Disability Lead

Disability Lead

Civic and Social Organizations

Chicago, Illinois 6,586 followers

Power. Influence. Change.

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About us

VISION: People with disabilities will lead with power and influence for full participation and equal opportunity as a vital part of the civic fabric in the Chicago region. MISSION: To increase civic engagement and diverse leadership in the Chicago region by developing and building a network of leaders with disabilities — consistent with the spirit of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Disability Lead pursues its vision with a voracious belief that creating a more equitable and inclusive society matters and is an obligation of everyone. Disability is a natural part of the human experience. Disability exists in every facet of society including in immigrant communities, in Black and Brown communities, in LGBTQIA+ communities, in Indigenous Communities and every community in between. While the Americans with Disabilities Act affirmed the rights of people with disabilities, we work with the understanding that we will only be an equitable and inclusive society when we achieve true disability justice. Disability justice is a cross-disability and cross-social justice movement that centers intersectional identities led by those who have been most impacted by systemic oppression. It insists that our worth is inherent and tied to the liberation of all people. In 2015, over 200 Chicagoland groups convened by The Chicago Community Trust celebrated and leveraged the 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. ADA 25 Chicago identified the pressing need to address the lack of disability representation at the region’s tables of power and influence. A Leadership Institute was created to build a deeper bench of leaders with disabilities to serve on task forces, boards, commissions, and other roles. After a successful pilot, the initiative evolved into ADA 25 Advancing Leadership initially incubated at The Chicago Community Trust. In 2019, ADA 25 Advancing Leadership was established as an independent 501c3 and in 2021 rebranded to Disability Lead.

Website
http://www.disabilitylead.org
Industry
Civic and Social Organizations
Company size
2-10 employees
Headquarters
Chicago, Illinois
Type
Nonprofit
Founded
2015
Specialties
Civic Engagement, Leadership, and Disability Rights

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Employees at Disability Lead

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Updates

  • View organization page for Disability Lead, graphic
    Disability Lead

    6,586 followers

    🌟 Member Advancements: Claire T. McNorton, PMP McNorton 🌟 We’re thrilled to share that Claire McNorton has been promoted to Director of Strategy and Political Initiatives at Planned Parenthood of Illinois! 🎉 Starting as a Grassroots Organizer, Claire quickly advanced to Program Manager of Advocacy and Campaigns, making a significant impact through her advocacy efforts. Her new role will further enhance her ability to shape strategic and political initiatives, continuing her powerful work in advocacy. “I am excited to continue my career and leadership growth at Planned Parenthood Illinois Action. As the Director of Strategy and Political Initiatives, I will be managing our political and advocacy campaigns, researching candidates and providing endorsement recommendations, and maintaining and developing partnerships" - Claire McNorton. Join us in congratulating Claire on this exciting new chapter! We can’t wait to see the incredible achievements she’ll bring to her new role. #DisabilityLead #Leadership #Advocacy #CareerAdvancement #Disability

    • On the left side of the graphic is a picture of Claire McNorton. Claire is a white woman with shoulder-length brown hair, a tan jacket paired with a black top. To the right is a pink-purple box with white text that says, "Congrats, Claire McNorton" Underneath this text reads, "Congratulations on your newly appointed role as Director of Strategy and Political Initiatives." At the bottom are three white arrows and the Disability Lead logo.
  • View organization page for Disability Lead, graphic
    Disability Lead

