Emily Blum

Man and woman conversing, facing each other, she is smiling. More people are facing away in the background.

Also by the Author

Disability Lead Members from Left to Right: Liz Davis, Vanessa Harris, Christina McGleam, LaShon Gurrola, Rachel Arfa, David Gayes

Connections Update: How we closed out 2022

As we spring into 2023, we take a look at a brief overview of the connections that Disability Lead Members made in 2022.

Emily Blum

Jan 5, 2023

A diverse group of people is around a table. Most are blurred out, and the top right is in focus showing a Black woman speaking and gesturing forward.

Announcement

Hope for Disability Employment

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month, and for once in a long time, the state of disability employment is hopeful.

Emily Blum

Oct 20, 2022

Rachel Arfa meeting with Lori Lightfoot in a conference room at a wooden table with 8-feet spacing between them. Rachel is looking at her laptop screen while Lori Lightfoot looks through her glasses at the camera person.

Interview

Celebrating ADA's 32nd Anniversary the Accessible Way!

A set of questions for City of Chicago Commissioner, Rachel Arfa, about her department's growth, her impact on the administration, and of course, the upcoming Mural display.

Emily Blum

Jul 26, 2022

Announcement

Field and MacArthur Foundations name Emily Blum a 2022 Leader for a New Chicago

A brief summary of Emily's recognition for the Field and MacArthur Foundations name Emily Blum a 2022 Leader for a New Chicago. An award that empowers disability work in Chicago.

Emily Blum

Jun 7, 2022

Op Ed

#DoneWithCOVID: An Ableist Push That Harms Our Community

With the #DonewithCOVID push to “open up” and “get back to business as usual,” Emily Blum can’t help but consider: At what cost does the push for productivity come, especially for people with disabilities? in her The Chicago Sun Times Op-Ed story.

Emily Blum

May 18, 2022

The Disability Lead plus sign in orange, pinks, and purple is behind a clenched Black fist with the words "Black Disabled Lives Matter." The image was created by Jen White-Johnson.

Announcement

Our Continued Commitment

As an organization committed to both disability leadership and disability justice, Disability Lead’s work is inextricably connected to racial justice. It is imperative if we envision a world in which people with disabilities lead with power and influence, and work to ensure that all of us are able to show up and lead with our whole selves. The path forward acknowledges and addresses the ways in which white supremacy and other oppressive systems are inclusive of ableism and impact our culture, structures, and programs.

Emily Blum

Feb 25, 2022