Disability:IN DC Metro

At Omnium Circus, inclusion and accessibility take center stage 'So much is dividing us; we have to find more of what unites us,' says founder Lisa B. Lewis. The multi-abled circus plays the Warner Theatre on February 22. By Leah Cohen The Omnium Circus made its debut in 2021, but for founder and executive director Lisa B. Lewis, the journey began more than three decades earlier. ? While performing as a clown, Lewis noticed an entire section of the arena sitting with their arms crossed and seemed angry. Despite being at the circus, they struggled to understand the acts going on around them. Lewis’ clown partner started telling jokes in sign language, and the group erupted in laughter. “It was the power of inclusion,” she said. In 1986 Lewis moved to New York and began working in a hospital performing a “Circus of the Senses” adapted show for children and their families. It was such a hit that parents wanted to know why they could come only once. So, Lewis created weekend and evening shows for families to experience and enjoy together. When the pandemic hit, Lewis began to push the idea further, asking how she and others could create this type of access all the time. Omnium, a diverse, accessible, and inclusive circus, was born. The goal of the circus is to create an experience reflective and welcoming of all people. To mirror the one in four Americans with a disability, over 25 percent of the nonprofit’s performing company and 40 percent of its total team are members of the disabled community. “The idea was to create representation so people can see themselves reflected on stage and know they are capable with hard work to be their best selves,” Lewis said. When she presented her initial idea to current team members in 2020, Lewis worried it might have been too crazy. But no one talked her out of it. Instead, they joined her, and immediately got to work on building the show. The team behind Omnium Circus is made up of not only others like Lewis who have spent their entire careers in the industry, but newcomers as well, including members of the disabled community who never previously had the opportunity to join a circus. Disability:IN DC Metro has reserved Orchestra seating- Purchase your tickets now and Omnium Circus will donate 10% of sales to DC Metro. We will connect with purchasers for their seating preferences by Feb 16. https://lnkd.in/ec4SU7VF

DEI and Disability Inclusion Webinar Presented by Craig Leen, DC Metro Advisory Member February 26, 2025 Noon-1pm Free The President's recent Executive Order on DEI has prompted many of us to seek clarification, recognizing that Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act, the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistant Act remain in effect. Hear from Craig Leen, Disability:IN DC Metro's Strategic Advisory Board Member and Partner, K&L Gates (Former OFCCP Director under the first Trump Administration) as he shares his perspectives of the Trump DEI EO and Disability Inclusion. https://lnkd.in/g4HPmvSv

Make sure to get your tickets to the Omnium Circus in support of Disability:IN DC Metro

Join Disability:IN DC Metro on February 22 for the Omnium Circus! For the second year, we are partnering with the amazing athletes and entertainers whose talent and abilities will astound you! First rate orchestra seats put you and your family and friends close to the action on stage! Buy Tickets Today! https://lnkd.in/ec4SU7VF

Creating a Trauma-Aware Workplace Supporting Employees with PTSD Much more than a Veteran issue! Did you know that approximately 6 percent of the U.S. populations will experience Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in their lifetime? Join our Disability:IN Collaborative webinar tomorrow November 7, 2024 Noon-1 PM ET Register for this free webinar! https://lnkd.in/ea44gWxN Visit www.Di-MN .org for more event details

October 30th 11-12:30 Webinar Celebrate on NDEAM with Disability:IN DC Metro and the American Institutes for Research for a Premier Leadership virtual event with Frances West, former Chief Accessibility Officer at IBM, as she shares her business acumen and proven insights on how embedding accessibility within organizational strategy can drive disruptive innovation and market leadership. Register https://lnkd.in/e4WGPrH2

Are you planning for NDEAM? Start with the 2024 Theme!

We are excited to get the word out about @The Ride Ahead! The film follows Samuel Habib as he navigates the path to adulthood with a disability. Watch the film trailer: https://bit.ly/4bbew02 The Ride Ahead will be screened at @DC/DOX Fest on June 15 at 3:15pm at Landmark E-Street Cinemark. A discussion between Samuel Habib, Dan Habib, Bob Williams, Elijah Armstrong and Anna Landre will follow. The film will be shown with open captions, audio description devices will be available, and the discussion will include ASL interpretation. Purchase your tickets at https://lnkd.in/d4588KDU and use the code "DC10RIDE" for 10% off tickets!

Get your tickets and join us on July 24th as we celebrate the 34th Anniversary of the ADA.?

We are excited to announce that Jenn Gauvreau, Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at CGI US Federal has been named to our Advisory Board! Don't forget to register for the July webinar celebrating the 34th Anniversary of the ADA. Check out the latest news and events in our June Newsletter! TOP JUNE EVENTS The Intersection of Identity: Connections Between LGBTQ+ Identities, Disability, and Mental Health?June 13 ADA Legal Update Luncheon:?Accommodating Non-Apparent Disabilities in the Workplace,?June 13 (Richmond, VA) DC Premiere of?THE RIDE AHEAD: Film Screening and Panel,?Saturday, June 15 (discounts available) Driving Neuro-Inclusion: Learn from Rolls Royce & Coca-Cola,?June 18 https://lnkd.in/egyhPgfZ