    6,586 followers

    Happy Fall! 🍂 This September, Disability Lead continues to highlight and raise awareness of this month's featured disabilities. Let’s shed light on the diverse experiences and disabilities in our community, especially among our Members! #DisabilityAwareness Image Descriptions: Note: All slides have a peach background with the Disability logo at the top. Image 1 reads, "Disability Awareness Month and Days September 2024." The bottom portion of the graphic features people of various races and disabilities. Image 2 lists the following disabilities: "Alopecia Awareness Month, Achalasia Awareness Month, Blood Cancer (Leukemia & Lymphoma Awareness Month, and Chiari Malformation Awareness Month.” Image 3 lists the following disabilities: “Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, Cortical Visual Impairment Awareness Month, Craniofacial Acceptance Month, Deaf Awareness Month, and Muscular Dysphoric Awareness Month." Image 4 lists the following disabilities: “National Hydrocephalus Awareness Month, National Service Dog Awareness Month, National Suicide Prevention Month, and Orthostatic Tremor Awareness Month." Image 5 lists the following disabilities: “Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, Pain Awareness Month, Sepsis Awareness Month, and Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) Awareness Month." Image 6 lists the following disabilities: “Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Awareness Month, Prostate Awareness Month, Rheumatoid Disease Awareness Month, and Sickle Cell Awareness Month." Image 7 lists the following disabilities: “Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month, Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month, World Alzheimer's Month, World Lung Cancer Day - September 6." Image 8 lists the following disabilities days: “Color Blindness Awareness Day - September 6, World Suicide Prevention Day - September 10, Celiac Disease Awareness Day - September 13, and World Sepsis Day - September 13." Image 9 lists the following disability days: “World Lymphoma Awareness Day - September 15, Disability Awareness Day - September 16, Usher Syndrome Awareness Day - September 16, and National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day - September 18." Image 10 lists the following disability days: “World Alzheimer's Day - September 21, International Ataxia Awareness Day - September 25, World Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) Day - September 22, International Day of Sign Languages - September 23 and International Ataxia Awareness Day." Image 11 lists the following disability awareness days, “Mesothelioma Awareness Day - September 26, World Deaf Day - September 29 and World Heart Day - September 29."

  • View organization page for Disability Lead, graphic
    Disability Lead

    6,586 followers

    🌟 Celebrating Keidra Chaney’s Remarkable Achievements! 🌟 We’re thrilled to announce that Disability Lead Member Keidra Chaney, CPACC, has been promoted to Program Director at Disability Culture Lab, just two months after joining as a Sr. Advisor! And there’s more to celebrate! Three months ago, Keidra began her Emerge Program Fellowship in Disability Studies at the Paul K. Longmore Institute on Disability at San Francisco State University. "It's been a busy summer! I'm thrilled to join Disability Culture Lab, which is on a mission to shift the narrative on disability from fear and pity to solidarity and liberation. I'm also excited to move forward with the project I launched during my fellowship with Longmore Institute, a digital archive of Black women's disability activism. It's a privilege to devote my time and focus to disability inclusion and justice." - Keidra Chaney. As you can see, Keidra is making a powerful impact, helping to drive change and reshaping how disability is understood and addressed. We’re incredibly proud of her achievements and the difference she’s making in the disability community. Join us in congratulating Keidra on her remarkable achievements!! #Disability #MemberAchievements #Leadership #Promotion

    • On the left side of the graphic is a picture of Keidra Chaney. Keidra is a Black woman with her body positioned to the side. She has her curly black hair in a bun and wears a black and white top with silver hoops. To the right is a purple box with white text that says, "Congrats, Keidra Chaney!" Underneath this reads, "Congratulations on your promotion and new role as Program Director at Disability Culture Lab." Three small white arrows sit under the text, followed by the Disability Lead logo.
  • View organization page for Disability Lead, graphic
    Disability Lead

    6,586 followers

    Almost two months later, and we’re still basking in the glow of our annual member celebration event! Our Executive Director, Emily Blum, beautifully captures the essence of the occasion in our latest blog post. She reflects, "Our celebration was more than just a gathering; it was a testament to the strength, resilience, and vibrant spirit of our members. Disability Pride Month gave us a moment to honor and uplift the voices that are often overlooked." Check out Emily's full reflections and relive the highlights here: https://lnkd.in/g8nEUmv6 #DisabilityPride #Community #WeAreDisLead #Disability #Blog

