background, and/or experience they are seeking in potential job applicants. Meet & Greet is exclusive to Disability:IN corporate partners.  The matching between the company and the NextGen Leaders will be conducted ahead of time, and companies will be provided the participants’ names and resumes prior to the conference. Prior registration is required.

Good design is the degree to which an environment is usable by everyone, including people with disabilities. Design for all advances usability by considering the diverse needs of all potential users from the outset. This session introduces the key design principles, requirements, benefits, challenges, and financial considerations that result in sustainable practices across a global organization. 

Learning Objectives: 

1. Understand the concepts and principles of design for all and how they relate to physical space, including an examination of global best practices in strategic development and implementation.
2. Learn how to make work life healthier, safer, and more productive while promoting a sense of belonging and engagement. 
3. Discover how to secure executive support, navigate challenges, and achieve measurable results.

The Disability Index is poised to revolutionize how organizations measure and improve disability inclusion across the globe. This session will highlight the latest workforce trends, showing how the Disability Index offers a data-driven perspective on where companies stand—and where they need to go. We’ll dive deep into the new universal question set and evaluation framework, providing actionable insights to help your organization align with global standards. Don’t miss this opportunity to be at the forefront of disability inclusion!

Learning Objectives:

1. Explore global workforce trends and how the Disability Index acts as a powerful tool for organizations to track and accelerate disability inclusion.
2. Gain an in-depth understanding of the new universal question set and performance indicators for the Disability Index.
3. Learn how to leverage the Disability Index’s data-driven insights to drive actionable improvements in the workplace.

Disability etiquette is always changing and can vary depending on the situation and individual preferences. However, there are some basic guidelines that everyone can follow.  This session is for everyone, whether you're new to disability issues or have experience.  It will cover respectful language and behavior, and how to avoid unintentionally offensive words or actions.  Professionals with both visible and nonapparent disabilities will share their insights and best practices.  The session will also provide a safe space to ask those potentially awkward questions you might hesitate to ask elsewhere.

Learning Objectives:

1. How to recognize language and actions that might exclude people with disabilities.
2. How respectful interactions can improve relationships with employees, customers, suppliers, and the community.
3. Gain insight into your own experiences and questions in a supportive environment.

People with disabilities represent a powerful and underserved consumer segment, yet they can often go overlooked in mainstream marketing campaigns. A recent blog post from the United Spinal Association estimates the global spending power of people with disabilities and their family members at $13 trillion annually. This session examines how brands can develop campaigns that genuinely connect with consumers with disabilities by focusing on accessible content, intentional messaging, and harnessing artificial intelligence (AI) to gather consumer insights. 

Learning Objectives:

1. Discover the market potential of consumers with disabilities and the behaviors and trends of this market segment.  
2. Understand how artificial intelligence (AI) can enhance disability-inclusive marketing strategies and improve engagement with consumers with disabilities, including best practices for ensuring AI-powered content creation and personalization tools are accessible and bias-free.
3. Explore practical examples of brands successfully engaging consumers with disabilities and how they’ve built customer trust and loyalty.

Building strong supplier relationships is key to a thriving business. This forum fosters collaboration and knowledge sharing among procurement and supplier development leaders. Join us to explore best practices in supplier development, learn from real-world case studies, and network with peers to build valuable connections. Together, we can create more resilient and innovative supply chains.

Learning Objectives:

1. Identify successful supplier development initiatives and best practices inclusive of disability.
2. Understand the impact of supplier development on disability-owned business enterprises (DOBEs).
3. Discover strategies for engaging with and developing DOBEs.

Taking a mature enterprise accessibility program to the next level can come with many challenges, especially if the next step involves international expansion. Success requires optimizing existing accessibility initiatives, leveraging emerging technologies, and ensuring compliance with evolving global standards such as the Accessible Canada Act (ACA) and European Accessibility Act (EAA) as well as the recently updated Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2 AA. This session delves into advanced strategies and innovative approaches to enhance accessibility, focusing on the latest trends, technologies, and best practices for scaling programs globally with continuity, cohesion, and consistency.

Learning Objectives:

1. Explore advanced techniques for auditing and enhancing your current digital accessibility efforts, including how to identify and address gaps, streamline processes, and ensure continuous improvement while aligning with global standards.
2. Discover how innovative technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and augmented reality (AR) can be integrated into your accessibility strategies to provide innovative solutions and enhance user experiences.
3. Learn how to implement evolving global accessibility regulations and guidelines such as the Accessible Canada Act (ACA), European Accessibility Act (EAA), and Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2 AA to ensure compliance and consistency in operations across international markets.

