Addressing critical gaps in disability employment, Disability Belongs™ partners with businesses, workforce agencies, and nonprofits to drive meaningful progress in workplace inclusion. We deliver expert support and guidance on best practices for hiring, providing accommodations, and retaining a diverse workforce that includes people with disabilities.
National Leadership Program
Our National Leadership Program enables diverse and talented young leaders to gain critical skills, contacts, and experiences necessary for successful careers. The National Leadership Program trains leaders who are committed to disability issues and plan to go into careers in public policy, advocacy, communications, diversity, equity and inclusion, fundraising, nonprofit management, or faith-based inclusion. The program enables participants to gain skills and contacts while making a positive difference for people with disabilities.
Entertainment Lab
Our Entertainment Lab aims to help develop and elevate the talent pipeline of professionals with disabilities working behind-the-scenes in television and film, while introducing them to studio executives and other decision makers who will advise Lab Fellows on various aspects of the industry and their craft, and in turn, enabling studios and production companies to learn about the talents and benefits of hiring people with disabilities.
Inclusive Philanthropy and Nonprofits
Our Inclusive Philanthropy and Nonprofit Initiative enables the nonprofit sector to learn how to ensure their work is accessible and equitable for all. Disability Belongs™ is philanthropy’s partner to enable funders to have the maximum impact they desire, whether that is in education, training, employment, criminal justice, health, the arts access or other key issues.
Annual Disability Impact Awards
The Annual Ben Spangenberg and Justin Chappell Memorial Award honors a former or current Fellow of the National Leadership Program who demonstrates a strong commitment to the advancement of the disability community in policy, entertainment, or philanthropy. The Annual Steve Bartlett Award recognizes and honors an individual in the private or public sector who demonstrates a strong commitment to using the political system to advance public policy in support of people with disabilities. The award recognizes local, state, and national leaders who advocate policies that help to advance opportunities for people with disabilities in different areas including economic growth, educational excellence and achievement, sustainability, workforce and employment, and equity.
