The US Business Leadership Network® (USBLN®) is the national disability organization that serves as the collective voice of over 60 Business Leadership Network affiliates across North America, representing over 5,000 employers. The USBLN® helps build workplaces, marketplaces, and supply chains where people with disabilities are respected for their talents, while supporting the development and expansion of its BLN affiliates. The USBLN® recognizes and supports best practices in the employment and advancement of people with disabilities; the preparedness for work of youth and students with disabilities; marketing to consumers with disabilities; and contracting with vendors with disabilities through the development and certification of disability-owned businesses.
Employer Assistance & Resource Network (EARN)
The USBLN® is a partner in a cooperative agreement awarded to Cornell
University's Employment and Disability Institute, School of Industrial and
Labor Relations to establish a National Technical Assistance Center for employers
on employment of people with disabilities. Funded by the U.S. Department
of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP), the purpose of
the Center is to conduct innovative research, assist ODEP in developing
demand-side policy, and share best practices with employers on the recruitment,
hiring, retention and advancement of people with disabilities. To link with
the National Technical Assistance Center, go to
http://www.earnworks.com.
Monthly EARNWorks Employer Newsletters:
http://www.earnworks.com/news/newsletters.asp
USBLN® News
Click here for 2009 News Archives
Nomination Process Now Open for 2010 USBLN® Annual Leadership Awards
WASHINGTON, DC (July 26, 2010) - The US Business Leadership Network (USBLN®) is pleased to announce the opening of the nomination process for their 2010 USBLN® Annual Leadership Awards. The purpose of the 2010 USBLN® Annual Leadership Awards is to further the USBLN® mission of identifying leading disability workplace, market place and supply chain practices in use today. These awards provide the metrics by which our Volunteers, Partners, Employers and BLNs are recognized for their demonstration of outstanding commitment to promoting disability diversity across the enterprise. Award recipients clearly embody the highest ethical standards and values in our community. (DOC | PDF)
NGLCC and USBLN® Sign Historic Memo of Understanding
WASHINGTON, DC (July 19, 2010) – With the approaching July 26th, 2010, 20 year Anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act as the backdrop, the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce® (NGLCC), the national certifying organization for LGBT-owned businesses, and the US Business Leadership Network® (USBLN), the national certifying body for disability-owned businesses, are proud to announce a collaborative partnership designed to advance business opportunities for LGBT business owners, as well as, business owners with disabilities. (DOC | PDF)
USBLN® 2010 Annual Conference & Expo: Last Chance for Discounted Early-bird Rate
WASHINGTON, DC (July 14, 2010) – The US Business Leadership Network (USBLN®) will host its 13th Annual Conference & Expo on September 19-22, 2010 at the Westin Michigan Avenue Hotel located in Chicago, Illinois. Attendees are encouraged to register today and take advantage of their early-bird rate of $325.00 through July 15, registration increases to $395.00 thereafter. (DOC | PDF)
Agenda Now Available for the USBLN® 2010 Annual Conference & Expo
WASHINGTON, DC (July 8, 2010) - The US Business Leadership Network (USBLN®) has posted its agenda with confirmed sessions and speakers to date for its 13th Annual Conference & Expo being held on September 19-22, 2010 at the Westin Michigan Avenue Hotel located in Chicago, Illinois. To view the agenda, please visit: www.usblnannualconference.org/agenda.html. (DOC | PDF)
US Business Leadership Network Announces Confirmed Outstanding Speakers for its 2010 Annual Conference: 15 Days Left for Discounted Early-bird Rate
WASHINGTON, DC (July 1, 2010) - The US Business Leadership Network (USBLN®) announces a dynamic line-up of speakers to date for its 2010 Annual Conference, "Aligning Disability with the Bottom Line: Talent, Market Share, and Supplier Diversity" being held on September 19-22, 2010 at the Westin Michigan Avenue Hotel located in Chicago, Illinois. The conference will offer informative and valuable general plenary and breakout sessions with the following outstanding speakers confirmed to date (line-up subject to change without notice): (DOC | PDF)
