Disability Matters 2023 – North America
WELCOME
The 12th Annual Disability BRG
Summit
When: Tuesday, April 25, 2023
Where: Charleston, South Carolina
Location: Hyatt House Charleston Historic District
THE BRG SUMMIT WILL BE IN-PERSON AND WILL NOT BE LIVE-STREAMED OR VIDEO-RECORDED FOR PLAYBACK.
Do you bring your “whole self” to work? Many people with disabilities don’t, especially those with invisible disabilities. Covid has exacerbated this with the increase of invisible mental health related issues such as anxiety and depression.
Disability BRGs can help with that, but they can also assist with a host of other aspects related to disability inclusion. Disability BRGs have the power to exert influence when it comes to Learning & Development, Etiquette, Self -ID & Disclosure, Reasonable Accommodation Processes, Employment, Physical & Digital Accessibility, Branding, Product Development, and so much more.
The key to success is multifold and includes:
- An understanding who the BRG serves whether employees with disabilities, who are service-disabled, have age-related disabilities or who have children or other dependents with special needs.
- Alignment with business goals and objectives.
- A fully integrated Executive Sponsor.
- Avoidance of a support group mentality.
- An understanding of what the group can do directly versus influence.
- Agreement about roles and responsibilities and integration with someone’s full-time job.
- Understanding of legislative issues and practices.
- Appropriate measures of success.
- Understanding of the facts and related benefits of intersectionality.
Active participation by employees who have disabilities, who are impacted by disability in some other way, leaders, executives, and allies sends a clear message of company commitment to disability diversity, equity and inclusion.
Springboard’s annual Disability BRG Leadership Development Summit is open to disability BRG Leaders and their Executive Sponsors. Whether you are about to launch a disability BRG or have been leading one for many years, this Summit will encourage the development of new ideas and innovative practices that will successfully impact their groups effectiveness and sustainability.
WELCOME
The 17th Annual Disability Matters
North America Conference & Awards
When: Wednesday & Thursday, April 26-27, 2023
Where: Charleston, South Carolina
Location: Hyatt House Charleston Historic District
THE DISABILITY MATTERS CONFERENCE & AWARDS WILL BE IN-PERSON, LIVE-STREAMED, AND VIDEO-RECORDED FOR PLAYBACK.
Sponsorship Opportunities available for both events. Or, if you have questions, please contact [email protected]
DISABILITY MATTERS SINGLE-TICKETS: $1,199 per person
(2-day Conference & Awards)
BRG SUMMIT TICKETS: $495
(1-day Summit)
Please note – General or Sponsor Admission, regardless of registration, in order to gain entry to the event, you must be a corporate disability BRG leader.
COMBO-TICKETS: $1,499 per person
(1-day BRG Summit, and 2-day Disability Matters Conference & Awards)
CART Captioning will be provided at both events.
HOST SPONSOR
WELCOME RECEPTION SPONSOR
RUBY SPONSORS
GOLD SPONSORS
BRANDED BAG SPONSORS
COLLATERAL SPONSORS
SILVER SPONSORS
BRONZE SPONSORS
MEDIA SPONSORS
PROGRAM DETAILS
Event Attire
Resort wear is acceptable for all parts of the event.
- BRG Summit
- Welcome Reception
- Conference Attire
Event Menu
Should you require any Dietary Accommodations, please be sure to make note in the Dietary Accommodations area of the Registration Process.
HELP
If you have any questions regarding this conference, please contact: Ivette Lopez at [email protected]
HOTEL + RESERVATIONS
Hyatt Place Charleston Historic District
Hyatt House Charleston Historic District
560 King St, Charleston, SC 29403
T: 1-843-414-4900
F: 1-843-414-4999
RESERVATIONS
To book via the website, directly into the Group Block:
https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/group-booking/CHSZH/G-DISA
To book via phone:
1 (888) 591-1234
Please mention the Group Code G-DISA at the Hyatt Place Charleston Historic District
Springboard has negotiated a discounted rate of $259.00 USD, plus applicable state and local tax rates at the Hyatt Place + Hyatt House Charleston – Historic District. Reservation cut-off date is Friday, March 24, 2023. Please book quickly as space is limited.
PLEASE NOTE:
- The Negotiated Room Rate is for Standard King or Queen/Queen guest rooms for single/double occupancy. Additional chargesof $10.00 per person will apply for Triple or Quad Occupancy.
