Learn why disability inclusion matters, how to prioritize it in your organization, and best practices for recruiting and retaining employees with disabilities.

About the Webinar

You’re probably familiar with the benefits of having an inclusive culture. But, did you know that in the U.S., the unemployment rate of persons with a disability is 7.6%, over twice that of persons without a disability? To leverage the benefits of inclusion, such as increased productivity, employee retention, and profitability, it’s important to make sure your organization is inclusive of everyone, including professionals with disabilities. 

We are excited to partner with AbilityLinks this National Disability Employment Awareness Month to host a webinar exploring:

• Why disability inclusion matters
• Why your organization should prioritize disability inclusion
• How to recruit and retain talent with disabilities
• And how to look beyond your internal culture to prioritize disability inclusion in your relationships with clients, partners, and the community

Meet the Panel

Brentley Wright, CDE

DEI Advisor, The Diversity Movement

Brentley is the DEI Advisor at The Diversity Movement. He is a certified DEI business practitioner working to achieve workplace excellence in multicultural business arenas and is responsible for leading DEI Navigator, a monthly membership service designed exclusively for small- to medium-sized businesses committed to DEI action and results. Brentley serves on the Accelerating Men mentorship Board of Directors as chair, DEI, and economic advisor. In this role, he is responsible for shaping the organization’s direction through DEI best practices and teaching young men ages 10-18 financial literacy.

Kate Beck

Client Success Manager, AbilityLinks

Kate is the Client Success Manager at AbilityLinks, a nationwide 501(c)3 nonprofit organization working to increase employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities and Veterans. Kate oversees partnership expansion and resources development. Her team helps thousands of job seekers and employers connect yearly. They have done this by partnering with companies who are actively seeking to create a more inclusive workforce by hiring people with disabilities and Veterans. AbilityLinks has created a job board where job seekers can find meaningful employment opportunities with companies who are able to provide the resources, accommodations, and environment so that everyone can thrive!

Luanne Welch

President & CEO, Easterseals UCP

Luanne is President and CEO of Easterseals UCP North Carolina & Virginia, an industry leader supporting people living with disabilities, mental health & substance use challenges. With more than 35 years of non-profit experience, Luanne is a thought leader, change agent, and powerful voice within the national health and human services industry.

Devoted to positive change, Luanne actively engages an employee Council around inclusion, diversity, equity, authenticity, and learning. This rewarding and humbling journey has deepened her understanding, strengthened her leadership style, and provided meaningful insight for business decisions. A graduate of NC State University, Luanne serves as Board Secretary of i2i Center for Integrative Health, Vice Chair of UCP Regional Affiliate Council, Advisory Board Member for Becoming RentABLE, and Advisory Board Member at Open Minds. Recent awards include Triangle Business Journal 2019 Women in Business and Triangle Business Journal 2022 Leaders in Diversity.

John D. Kemp

President & CEO, Lakeshore Foundation

John is President & CEO of Lakeshore Foundation, an internationally recognized organization providing opportunities for individuals with physical disabilities to lead healthy, active lives through physical activity, sports, research, and advocacy. John is a widely respected leader for his many achievements in the corporate and nonprofit world, as well as his leadership in the disability movement. John, a person with a disability, co-founded the American Association of People with Disabilities. In addition, he chairs Delta Air Lines’ Advisory Board on Disability and serves on numerous boards.

A renowned global speaker, John inspires others to achieve greatness through knowledge, experience, vision, and persistence. Among his many honors, two of the most meaningful to John are the Henry B. Betts Award, regarded as America’s highest honor for disability leadership and service, and the Dole Leadership Prize.

Stephanie Salentine, OTR/L, MOL

Manager of Rehabilitation Services, Northwestern Medicine

Stephanie is Manager of Rehabilitation Services at Northwestern Medicine (NM) Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital in Wheaton, IL. She leads several specialty programs including driver rehabilitation, wheelchair seating and positioning, the NM Aphasia Center, the accessible fitness center, and the advanced technology and robotics departments. She is an Occupational Therapist with 18 years of experience partnering with individuals with disabilities to facilitate independence and promote inclusivity. Stephanie has worked in several capacities within disability advocacy being the chair of the NM Champion Network Disability Chapter, a board member for Progress Center for Independent Living, and considers herself a strong ally for PWDs. Stephanie considers the lived experience of PWD to be one of the most powerful tools in creating a truly inclusive culture and believes in the social model of disability positing that disability is caused by environmental and perceptual barriers, not something that is inherent in an individual.