The epitome of “lunch and learn,” Tuesday’s luncheon plenary dives into recent research on disability in the global workforce. Dig into the findings from Disability:IN’s study of the experiences of neurodiverse employees  and what it tells us  about the future of work. Explore the latest research on global legislation and it’s implications for corporate responsibilities and accessibility in the EU. Stick around for dessert featuring an exciting announcement about the future of the Disability Index!

Disability:IN Corporate Partners are pre-matched with certified DOBEs, V-DOBEs and SDV-DOBEs, to make their pitches and discuss potential connections.

This session will explore how companies are moving beyond traditional, often reactive, approaches to workplace accommodations and embracing innovative strategies. 

Learning Objectives:

1. Leveraging Technology: Explore how technology can streamline the accommodation process, from request submission and management to providing assistive tools and resources. Examples might include AI-powered solutions, online accommodation platforms, and accessible workplace design tools.
2. Data-Driven Insights: Examine how data and analytics can be used to track accommodation trends, identify areas for improvement, and measure the effectiveness of accommodation programs.
3. Collaboration and Communication: Delve into the importance of strong communication and collaboration between HR, managers, employees, and relevant stakeholders (e.g., IT, legal) to ensure successful implementation of accommodations.

Workplace mental wellness considerations can show up in a variety of ways and look different from one employee to another. That’s why open dialogue between employees and managers is critical to ensure the right balance is struck between employee needs and business priorities. An estimated 12 billion working days globally are lost every year to depression and anxiety according to the World Health Organization – a number that could be reduced through a greater emphasis on workplace wellness. This session explores practical tips for employees and managers for navigating potentially sensitive conversations that can result in meaningful mental health discussions that bring about greater trust, understanding, empathy, and collaboration.   

Learning Objectives:

1. Define the roles and responsibilities for managers and employees in addressing mental wellness concerns, ensuring accountability without overstepping boundaries.
2. Identify actionable steps to create a culture of trust and openness where employees feel empowered to seek support and managers feel equipped to provide it.
3. Learn tools and techniques for initiating and navigating sensitive mental wellness conversations with empathy, clarity, and professionalism.

This session will cover the legal rules and regulations that support and encourage hiring people with disabilities. We'll break down the key laws that protect people with disabilities from discrimination in the workplace and identify some steps that explain what employers can take to comply. This includes topics like reasonable accommodations, the hiring process, and creating an inclusive work environment. No matter where you work in the business, this session will provide a clear understanding of the legal landscape surrounding disability-inclusive employment.

Learning Objectives:

1. Key Laws & Regulations: We'll explain the major laws that protect people with disabilities in the workplace, like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
2. Reasonable Accommodations: We'll discuss what reasonable accommodations are, how they work, and what the law requires employers to provide.
3. Inclusive Hiring Practices: We'll cover best practices for attracting and hiring qualified talent with disabilities to compete for employment opportunities.
4. Creating an Inclusive Workplace: We'll explore ways to build a workplace culture that values and supports all employees.

This session explores how innovation in web and mobile technology can create truly inclusive digital experiences for everyone, including people with disabilities. We'll cover the foundational principles of web and mobile accessibility and why they're more critical than ever in today's digital landscape. As technology rapidly evolves, particularly with the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), we'll examine how innovation can be harnessed.

Learning Objectives:

1. WCAG Updates: We'll go over the newest Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) and explore how to implement them across your digital platforms.
2. Accessibility Challenges & Innovative Solutions: We'll identify common web and mobile accessibility barriers and delve into cutting-edge solutions, including emerging technologies and design approaches, to ensure your platforms are usable by everyone.
3. AI and Accessibility: We'll look at how new technologies like AI and machine learning affect accessibility and how they can be used to improve both user experience and efficiency.

This session will explore the unique strengths and potential contributions of service-disabled veterans in the workforce. We will delve into practical strategies for creating a competitive but inclusive hiring process for qualified candidates, addressing common misconceptions, and fostering a workplace culture that empowers everyone to thrive. Participants will gain actionable insights into recruitment, onboarding, accommodation, and retention, ensuring their organizations can effectively tap into the rich talent pool of service-disabled veterans.

Learning Objectives:

1. Understand the Value Proposition: Participants will be able to articulate the unique skills, experiences, and value service-disabled veterans bring to the workplace, including leadership, resilience, and adaptability.
2. Implement Inclusive-focused Hiring Practices: Participants will be able to identify and implement best practices for recruiting, interviewing, and onboarding service-disabled veterans, including strategies for addressing potential barriers and ensuring compliance with relevant legislation.
3. Develop Supportive Workplace Strategies: Participants will be able to develop and implement strategies for providing reasonable accommodations, fostering a culture of inclusion, and promoting long-term retention of service-disabled veteran employees.