- The room rate is subject to any applicable city, county, state or federal taxes that may apply at the time of room occupancy. Currently, the combined tax rate is 14%; taxes are subject to change.
- Applicable service fees, and/or Hotel-specific fees ($2.00 per room/per night taxable Destination Fee for Charleston Area Convention and Visitors Bureau) in effect at the time of the Event.
- Check-in time is 4:00 p.m. / Check-out time is 12:00 p.m.
HELP
If you have any questions regarding this conference, please contact: Ivette Lopez at [email protected]
TRANSPORTATION
Uber, Lyft and local taxi services are available.
Alternate transportation:
Carolina Limousine and Coach
1-843-294-5466
https://www.carolinalimo.com/
Julian Transportation
1-843-270-7774
https://www.julianstransportationservice.com/
DRIVING
Charleston International Airport (CHS) – 11 miles
Start by going west on International Boulevard, keep right and veer towards International Boulevard
Continue on International Boulevard, turn left onto West Montague Avenue and merge onto I-26 East
Continue to exit 221A towards US 17 S Savannah and keep left and take the King Street exit, veer around the exit circle and head towards King Street
Turn right onto King Street, and Hotel will be on left just past Spring Street
Charleston Executive Airport (JZI) – 10.7 miles
Start out going west on Fort Trenholm Road toward River Road, turn right onto River Road, then turn right onto Maybank HWY SC – 700
Turn right onto Riverland Drive and turn left onto Central Park Road
Turn right onto Folly Road SC-171, merge onto SC -30 via the ramp on the left toward Downtown, and SC -30E becomes Calhoun Street
Turn left onto King Street, go 0.5 miles and the hotel will be on the right
Parking
The closest parking garage is the City of Charleston owned and operated garage (public garage) and is located adjacent to the hotel. For large vehicle/trailer/tour bus/charter bus parking, please call the Charleston Area Convention and Visitors Bureau for parking permit and availability at (843) 973-7290. Parking charges are subject to change.
Valet Parking including in/out privileges
$32 /Daily
Please ensure to scroll down to see both the BRG Summit Agenda and the Disability Matters Conference Agenda.
Be sure to click on highlighted titles to hear directly from the presenter(s) about the session.
Make sure to check back periodically as we continue to make updates.
AGENDA (FINAL: April 3, 2023)
THE DISABILITY BRG LEADERSHIP SUMMIT
TIME ZONE: EASTERN
TUESDAY, APRIL 25, 2023
TOPIC: TBD
| Time | Topic | Location |
| 7:00 am – 12:00 pm | Registration | Grand Magnolia Pre-Function |
| 7:00 am – 10:00 am | Breakfast | Lobby |
| 9:00 am – 9:15 am | Welcome and Opening Remarks Nadine Vogel | Carolina |
| 9:15 am – 9:45 am | Group Introductions | Carolina |
| 9:45 am – 10:45 am | Interactive Session The Re-skilling of BRG Leaders Pam McElvane | Carolina |
| 10:45 am – 11:00 am | Break | Carolina |
| 11:00 am – 12:00 pm | “We’re Better Together,” or Apart? Nadine Vogel
| Carolina |
| 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm | Lunch | Carolina |
| 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm | The Importance of a Relationship: The Disability BRG + The Employee Benefits Team Nadine Vogel | Carolina |
| 2:00 pm – 2:30 pm | Universal Design and the Disability BRG Nadine Vogel | Carolina |
| 2:30 pm – 2:45 pm | BREAK | Carolina |
| 2:45 pm – 3:45 pm | Disability BRG’s: What works, what doesn’t, and where do we go from here? Nadine Vogel | Carolina |
| 3:45 pm – 4:00 pm | Closing Remarks & Farewell Nadine Vogel | Carolina |
AGENDA (FINAL)
DISABILITY MATTERS NA 2023
TIME ZONE: EASTERN
TUESDAY, APRIL 25, 2023
| Time | Topic | Location |
| 6:30 pm – 8:30pm | Check-in with Springboard Team | Grand Magnolia Pre-Function |
| 6:30 pm – 8:30pm | WELCOME RECEPTION SPONSORED BY: FROEDTERT HEALTH
| Grand Magnolia Pre-Function |