USBLN® 2010 Annual Conference & Expo: 30 Days Left for Discounted Early-bird Rate
WASHINGTON, DC (June 15, 2010) - The US Business Leadership Network (USBLN®) will host its 13th Annual Conference & Expo on September 19-22, 2010 at the Westin Michigan Avenue Hotel located in Chicago, Illinois. Conference registration is now open with an early-bird rate for the four-day conference including over 30 educational sessions, Expo, special events and many meals for $325.00. After July 15, 2010 the rate increases to $395.00. As an added incentive to the $70.00 discount off the standard conference registration, early registrants will be entered to win fabulous prizes. Single day rates and an additional discount are offered for two or more attendees from the same organization. For more information about the conference or to register, please visit www.usblnannualconference.org. (DOC | PDF)
USBLN® Disability Supplier Diversity Program Featured in Business Law Today “Obtaining Disability-Owned Business Enterprise Certification”
WASHINGTON, DC (May 25, 2010) – The US Business Leadership Network’s (USBLN®) Disability Supplier Diversity ProgramSM (DSDP) has been published in the May/June 2010 issue of Business Law Today in an article entitled, “Obtaining Disability-Owned Business Enterprise Certification – A Lawyer’s Guide to Supplier Diversity.” The article was written by John D. Kemp, USBLN® Executive Director and General Counsel and Aditi Dussault, Director of Affiliate Relations & Disability Supplier Diversity Program.
An excerpt of the article is as follows: In today’s competitive business climate, distinguishing yourself, understanding your client’s many needs, and providing outstanding service are all key to getting and keeping business. This article explains (1) the value of obtaining certification as a business owned by individuals with disabilities and (2) what advice to provide to a business considering certification. (DOC | PDF)
Maggie Roffee Joins the USBLN® as Senior Corporate Relations Manager
WASHINGTON, DC (May 19, 2010) – Today, the US Business Leadership Network (USBLN®) announced that Maggie Roffee, a recently retired, long-term senior executive from the Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) within the US Department of Labor (DOL), has joined the USBLN® as a consultant.
“I am highly honored to have Maggie Roffee join our dynamic team as our Senior Corporate Relations Manager. She will work closely on the Campaign for Disability Employment and with our existing and potential Corporate Members. Maggie is exceptionally well-respected in all disability employment circles and we are very pleased that she has chosen to work with us,” shared John D. Kemp, USBLN® Executive Director & General Counsel. (DOC | PDF)
"Fighting for Disability Rights: Supplier Certification Is a Key Step to Accountability" DiversityInc.com Article Featuring John D. Kemp
WASHINGTON, DC (May 6, 2010) - The US Business Leadership Network (USBLN®) today announced that an article published by DiversityInc.com features an interview with John D. Kemp, USBLN® Executive Director & General Counsel. The article entitled, “Fighting for Disability Rights: Supplier Certification Is a Key Step to Accountability” was written by Sam Ali on May 3, 2010. (DOC | PDF)
Disability Supplier Diversity Program (DSDP) on Disabilities At Work Radio Show
WASHINGTON, DC (April 15, 2010) - The US Business Leadership Network (USBLN®) Executive Director John D. Kemp and Affiliate Director Aditi Dussault were featured speakers on Disabilities At Work Radio on its premier show that aired on April 14, 2010 at Noon Eastern Time. John and Aditi discussed the USBLN, its mission and its programs, to a worldwide audience on the VoiceAmerica Business Channel (www.VoiceAmerica.com). (DOC | PDF)
“Aligning Disability with the Bottom Line: Talent, Market Share, and Supplier Diversity”: The USBLN® Announces its 13th Annual 2010 Annual Conference & Expo September 19-22 in Chicago, Illinois
WASHINGTON, DC (April 6, 2010) – The US Business Leadership Network (USBLN®) will host its 13th Annual Conference & Expo on September 19-22, 2010 at the Westin Michigan Avenue Hotel located in Chicago, Illinois. Entitled, “Aligning Disability with the Bottom Line: Talent, Market Share, and Supplier Diversity” it is the preeminent national employer- to-employer event that taps the incredible economic potential of people with disabilities to enhance business productivity and profitability. This conference brings corporate, government, disability-owned businesses and BLN affiliate leaders together to create workplaces, marketplaces, and supply chains where people with disabilities are fully included as professionals, customers and entrepreneurs. (DOC | PDF)