    • An orange background with a framed picture in the middle. Above the picture in white text reads, "Celebrating Our Members During Disability Pride Month." Below the photo is the Disability Lead logo in white. In the center of the photo is Executive Director, Emily Blum, speaking into a microphone and wearing a navy dress. An ASL interpreter is sitting to her left, wearing a purple top and black pants. To her right sits Risa Rifkind in a black and white jumpsuit and a white sweater.
  • View organization page for Disability Lead, graphic
    Disability Lead

    6,586 followers

    Are you ready to lead with impact and build a future where leaders with disabilities shine? Apply now for our year-long program in Chicago! Here are a few reasons why you should apply! ✨Grow Your Leadership Skills: Explore disability identity, enhance civic engagement, and understand yourself and others through immersive experiences with disability leaders. ✨Build a Strong Network: Connect with emerging and established leaders with disabilities and join a supportive community and cohort. ✨Mentorship & Growth: Partner with a mentor to create a personalized leadership plan for future success. Apply today at disabilitylead.org/apply and embark on your next transformative journey! #Leadership #Disability #Institute #Chicago #Fellowship

    • The sentence “It’s Your Turn to LEAD” is in between a purple and orange triangle. On the bottom left is the application website and the Disability Lead logo is in the bottom right. The background of the image is white with light gray lines. Below “Disability Lead,” sits the sentence, “2025 Institute Applications Open!”.Below “Disability Lead,” sits the sentence, “The 2025 Institute Application Is Open!”.
  • View organization page for Disability Lead, graphic
    Disability Lead

    6,586 followers

    🌟Are you ready to drive change and lead with impact? 🌟 Applications for the 2025 Institute are now OPEN! If you’re eager to make a difference and influence the future, this is your opportunity. Apply today at disabilitylead.org/apply and join a dynamic community committed to empowering disabled leaders! Spread the word and share this post! 📢 #Disabilty #ProfessionalDevelopment #Chicago #Leadership #PowerInfluenceChange #DisabledLeaders (alt text is within the graphic!)

    • At the top left, the word Disability is bolded and written in purple with a “plus sign” between the “i” and “y” in Disability. Lead is bolded and written in orange. Below “Disability Lead” sits the sentence “Become a leader in the 2025 Institute”. Below this sits the words “Early Bird Deadline (guarantees an interview): September 20” followed by “Regular Deadline: October 4th”. Below is the application website: A picture of five disabled leaders against a white background at the bottom.
  • View organization page for Disability Lead, graphic
    Disability Lead

    6,586 followers

    Disability Lead’s 2025 Emerging Leaders Fellowship is now OPEN! This is the ONLY leadership program dedicated exclusively to leaders with disabilities and that offers unique connections for civic engagement and leadership. If you're a passionate emerging leader in the Chicagoland area, apply now to join a groundbreaking class of up to 20 Fellows set to redefine disability representation in Chicago. Apply by the Early Bird Deadline of September 20, 2024, to guarantee your interview. Final Deadline: October 4, 2024. Apply today at disabilitylead.org/apply #WeAreDisLead #LeadershipWithImpact #Fellowship #Leadership #Disability #ProfessionalDevelopment Image Description: Three photos of disabled leaders in the background with a white, rectangular banner in the center with text. Bolded, capitalized, and purple at the top are the words “THE INSTITUTE”. Below “THE INSTITUTE” is the text “A Leadership Program by Disability Lead. Now Accepting 2025 applications! disabilitylead.org/apply."

