Affiliate Spotlight: Disability:IN Wisconsin
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.
What is the “story” of your affiliate? Share the history of the affiliate.
Disability:IN Wisconsin’s story began in 2017 with a vision to transform workplaces across the state into environments where everyone can thrive. Founded as an affiliate of the national Disability:IN organization, our journey started when a dedicated group of Wisconsin business leaders recognized the need to bridge the gap between talented individuals with disabilities and inclusive employers. Over the years, we have grown from a grassroots movement into a recognized leader in disability inclusion, partnering with businesses, educational institutions, and community organizations to drive meaningful change. Our initiatives—from groundbreaking career fairs and engaging webinars to targeted training programs and innovative networking events—reflect our commitment to fostering accessibility, diversity, and inclusion. Today, Disability:IN Wisconsin continues to build on this legacy, inspiring employers and empowering individuals to create a future where every workplace is a space of opportunity and belonging.
What are some of the key initiatives or projects your affiliate is currently focused on?
Disability:IN Wisconsin is actively driving change through a range of innovative initiatives and projects designed to promote disability inclusion across the workplace. Our flagship event is our annual Summit, which brings together industry leaders, inspiring plenary speakers, and engaging breakout sessions on topics like workplace inclusion and accessibility, neurodiversity, mental health in the workplace, and ERG/BRG development. Additionally, we are expanding our impact through specialized webinars, including our ongoing series on neurodiversity and mental health, and by hosting screenings of the “Neurodiversity at Work” documentary for our member companies. Our active Interest Groups, such as Disability Inclusion@Work, Neurodiversity@Work, Mental Health@Work, ERG/BRG, and Young Professionals, provide a dynamic forum for peer learning and strategic input on our programming. Together, these projects reflect our commitment to fostering accessible, inclusive workplaces and driving meaningful progress in disability inclusion throughout Wisconsin.
Can you share some background on the head of your affiliate? What is your connection to disability inclusion, and how has it influenced your leadership?
Our Executive Director, Saul Newton, has been a passionate advocate for disability inclusion throughout his career. With nearly 15 years of nonprofit, advocacy, and public policy experience, Saul is a tireless advocate for inclusive economic development. Saul has dedicated himself to breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for individuals with disabilities. His journey into disability inclusion was sparked by his experience as a disabled veteran, and early professional experiences and personal connections that underscored the transformative power of inclusive environments. This background has shaped their leadership style, driving them to champion innovative programs and partnerships that make a tangible difference in workplaces across Wisconsin. Under Saul’s guidance, our affiliate remains committed to fostering a culture of inclusion where every voice is heard and every individual has the opportunity to thrive.
How does your affiliate collaborate with local businesses and organizations to advance disability inclusion in your community?
Our affiliate collaborates closely with local businesses, community organizations, and educational institutions to drive meaningful change in disability inclusion. By partnering with these diverse stakeholders, we co-host events such as career fairs, training sessions, and webinars that share best practices and innovative strategies for building inclusive workplaces. We also work together on community outreach, creating a network that bridges the gap between employers and talented individuals with disabilities. These collaborations enable us to leverage local expertise and resources, ensuring that our initiatives have a lasting impact on the community and help create opportunities for everyone.
