Affiliate Spotlight: Disability:IN Connecticut
Welcome to our new Affiliate Spotlight series! Each month, we’ll highlight one of our affiliates, celebrating their unique contributions to disability inclusion in their local business communities. Disability:IN affiliates are non-profit, employer-led membership-based business associations that create business-to-business connections, networking, and shared learning. This month, we’re excited to feature Disability:IN Connecticut- check out this conversation with the Executive Director, Sharon Denson, M.Ed., J.D.
Question (Q): What is the background of your affiliate?
Sharon Denson (SD): We are known for supporting businesses in Connecticut as they seek to create disability-inclusive workplaces with training on best practices, quarterly meetings where we address the issues that are most important to our Corporate Partners, and our mentoring initiatives. We have a history of participating in the creation of highly innovative and successful disability inclusion initiatives. Most of all we are known for the dedication, caring and spirit of our Corporate Partners, the personal level of support which we offer, and our passion for our mission.
Q: What are some key events coming up for Disability:IN Connecticut?
SD: In 2024, we’re involved in several initiatives and events that we’re particularly proud of. These include emergency planning for people with disabilities and National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) events in partnership with Quinnipiac University, the Higher Education Resource Consortium, and the Connecticut Business and Industry Association (CBIA). Some of our most popular events are the Meet the Service Provider event, where we connect our Corporate Partners with organizations representing qualified job seekers with disabilities, and our accommodations training sessions.
Q: How does your affiliate collaborate with local businesses and organizations?
SD: We’re fortunate to collaborate with a variety of organizations and businesses within Connecticut and beyond. For example, we actively work with the State of Connecticut Governor’s Workforce Council to advocate for qualified job seekers with disabilities and disability-inclusive businesses. We also partner with other state government departments, such as the Department of Administrative Services, to coordinate the bidding on state contracts with Certified Disability-Owned Businesses. Additionally, we connect our Corporate Partners to qualified job seekers with disabilities through partnerships with the Connecticut Bureau of Rehabilitation and the Department of Labor. Our collaboration extends to local colleges and universities, including Quinnipiac University and the University of Connecticut, where we work on employment and supplier diversity initiatives.
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This is just a glimpse into the impactful work being done by Disability:IN Connecticut. To learn more about events happening near you, be sure to check out the Affiliate Events Calendar. Stay tuned for more spotlights on our incredible local affiliates!