Disability self-identification rates are low at most companies, in most cases, less than 5 percent. It is estimated that one in four employees has a disability, but the workplace self-identification data are not consistent with the facts. Leaders make decisions and allocate resources and benefits based on internal demographics, metrics, and vocal advocacy. This session will focus on the tools and techniques that have encouraged higher self-identification rates in corporate workplaces and the resulting advances and benefits to all employees.

Learning Objectives:

1. Learn how to develop a communication plan for global self-identification with a clear value proposition.
2. Learn the successful techniques companies use to increase their disability self-identification rates.
3. Gain an understanding of culturally appropriate messaging that resonates with employees with disabilities.

Employee development programs that are inclusive of people with disabilities focus on creating opportunities for growth and skill-building while removing barriers that may limit participation. These programs are designed to accommodate employees’ diverse needs, ensuring that everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed in their roles and advance within the organization. 

Learning Objectives:

1. Learn how-to create disability inclusive career development programs that are open to all employees who qualify.
2. Identify disability inclusive employee development strategies that work for business and the career growth of talent with disabilities.
3. Learn key components of inclusive Career Development Programs.

Hear from Disability-Owned Business Enterprises (DOBEs) as they pitch industry-disrupting ideas for a chance to launch their businesses forward. Plus, experience the culmination of our NextGen Leaders' Innovation Lab journey as they unveil their transformative solutions and pitch their ideas live on stage.

During this one-on-one speed networking session, company representatives will be matched to NextGen Leaders who possess the field of study, educational background, and/or experience they are seeking in potential job applicants. Meet & Greet is exclusive to Disability:IN corporate partners.  The matching between the company and the NextGen Leaders will be conducted ahead of time, and companies will be provided the participants’ names and resumes prior to the conference. Prior registration is required.

Walk the meeting space at the Gaylord Palms to become oriented with the space. Tours will depart from the Conference Registration Desk, located on floor 2.

Artificial intelligence is no longer a futuristic concept; it's a present-day force transforming the ways we interact with the world. We'll explore examples of AI-driven solutions that are revolutionizing accessibility across various domains, from communication and navigation to learning and entertainment.

Disability:IN Corporate Partners are pre-matched with certified DOBEs, V-DOBEs and SDV-DOBEs, to make their pitches and discuss potential connections.

Contemporary corporate considerations concerning accessibility activities are now being influenced by the emergence and evolution of legal frameworks from around the world. The Accessible Canada Act (ACA) and European Accessibility Act (EAA) are now being operationalized and enforced while existing requirements under the new legal interpretations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) are presenting both single-country companies and multi-national corporations with more dynamic decision criteria for maximizing compliance, minimizing risk, and making inclusive experiences for customers and employees alike. This session provides an in-depth examination of these emerging legal standards and regulatory frameworks with a particular emphasis on implications for in-house legal and compliance professionals, accessibility practitioners, and marketing communications teams. 

Learning Objectives:

1. Gain a comprehensive understanding of major accessibility regulations, including the Accessible Canada Act (ACA), Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and European Accessibility Act (EAA), along with how these laws impact businesses and the importance of compliance in different regions.
2. Explore best practices for developing and implementing global accessibility strategies that align with international standards and support the creation of inclusive experiences while minimizing legal risks and ensuring compliance with evolving regulations.
3. Learn how to adapt digital campaigns, social media, and customer-facing content to align marketing communications initiatives with emerging ACA and EAA standards. 

Strong business connections are more critical than ever as Employee/Business Resource Groups (E/BRGs) are increasingly called upon by senior executives and business segments for insights on how to recruit, hire, develop, and market to employees and customers with disabilities. This session provides best practices for identifying and leveraging the talents, expertise and leadership of disability E/BRG executive sponsors.

Learning Objectives:

1. Discover how to identify executive sponsors that can help disability E/BRGs in setting goals that are aligned to organizational key performance indicators.
2. Discuss how executive sponsors can model cultures of trust and transparency which empower disability E/BRG members to speak from their experiences and champion innovation.
3. Explore different methods disability E/BRG leaders deploy when engaging their executive sponsors as thought partners and champions for their E/BRG strategies and programming.

This session explores the evolving landscape of neurodiversity in the workplace, moving beyond initial hiring to foster long-term success. The session will also explore new research from Disability:IN on global trends in neurodiversity in the workplace. We'll delve into how AI can be leveraged for skills matching, personalized learning paths, and career mobility for neurodiverse  individuals. We'll also address the critical aspect of creating a truly neuro-inclusive environment, including strategies for designing accessible training, managing performance, and supporting ND progression into leadership roles. Participants will learn how to harness AI's potential while mitigating its potential pitfalls, and discover the vital role of Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) in building a supportive community.

