The "Leading the Way" theme embodies the principles of achieving diversity, equity, intersectionality, and accessibility that drives the Independent Living community forward. Leading the Way emphasizes the value of focusing on leadership, advocacy, and innovation in the disability rights movement.
So don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to connect with fellow advocates and leaders, learn from the best in the field, and help shape the future of Independent Living in New York.
KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
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DAY ONE
Claudia L. Gordon
National Disability Rights Advocate
NCD.gov | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Claudia L. Gordon is a dedicated advocate for people with disabilities, leveraging over 30 years of versatile professional expertise and a personal mission to ensure equitable opportunities for all. She currently serves as the Senior Accessibility Strategist with T-Mobile US, Inc., driving strategies for a disability-inclusive culture and an accessible, equitable work environment.
Gordon has held senior leadership positions with Sprint Corporation, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the National Council on Disability, and the National Association of the Deaf Law and Advocacy Center. During the Obama-Biden Administration, she served as Chief of Staff for the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs and Associate Director of Public Engagement for the White House Office of Public Engagement. As a Biden administration appointee, she also served on the National Council on Disability, notably as Chair.
Claudia Gordon volunteers her time and expertise on numerous boards and advisory groups, including the Washington, DC American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU-DC) Affiliate Board, where she is also their representative to the National ACLU Board. Her lived experience as an immigrant at the intersections of race, disability, and gender informs her work, with a strong emphasis on disabled individuals with multiple marginalized identities.
Recognized for her unrelenting commitment to advocacy, compliance, civic engagement, and mentoring, Gordon has received accolades from the American Association of People with Disabilities, Google, AT&T Humanity of Connection, National Disability Mentoring Coalition, National Association of the Deaf, National Black Deaf Advocates, and The Root 100. A native of Jamaica, she is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and a graduate of Howard University and American University’s Washington College of Law.
DAY TWO
Emily Ladau
Hear how I pronounce my name
Disability Rights Activist, Communications Strategist, and Author
Demystifying Disability: What to Know, What to Say, and How to be an Ally
Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Emily Ladau is a passionate disability rights advocate, writer, and speaker born with Larsen syndrome. She began her advocacy journey at age 10 with an appearance on Sesame Street and has since become a leading voice in disability inclusion. A Long Island native and Adelphi University alum, Emily is the author of Demystifying Disability: What to Know, What to Say, and How to Be an Ally.
She currently serves as Editor of Able News at The Viscardi Center and co-hosts The Accessible Stall podcast. Her consulting and editorial work spans organizations such as the Disability & Philanthropy Forum, The Architectural League of New York, and the Brooklyn Academy of Music.
Emily’s contributions have earned her numerous accolades, including the Paul G. Hearne Emerging Leader Award and the Henry Viscardi Achievement Award. Her work is rooted in the belief that sharing authentic stories creates a more inclusive and accessible world for all.
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