| 6:45 pm – 7:00 pm |
Welcome Nadine Vogel Video from: Andres Gonzalez | Grand Magnolia Pre-Function |
| 6:30 pm – 8:30pm | Entertainment by: Musicians: Tomas Jakubek, Professional violinist, and Emily’s teacher. Emily Oldham, Violin Laura Diaz, Violin Maria Savelyeva, Cello | Grand Magnolia Pre-Function |
TIME ZONE: EASTERN
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 26, 2023
| Time | Topic | Location |
| 7:00 am – 12:00 pm | Registration | Grand Magnolia Pre-Function |
| 7:00 am – 10:00 am | Breakfast | Lobby |
| 8:45 am – 9:00 am | Opening Procession Presentation of Colors by the Lucy Beckham High School Color Guard Followed by: Music by the Charleston Pipe Band | Grand Magnolia Ballroom |
| 9:00 am – 9:15 am | Welcome Nadine Vogel | Grand Magnolia Ballroom |
| 9:15 am – 9:30 am | Award Presentation Accepting the Award… Marketplace Award GUARDIAN Stephanie Kacoyanis
Workplace | Steps-to-Success Award UNUM GROUP Valoria V. Armstrong | Grand Magnolia Ballroom |
| 9:30 am – 10:15 am | Neurodiversity + Burnout Moderator Jan Coplan Panelist(s) Marlee Bickford-Bushey Mark DiPietro Andrew Garcia Anthony Pacilio | Grand Magnolia Ballroom |
| 10:15 am – 10:30 am | BREAK | Grand Magnolia Pre-Function |
| 10:30 am – 11:15 am | Managing Accommodations and Flexibility in a Rapidly Changing Workplace: The Intersection Between Compliance and Inclusion Moderator Matthew J. Camardella, Esq. Panelist(s) Kate Barry J. Mark Sampson Description: While the laws governing leave and accommodation have been in place for decades, unforeseen and rapidly changing forces have created new challenges for employers. Recognizing that the workforce has changed significantly in recent years, this panel discussion will address:
| Grand Magnolia Ballroom |
| 11:15 am – 11:30 am | Award Presentation Accepting the Award… Workplace Award BANK OF AMERICA Andrew McCartney
Workforce Award WELLS FARGO Andrew Holbrook | Grand Magnolia Ballroom |
| 11:30 am – 12:15 pm | Keynote Presentation MICHAEL KUTCHER | Grand Magnolia Ballroom |
| 12:15 pm – 1:15 pm | LUNCH | Grand Magnolia Ballroom Pre-Function |
| 1:15 pm – 1:45 pm | Farming Reimagined: How does your garden grow? Moderator Elizabeth Ladu Panelist(s) Caroline Croft-Estay Kara Rutter Tron O. Severe | Grand Magnolia Ballroom |
| 1:45 pm – 2:30 pm | Universal Design for Commercial + Consumer Interiors Moderator Tim Barkley Panelist(s) Adellina Cini Nadine Vogel | Grand Magnolia Ballroom |
| 2:30 pm – 3:30 pm | Embarking on the Journey to Excellence Moderator Susan Hamilton Panelist(s) Desi Okeke Lisa Morganstern Bickel Kerianne Krause John Mulvey | Grand Magnolia Ballroom |
| 3:30 pm – 4:00 pm | Healthcare + Hiring Dr. Michael Moxley Bridget G. Hurd | Grand Magnolia Ballroom |
| 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm | Tasting in the Dark: A Truly Eye-Opening Experience Dr. Hoby Wedler Description: Dr. Hoby Wedler of Wedland Group has been completely blind since birth. Join us as Hoby tours us through a variety of olive oils and vinegars and discusses the art of producing olive oil and vinegar. This experience has a twist; we will for once not be distracted by our eyesight. Guests will be blindfolded for this educational and entertaining session. Come empower your other senses when your mind isn’t distracted by eyesight! Eyesight is powerful and should be used but not so much that it detracts from your other equally incredible senses. | Grand Magnolia Ballroom |
| 5:00 pm – 5:15 pm | The Greatest Collaboration Tim Nash | Grand Magnolia Ballroom |
| 5:15 pm – 5:30 pm | Wrap-Up Day-1 Nadine Vogel | Grand Magnolia Ballroom |
TIME ZONE: EASTERN
THURSDAY, APRIL 27, 2023
| Time | Topic | Location |
| 7:00 am – 12:00 pm | Registration | Grand Magnolia Ballroom Pre-Function |
| 7:00 am – 10:00 am | Breakfast | Lobby |
| 9:00 am – 9:15 am | Welcoming Remarks Nadine O. Vogel | Grand Magnolia Ballroom |