Learning Objectives:

1. Participants will be able to analyze how AI-driven tools can be utilized to enhance neurodivergent talent acquisition, personalized development, and career advancement, including identifying potential pain points and strategies for ethical implementation.
2. Participants will be able to develop actionable strategies for creating a neuro-inclusive workplace culture, encompassing accessible training program design, performance management adaptations, and pathways for neurodivergent individuals to advance into leadership positions.
3. Participants will be able to identify and implement effective support structures, including the strategic utilization of Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), to foster a strong sense of community and provide ongoing mentorship for neurodivergent employees.

This session is all about making retail spaces accessible and welcoming to everyone, including people with disabilities. We'll explore how to design physical spaces so they're inclusive and easy for everyone to use.

Learning Objectives:

1. Universal Design: We'll cover the seven key principles of universal design and how to use them in stores to make them accessible and user-friendly for both employees and customers.
2. Latest Trends & Best Practices: We'll look at the newest trends and best practices in making physical spaces accessible, including entrances, hallways, restrooms, seating, signs, and even how staff can be trained in disability etiquette.
3. Removing Barriers: We'll discuss common accessibility problems in stores and learn practical solutions to fix them, so people with disabilities can move around and interact more easily.

As AI and automation rapidly reshape the workplace, companies face a growing challenge: how to retain and reskill their workforce to keep pace with change. This session explores strategies to support employees by leveraging AI-driven tools and disability inclusive training programs. We’ll discuss how businesses can create sustainable reskilling initiatives, ensure workforce longevity, knowledge transfer, and business growth. Attendees will leave with actionable insights on using AI to drive retention, foster adaptability, and future-proof their workforce.

Learning Objectives:

1. Understand the Impact of AI on Workforce Dynamics – Learn how AI and automation are reshaping job roles and what this means for businesses aiming to retain experienced talent.
2. Explore Reskilling Strategies for an Evolving Workforce – Discover practical approaches to reskilling employees, leveraging AI-driven learning tools and customized training programs to enhance accessibility.
3. Develop a Disability Inclusive Workforce Strategy – Identify ways to ensure that reskilling efforts are accessible, and beneficial for employees across all career stages, fostering long-term workforce sustainability.

In today's global business world, supplier development is a crucial driver of innovation, resilience, and growth. Moving beyond assumptions to measurable impact is key, and data-driven decisions are essential. This session explores how to use analytics, metrics, and other valuable insights to build engaged global supply chains.  

Learning Objectives:

1. Understanding the Landscape: Gain a deeper understanding of the current global supplier environment and the strategies organizations are employing to maximize positive outcomes.
2. The Power of Data: Explore key analytics, metrics, and benchmarks that validate and strengthen the business case for supplier development.
3. Data-Driven Success: Learn best practices for ensuring long-term success of global supplier development initiatives.

Explore the wide range of Disability Employee/Business Resource Groups (E/BRGs) in this fast-paced lightning round. This session features brief presentations from various disability E/BRG leaders and executive sponsors, highlighting their initiatives, impact, and best practices. Learn how these groups drive disability inclusion across their organizations, foster community, and contribute to organizational success.

Learning Objectives:

1. Identify successful disability E/BRG initiatives and best practices.
2. Understand the impact of disability E/BRGs on workplace culture and inclusion.
3. Discover strategies for engaging with and supporting disability E/BRGs.

This session is about making sure global workplaces are inclusive of employees with disabilities. Reasonable accommodation/adjustment policies (changes to the workplace that help employees with disabilities do their jobs) are a key part of this, but the old "one size fits all" approach isn't working well anymore. Many companies are trying different ways to culturally handle accommodations/adjustments, and this session will explore what works best.

Learning Objectives:

1. Legal Considerations: We'll look at the laws around workplace accommodations/adjustments, including differences between countries and regions, and how to follow disability and anti-discrimination laws.
2. Practical Strategies: We'll learn how to assess requests for accommodations/adjustments or assistive tools and come up with effective solutions that meet the diverse needs of employees with disabilities.
3. Accommodation/Adjustment Program Models: We'll explore different ways to structure an accommodation/adjustment program, including how it's organized (centralized or not), whether it's global or local, if it's handled internally or by an outside company, and how to balance proactive accessibility with responding to individual requests.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming the workplace, and its potential to support employees with disabilities is immense. This session explores how AI tools can be leveraged to create a more inclusive and accessible work environment, from streamlining recruitment and onboarding to providing personalized accommodations/adjustments. We'll delve into practical applications of AI while addressing important considerations around privacy, and ensuring these technologies are used ethically and responsibly.