US Business Leadership Network Cited as Resource for Disabled Entrepreneurs in Bloomberg BusinessWeek
WASHINGTON, DC (April 5, 2010) - The US Business Leadership Network (USBLN®) today announced that an article published by Bloomberg BusinessWeek includes quotes about the USBLN® from both Jill Houghton, Deputy Executive Director and information on our Disability Supplier Diversity Program (DSDP) from Aditi Dussault, Program Director. (DOC | PDF)
USBLN Announces its 2010 Board of Directors; New Board includes Representatives from AT&T, Ernst & Young, Merck & Co. Inc. and Microtel Inns and Suites
WASHINGTON, DC (March 10, 2010) – Today, the US Business Leadership Network (USBLN®) announced its 2010 Board of Directors. New representation on the USBLN® Board of Directors includes Deborah Dagit, Chief Diversity Officer and Vice President of Merck & Co. Inc.’s Diversity, Work Environment & University Relations, Roy E. Flora, Group President of Microtel Inns and Suites and Baymont Inn & Suites, Lori Golden, Inclusiveness Consultant and Lead of Ernst & Young’s firm-sponsored inclusiveness initiative AccessAbilities and Susan Palmer Mazrui, Director of AT&T’s Public Policy. (DOC | PDF)
USBLN® Reports
USBLN® 2008 Annual Report
The US Business Leadership Network (USBLN®) is pleased to present its 2008 Annual Report. This is the first time in the history of the USBLN® that an annual report is being published – it is being distributed to our corporate members, BLN affiliates, sponsors and stakeholders to demonstrate our commitment to promoting diversity in the workplace and marketplace. 2008 was one of the most successful years for our organization, so it is with great humility that the USBLN® can share with you its many accomplishments, as well as our vision moving forward. View 2008 Annual Report (PDF)
Roadmaps For Enhancing Employment of Persons With Disabilities Through Accessible Technology
The USBLN® and ATIA Release Final Report on “Roadmaps to Enhancing Employment of Persons with Disabilities Through Accessible Technology
Disability News
Click here for Disability News Archives
Statement of Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division Thomas E. Perez at a Hearing on the Americans with Disabilities Act.
This statement shares the thinking of the Department of Justice (DOJ) about
the ADA and its enforcement, the Olmstead Decision, and changing attitudes
in the United States.
READ THE
STATEMENT...(DOC |
PDF)
The annual Presidential Proclamation for National Disability Employment Awareness Month was released on September 30, 2009.
Here is the link to it on the White House website. READ MORE…
Newly Revised Business Case on Disability Employment
Several months ago, Assistant Secretary Neil Romano designated an ODEP team to work with our EARN staff to update and enhance the disability business case. It was officially announced by Mr. Romano and is now live on the EARN website.
The ODEP/EARN Business Case presents a “business-to-business” dialogue addressing the value of employing people with disabilities through the use of videos and research. The six areas covered in the Business Case are: Return on Investment, Human Capital, Innovation, Marketing, Diversity, and Social Responsibility. Links to supporting data and related resources (federal, state, local, and veteran) are incorporated into the Business Case website which can be found at www.earnworks.com/businesscase.
Affiliate News
Click here for Affiliate News Archives
Join the DC Metro Business Leadership Network in Celebrating the ADA at 20: A Legal Update
This special event will commemorate the 20th Anniversary of the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act and the recently passed landmark healthcare reforms with featured speaker, ADA pioneer and noted disability and healthcare attorney, Robert "Bobby" Silverstein.
His enlightening and informative comments will focus on:
• ADA Amendments Act (ADAA)
• Health care reform from
a disability perspective.
Where:
The Marvin Center, The George Washington University - Room 403
800 21st Street, NW
Washington, DC, DC 220052
When:
July 29, 2010 at 08:00 AM -to- July 29, 2010 at 10:00 AM
To register:
https://events.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07e2y2q9wf8cecd0af&oseq=
For more information contact:
Chris Shead, Executive Director, DC Metro Business Leadership Network
ChristopherS@dcmetrobln.org
240-286-6319
www.dcmetrobln.org