On September 17, the Department of Commerce Office of Faith-Based & Neighborhood Partnerships (OFBNP), in collaboration with the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD), organized the department’s inaugural National Disability Leadership Summit.

The event featured keynote speeches from Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo, Deputy Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Deputy Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) Derrick Brent, and Deputy Under Secretary of Commerce for Minority Business Development Eric Morrissette. They highlighted the Biden-Harris Administration's dedication to celebrating, empowering, and connecting people with disabilities to relevant stakeholders to enhance opportunities and integrations.

Each official outlined resources and opportunities available through various bureaus and national partnerships. They acknowledged the significant contributions of leaders in the disability space to America's global competitiveness. The officials also emphasized the importance of continued engagement by faith, business, and community leaders at both state and federal levels to facilitate access to resources under the Biden-Harris Administration's agenda supporting full participation and equality for people with disabilities.

Maria Town, President, and CEO of AAPD, along with Rebecca Cokley, Program Officer at the Ford Foundation, also delivered keynote addresses focusing on current challenges and opportunities.

A Fireside Chat included discussions among Deputy Under Secretary Derrick Brent, Acting Under Secretary Eric Morrissette, and State Department Special Advisor on International Disability Rights (SAIDR) Sara Minkara. They shared their experiences in Federal employment and discussed innovation intersections involving people with disabilities as well as accessibility norms.

The Disability Rights and Representation panel was moderated by Rachel Patterson, White House Disability Policy Director. Panelists included Ines Hernandez from Commerce; Jennifer Mathis from DOJ; Tasha Boone from Census Bureau; and Ariana Aboulafia from Center for Democracy. The panel discussed representation issues faced by disabled individuals in public policy while addressing attitudes, challenges, and opportunities.

Three breakout sessions covered crucial topics such as education led by Dr. Conchita Hernandez Legorreta from Maryland School for the Blind alongside Assistant Secretary Glenna Wright Gallo from U.S. Department of Education; tangible opportunities for people with disabilities featuring Mary Fuller from USPTO; Yumi Escalante from U.S. Census Bureau; Kristen Rhinehart Fernandez from Department of Labor; Lauren Mendoza from Department of Education; Katina Washington from HUD; Amelia Ryba from AmeriCorps; Jennifer Johnson from HHS; followed by a discussion on creating an equitable economy led by Rory Slatko from Commerce Office of Public Engagement along with Assistant Secretary Taryn Williams from DOL; Robert Espinoza CEO National Skills Coalition; Keely Cat Wells CEO Making Space.

During a Mini-Fair segment at the summit representatives provided information on workforce development technical assistance data analysis techniques climate resilience business innovation among other topics showing how they partner with disability leadership communities. Participating organizations included AAPD Ameri-Corp Departments of Education Health Human Services Housing Urban Development Labor Economic Development Administration FEMA International Trade Administration Minority Business Development Agency National Telecommunications Information Administration U.S Census Bureau USPTO.

OFBNP has hosted several convenings this year aiming to create blueprints for uplifting communities through government private public partnerships Portions recorded live stream are available ensuring everyone can benefit regardless physical presence