Learning Objectives:

1. Identify AI Applications: Participants will be able to recognize and describe various ways AI can be used to enhance accessibility and inclusion for qualified employees with disabilities across different aspects of the employment lifecycle, including recruitment, onboarding, training, performance management, and career development. 
2. Tailored Accommodations/Adjustments: Explore how AI-powered tools can personalize accommodations/adjustments to meet the specific needs of employees with disabilities, enhancing their productivity and job satisfaction.
3. Ethical Considerations: Understand the ethical implications of using AI to support employees with disabilities, including issues of privacy, data security, algorithmic bias, and ensuring human oversight.

Cutting-edge companies are increasingly creating competitive advantage by leveraging innovative design principles and emerging technologies to develop inclusive and accessible product experiences that delight all customers. A deep understanding of universal design principles, tactile features, and how to integrate assistive technologies to improve accessibility are essential for staying ahead of the curve of today’s rapidly evolving product life cycle. This session will explore the latest trends and advancements in accessible design, accessibility enhancements for packaging, and other customer-facing products, technology, and service innovations.     

Learning Objectives:

1. Develop an understanding of the latest trends in accessible product and package design, including the use of universal design principles, tactile features, and easy-open mechanisms, that can effectively enhance the customer experience for all users.
2. Discover how to implement accessibility enhancements in packaging and other customer-facing products, including the benefits of incorporating features such as high-contrast colors, clear typography, and audible cues to make products more accessible and user-friendly.
3. Gain insights into how emerging technologies, such as QR codes and the ability for people with disabilities to set up devices out of the box, can be integrated into accessibility strategies to provide innovative solutions and enhance the overall customer experience.

Marketing events can be powerful brand touchpoints, however what’s intended to be a brand-building activation can quickly have negative reputational effects if the event is not accessible and inclusive for all. Event design, content accessibility, and on-site accommodations are all key considerations for ensuring that your brand experiences bring everyone to the party. This session explores best practices in designing and executing marketing events that authentically engage and include people with disabilities. 

Learning Objectives:

1. Identify key accessibility factors for in-person, virtual, and hybrid marketing events, including vendor and budget considerations.   
2. Learn how to integrate disability inclusion into event planning, from speaker selection to pre- and post- event communications. 
3. Explore practical examples of inclusive marketing events, attendee feedback, and the impact on brand perception.

The disability inclusion landscape for companies based in and/or doing business in the European Union (EU) is shifting in significant ways because of emerging new legislative requirements. The Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), European Accessibility Act (EAA), and other legislative mandates have made disability a material issue in both operations and reporting for EU corporations. This session provides specific updates on the EU’s legislative initiatives that impact workplace disability inclusion, and the accessibility of products bought and sold in the EU’s single market.

Learning Objectives:

1. Identify which companies are required to comply with the European Union’s disability inclusive policies.
2. Understand how the EU’s legislative initiatives focused on disability inclusion and product and service accessibility impact companies worldwide doing business in the single market.
3. Learn how EU legislative initiatives benefit business and expand market share.

This session will give your disability Employee/Business Resource Groups (E/BRGs) tools to help advance disability inclusion and accessibility, even when your organization is going through changes.

Learning Objectives:

1. Navigating Change: Learn how your disability E/BRG can anticipate and manage organizational changes, so they don't negatively impact disability and accessibility initiatives.
2. Building Alliances: Discover how to create strong partnerships with different teams and departments to support and champion disability inclusion for all.
3. Maintaining Momentum: Develop strategies to keep disability inclusion and accessibility a priority and advance these efforts even during times of uncertainty and shifting priorities.

This breakout session will explore neurodiversity in global workplaces with an emphasis on developing a culture that fosters understanding and belonging. Speakers from the regions of the world will discuss inclusive recruitment practices, accommodations, and outline actions companies can take to ensure neurodiverse employees thrive and contribute to their companies’ success. 

Learning Objectives:

1. Learn how to develop a culture that fosters understanding and belonging of neurodiverse employees.
2. Identify actions companies can take to recruit and accommodate neurodiverse talent around the world.
3. Identify practical tools for facilitating the success of neurodiverse individuals at work.

As we wrap up this year’s conference, hear from leading companies about their strategies for leading in challenging and uncertain times. Learn how they continue to drive innovation and creativity in their work and advance economic opportunities for all. These lightning round talks will leave participants with concrete, actionable steps for them to take home as they continue their own journey.