| 9:15 am – 9:30 am | Award Presentation Accepting the Award… Everyday Hero Award HEALING FARMS INC Tron O. Severe
Everyday Hero Award PROJECT VICTORY GARDENS Kara Rutter
Workforce Award VERTICAL HARVEST Caroline Croft-Estay | Grand Magnolia Ballroom |
| 9:30 am – 10:00 am | Disability Index Pam McElvane | Grand Magnolia Ballroom |
| 10:00 am – 10:30 am | Disability, Equity, Inclusion + A Nadine Vogel | Grand Magnolia Ballroom |
| 10:30 am – 10:45 am | BREAK | Grand Magnolia Ballroom Pre-Function |
| 10:45 am – 11:45 am | Successes, Best Practices and Lessons Learned: Government Perspectives on Advancing Employment Opportunities for Individuals with Disabilities Moderator Kimberly Zeich Panelist(s) Bradley Crain Description: This interagency panel of experts will discuss roles and responsibilities of their respective government agencies and how they can work together to facilitate and improve employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Each agency can help employers to better understand and successfully navigate the disability employment ecosystem. | Grand Magnolia Ballroom |
| 11:45 am – 12:30 pm
| Keynote Presentation JOE RHEA | Grand Magnolia Ballroom |
| 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm | LUNCH | Grand Magnolia Ballroom Pre-Function |
| 1:30 pm – 1:45 pm | Award Presentation Accepting the Award… Workforce Award BLUE CROSS BLUE SHEILD OF MICHIGAN Bridget G. Hurd
Marketplace Award INFINITE LIVING COLLABORATION Adellina Cini
| Grand Magnolia Ballroom |
| 1:45 pm – 2:15 pm | Insurance companies impacting their marketplace and their workplace Moderator Pam McElvane Panelist(s) Valoria V. Armstrong Stephanie Kacoyanis | Grand Magnolia Ballroom |
| 2:15 pm – 2:45 pm | Investing in People Moderator Jennifer Frasier Panelist(s) Andrew Holbrook Andrew McCartney | Grand Magnolia Ballroom |
| 2:45 pm – 3:00 pm | BREAK | Grand Magnolia Ballroom |
| 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm | Transition: College to Work Panelist(s) Victoria Drohan Alex Jackson Marlayah Legare Katie Puza | Grand Magnolia Ballroom |
| 4:00 pm – 4:30 pm | Implicit Bias + Disability Nadine Vogel | Grand Magnolia Ballroom |
| 4:30 pm – 4:45 pm | Award Presentation Accepting the Award… Small Business Award BEYOND DISTILLING COMPANY Kerianne Krause
Workforce | Steps-to-Success Award HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC. Lisa Morganstern Bickel Chief L&E Counsel, Honeywell Aerospace
Workplace Award UNILEVER NORTH AMERICA Desi Okeke | Grand Magnolia Ballroom |
| 4:45 pm – 5:00 pm | Farewell Nadine Vogel
| Grand Magnolia Ballroom |
DAY 1
MICHAEL KUTCHER
Keynote Speaker + Life Thinker
From the moment of birth, Michael Kutcher has overcome challenges and conquered obstacles that most people never even catch a glimpse of. Born on February 7th, 1978 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa as the unexpected twin brother of actor Christopher “Ashton” Kutcher, Michael met his first of many challenges at delivery. Entering the world notably smaller than his twin at less than five pounds, Michael was hardly responsive and struggled to take his first breath.
Thanks to both outstanding medical care and his indomitable instinct to survive, Michael pulled through his first days and weeks, although not without lasting adverse effects. By age three, Michael was battling significant developmental delays, caused by irreversible neurological pathologies. He was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy before he entered Kindergarten.
Throughout his childhood, Michael’s innate desire to thrive helped him overcome issues with eyesight, speech, and motor skill development. Michael grew up in a loving and supportive family that taught him the value of the health he did have and to make the best of his circumstances. Unfortunately, Michael’s uphill battle was only getting started.
