Carrying on my fierce charge into the emotionally challenging work of disability advocacy, I embraced the ongoing and insatiable task of promoting disability inclusion in the workforce. Fresh from an inspiring weekend at the Rollettes Experience, I transitioned straight into another inaugural event in the realm of workforce disability inclusion. This time, I had the honor of assisting in the launch of Covington & Burling‘s Disability and Neurodiversity Firm Resource Group.
On July 16, 2024, in celebration of Disability Pride Month, Covington & Burling’s Disability and Neurodiversity Network hosted a keynote talk where I was invited to speak. My presentation, titled “The Heart of Inclusion,” addressed the power of allyship, the importance of visibility and accessibility for persons with disabilities, and actionable steps we can all take to foster inclusion in the workplace.
Delivering this keynote to Covington & Burling, a firm renowned for its disciplined and stern point of view demanded by the courts of law globally, was a significant moment. As a limited liability multinational partnership of law practitioners, Covington plays a crucial role in determining the terms of justice around the world. This responsibility added a unique weight to my presentation, as I aimed to represent the disabled community with both simplicity and the complexity it deserves.
Every time I deliver my keynotes, I feel a profound responsibility to communicate the needs and potential of the disabled community to a sector of society that holds a critical key to our overall acceptance. Speaking to Covington & Burling was no exception. The firm’s influence and reach amplify the importance of embracing disability inclusion within their ranks and beyond.
In my address, I emphasized the transformative power of allyship, urging attendees to become active supporters of their disabled colleagues. Visibility and accessibility were also central themes, as I highlighted how these elements are vital for creating an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive. I shared practical steps that individuals and organizations can implement to advance disability inclusion, from policy changes to everyday practices.
The experience of speaking to Covington & Burling was both humbling and invigorating. It reinforced my belief that every sector, especially those with significant influence like the legal profession, plays an essential role in driving societal change. I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to Covington’s commitment to disability and neurodiversity inclusion and to help celebrate Disability Pride Month with such a distinguished group of professionals.