“Disability Equality Index: Get Informed and Getting Engaged”

The Disability Equality Index (DEI) remains the premier global benchmark for disability inclusion policies, trusted by over 70% of Fortune 100 companies and nearly half of Fortune 500 companies. The benchmark now spans eight countries, providing comprehensive insights into workplace disability inclusion practices worldwide.

To learn more about the comprehensive benchmark and registration details, please join us on Wednesday, January 29 for this online event. Hear from Russell Shaffer, Executive Vice President, Strategy & Programs for Disability:IN, on the process, value, and impact of participating in the DEI, followed by a Q & A period.

Discussion topics:

• What is the Disability Equality Index?
• Data points for the methodology and reporting
• 5 Actions of the Report
• The value of participating in the Disability Equality Index

 

This event will be held on Zoom. Registration is required to attend.

 

Accessibility: Live captioning will be provided for this event. If you need accommodations to participate, please register at least 5 days prior to the event. Contact info@DI-MN.org with questions.

 

Registration Fees:

• Free for all staff of Disability:IN Minnesota Member Companies
• $20 for Disability:IN Affiliate Members and Partners
• $20 for non-members
• Prospective Disability:IN Minnesota are welcome to attend their first meeting free. For additional details and discount code, contact us at info@DI-MN.org.

For more information about Disability:IN Minnesota membership, visit our membership page.

 

About the Presenter:

Russell Shaffer, Executive Vice President, Strategy & Programs, Disability:IN

Russell Shaffer is Executive Vice President, Strategy & Programs, for Disability:IN where he has responsibility for the development and implementation of the organization’s strategic plan along with the measurement and reporting of its key performance indicators. In addition, Russell and his team lead signature Disability:IN programs including Accessibility, Disability Equality Index, Learning & Workforce Development, NextGen Leadership, and Supplier Diversity.

He joined Disability:IN in October 2022 from Walmart Inc. where he most recently was Senior Director – Global Culture, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (CDEI) with responsibility for reporting and analytics; global employee engagement measurement and strategy; benchmarking; branding and messaging strategy; and budget forecasting and management. In a previous role as Senior Manager – Constituent Relations, Russell managed Walmart’s corporate strategy and stakeholder outreach for the people with disabilities and aging constituencies. His career also includes roles in advertising, corporate communications, marketing, print journalism and public relations with organizations such as May Department Stores, The Timken Company, The Canton Repository, and The Ohio Optometric Association.

Russell currently serves on the Board of Trustees for the American Printing House for the Blind (APH) in Louisville, Kentucky, and his board service includes prior terms with Sources for Community Independent Living in Fayetteville, Arkansas and the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB). His AFB service included a two-year term as Chair of the Board, and in 2015 he received the AFB Stephen Garff Marriott award in recognition of his professional achievement and service as a person who is blind or low vision. While at Walmart he served two terms as Chair of the company’s inABLE Associate Resource Group, and in 2018 he traveled to China as a private-sector disability employment expert as part of a U.S. State Department delegation. Disability:IN honored Russell as the 2019 recipient of the annual John D. Kemp Leadership Award in recognition of his commitment to advancing disability inclusion inside Corporate America.

He is an honors graduate of Malone University in Canton, Ohio, and holds dual bachelor of arts degrees in business administration and communication arts. Russell resides in Rogers, Arkansas with his wife, Jessica, and their children, Sophia and Brady. His perspectives on disability advocacy and inclusion are informed by his experiences with retinitis pigmentosa, a genetic, degenerative eye disease that was diagnosed when Russell was 10 years old and led to his legal blindness by his late 20s.