Diagnosed with heart failure at age 13, Michael was once again faced with an unthinkable challenge of survival. After being given a life expectancy of just three to four weeks, Michael again defeated the odds and successfully received a life saving heart transplant.
It was this second close brush with death that opened Michael’s eyes to the fragility of life and inspired him to take control of the future he once thought he wouldn’t have. Michael graduated from Clear Creek Amana High School in 1996 and later continued his education earning his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management and Finance from Mount Mercy University.
His medical triumphs and perspective on Cerebral Palsy have led him to work directly with Reaching for the Stars, A Foundation of Hope for Children with Cerebral Palsy as an advocate and public speaker. His determination and passion have even brought him as far as Capitol Hill in Washington D.C., where Michael has worked to raise awareness for local and national fund raising initiatives. Michael has also brought his profound story and message to the Center for Disease Control as well as the National Institute of Health.
When he’s not advocating for Cerebral Palsy awareness or inspiring audiences around the nation, Michael resides in Denver, Colorado, where he’s built a successful career as an Assistant Vice President for Transamerica Retirement Solutions. In his free time, Michael enjoys spending time with his family, traveling and playing golf.
Michael’s message is one of inspiration, hope and appreciation. Having overcome unthinkable challenges against extraordinary odds, Michael is living proof that perseverance and unwavering positivity can surmount even the most seemingly impossible of obstacles.
DAY 2
JOE RHEA
Speaker | Motivator | Activist | Inspiration
There are moments in all of our lives that we can look back upon and say that was a defining moment in our life. It is without hesitation that Joe Rhea can look back and know when his life was forever altered. At the age of 14 on September 11, 1984, Joe sustained a broken neck on the football field and was paralyzed from the neck down. The doctors said he would never walk again.
Can you imagine what this moment would feel like? What would go through your mind? There are only two types of people in this world, ones who fight, and ones who don’t.
Joe chose to fight!
Joe’s inspirational story began days later when he began getting some feeling back in his left leg. That’s when the doctors and physical therapists gave him a choice: work harder than you can imagine and endure more pain than you have ever thought possible or to spend the rest of your life in a wheelchair.
So Joe worked hard and felt pain. And now, not only is he not in a wheelchair, he walks, runs, plays golf and skis.
Joe has shared his story with thousands of people around the world. He has helped others with devastating injuries lead a full life, and he will inspire your audience with insights into how to stay positive no matter what the circumstances.
THE HONOREES ARE …
CATERGORIES
MARKETPLACE
WORKFORCE
WORKPLACE
STEPS – TO – SUCCESS
Workforce
Workplace
SMALL BUSINESS
EVERYDAY HERO
PRESS RELEASES
PHOTOGRAPHS
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 26, 2023 VIDEO-RECORDING(S)
| Welcome & Opening Remarks | Awards Presentation | Neurodiversity + Burnout |
| Managing Accommodations and Flexibility in a Rapidly Changing Workplace | Awards Presentation | Keynote Presentation: Michael Kutcher |
| Farming Reimagined | Universal Design for Commercial + Consumer Interiors | Embarking on the Journey to Excellence |
| Healthcare + Hiring | Tasting in the Dark | The Greatest Collaboration |
THURSDAY, APRIL, 27, 2023 RECORDING(S)
| Welcome & Opening Remarks | Awards Presentation | Disability Index |
| Disability, Equity, Inclusion + A | Successes, Best Practices and Lessons Learned: Gov’t Perspectives… | Keynote Presentation: Joe Rhea |
| Awards Presentation | Insurance Companies Impacting their Marketplace and their Workplace | Investing in People |
| Transition: College to Work | Implicit Bias + Disability | Awards Presentation |
| Closing Remarks | ||
REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED.
Please complete the registration form below, then click “Submit” to continue to the PayPal payment page to complete the ticket purchase and registration process. If payment is not made, the registration process is not finalized.
If you have any questions, please contact Ivette Lopez; E: [email protected]; T: +1-973-813-7260 x.102.
Contact us
Continue to check back with us as we update our sponsors daily! If interested in becoming a Sponsor or participating in the event, there is still time! To become a sponsor, please contact Ivette Lopez; E: [email protected]; T: 1-973-813-7260 x.102.
To purchase a ticket, click the Tickets and Registration Tab at the top.