    • Three photos of disabled leaders in the background with a white, rectangular banner in the center with text. Bolded, capitalized, and purple at the top are the words “THE INSTITUTE”. Below “THE INSTITUTE” is the text “A Leadership Program by Disability Lead. Now Accepting 2025 applications! disabilitylead.org/apply."
  • View organization page for Disability Lead, graphic
    Disability Lead

    6,586 followers

    Member Highlight: Linda Mastandrea, PLY We’re thrilled to highlight the outstanding achievements of Disability Lead member Linda Mastandrea, particularly her recent appointment as Manager of Accessibility for the FIFA World Cup 2026! When we asked Linda about her new role and what excites her about this journey, she shared, “I’m excited to lend my expertise to FIFA World Cup 2026 to help make sure that fans with disabilities and their families and friends from around the world can have an accessible, integrated, and fantastic experience during the tournament.” And there’s even more to celebrate! Linda has also been appointed to two prestigious boards: 1. The Board of Trustees of United Cerebral Palsy 2. The Advocacy Committee of the National Recreation and Parks Association These appointments reflect her unwavering dedication to advancing disability inclusion and ensuring that voices are heard and needs are met across various platforms. Her commitment and expertise are making a tangible difference, and we are incredibly proud to have you as a leading voice in the community! #DisabilityLead #Accessibility #FIFAWorldCup2026 #Leadership #Advocacy #WeAreDisLead #Disability #Achievements

    • On the left side of the graphic is a picture of Linda Mastandrea. Linda is a white woman with shoulder-length brown hair, a black top, and a silver necklace with a simple black stone. To the right is a purple box with white text that says, "Congrats, Linda Mastandrea." Underneath this text reads, "Congratulations on your newly appointed role as Manager of Accessibility for the FIFA World Cup 2026." At the bottom are three white arrows and the Disability Lead logo.
  • View organization page for Disability Lead, graphic
    Disability Lead

    6,586 followers

    Disability Lead's 2025 Institute application is now open! This unique fellowship is designed for passionate emerging leaders with disabilities who live and/or work in the Chicagoland area and want to further develop their leadership skills. Don’t miss the chance to join the only leadership program in the nation specifically for leaders with disabilities. Together, let’s build a future where every leader can drive meaningful change! Early Bird Deadline: September 20, 2024 (Guaranteed interview) Final Deadline: October 4, 2024 Apply today at disabilitylead.org/apply. #Disability #Chicago #Leadership #Fellowship #WeAreDisLead

    • In the center of a white background reads, “APPLY to our One-of-a-Kind Fellowship for Emerging Leaders with Disabilities. The word “APPLY” is bolded and in purple, orange, and light purple. “One-of-a-Kind Fellowship” is in orange, while the rest of the sentence is in purple. At the bottom is a bar that's half purple and half orange. The purple reads “The 2024 Institute Application Is Open!” The orange reads, "www.disabilitylead.org/apply" Centered at the bottom is the Disability Lead logo.
  • View organization page for Disability Lead, graphic
    Disability Lead

    6,586 followers

    🌟Member Highlights: Kruti Shah and Richa Singhal🌟 We’re thrilled to highlight Kruti Shah and Richa Singhal's new YouTube mini-series, "Breaking Barriers with RK" – a powerful initiative that dives deep into disability and identity. This series is a safe space to discuss and celebrate disability, featuring personal stories and insightful conversations. Kruti will share her journey with hearing loss, while Richa will open up about her experience with perinatal depression. Together, they’ll explore navigating stigma, facing challenges, and embracing disability as part of their identities. Watch the first episode here: https://lnkd.in/g33a9Hjm Subscribe to their channel for updates: https://lnkd.in/gSBe767F #BreakingBarriersWithRK #DisabilityLead #Inclusion #DisabilityAwareness #DisabledLeaders #Disability #Chicago

    • A pink-purple background with 2 photos in the middle. To the left is Kruti Shah, and to the right is Richa Singhal. Both are Asian American women. Kruti has long dark brown hair and smiles in front of a grey background. Richa has long brown hair with gray streaks and smiles in front of a white background. Underneath their photos reads, "Member News: Kruti Shah & Richa Singhal" At the bottom is the Disability Lead "Power.Influence. Change." logo.

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