For Immediate Release:
May 19, 2021
Contact:
Emily Blum, eblum@disabilitylead.org
ADA 25 Advancing Leadership Announces Rebranding, Changes Name to Disability Lead
New name, logo is part of a bold rebranding initiative to better reflect core belief and values
(Chicago, IL) ADA 25 Advancing Leadership, a Chicago-based nonprofit that develops and connects leaders with disabilities to opportunities for civic and career advancement, announced it has completed an extensive rebranding effort. At the heart of this rebranding is a change of the organization name to Disability Lead, which better reflects our core belief: that the experiences, ideas, and leadership of people with disabilities is powerful and vital to achieving justice.
The effort to rebrand began in 2019, when the organization was established as an independent 501C3 after a 5-year incubation at The Chicago Community Trust. A committee of Members and Board Directors was assembled to guide the process and help reinvent the organization’s brand to one that is accessible, emotionally resonant, and sustainable.
“We engaged in an incredibly thoughtful process, and it marks a significant milestone not only in the journey of our organization but in the movement to advance the rights of disabled people. Disability Lead reflects our beliefs that disabilities are an asset, and our perspectives are needed at tables of power and influence,” said Emily Blum, Executive Director of Disability Lead.
While the brand has evolved, its mission remains constant, and Disability Lead continues to be focused on increasing civic engagement and diverse leadership in the Chicago region by developing and building a network of leaders with disabilities — consistent with the spirit of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Our signature programs:
- Our Institute supports emerging leaders with disabilities explore leadership skills, disability identity, and professional and civic leadership goals in our year-long program. Upon successful completion of the Institute, Fellows become lifetime Members of the Network.
- Through our Network, Fellows and Members have access to networking events, mentors, exclusive professional development opportunities, and more. Our network of 170 positive disruptors leading with their disability identities participate in our Connections.
- Our Connections increases the disability perspective by connecting our Network to professional and civic opportunities, ensuring that the tables of power commit to shape a more inclusive, just, and equitable society.
Throughout the process, ensuring the brand was accessible to all people, especially people with a variety of disabilities, was a priority. Our website and materials meet accessibility guidelines, and our site is adaptive to a variety of needs and users.
About Disability Lead: Disability Lead has a bold strategy and groundbreaking programs—the first of their kind in the nation—for bringing greater disability inclusion to tables of power and influence in the Chicago region, and we are working to increase civic engagement and diverse leadership by developing and building a network of leaders with disabilities. To get involved or donate, visit disabilitylead.org
About The Disability Lead Logo: The Disability Lead logo is a one lined typeface made up of text that reads “Disability Lead” and the “t” in Disability is a plus sign made up of three distinct colors (orange, pink, and purple) coming together. The plus sign symbolizes the positive impact that people with disabilities have in leadership roles and the importance of intersectional perspectives coming together as one. In some instances, the logo is accompanied by the tagline, “Power. Influence. Change,” which we uphold as pillars of our organization.