Meeting/Event Information

Diversity and Inclusion Webinar Series

DEIA: What's with the "A" (Accessibility)?
Presented by:
Rashanda Webber, Diversity + Inclusion Expert Communications Strategist | Innovator + Creative Problem Solver
Regina Ferry, Senior Advisor in the Office of Facilities Engineering and Mission Support Services 

DEI, I know, but What’s with the “A” (Accessibility)? There are 1 billion people in the world living with a disability or roughly 15% according to the World Health Organization. Generally, the number of people with disabilities is growing, driven by the surge in chronic health conditions and the increase of aging populations. This means many of us are struggling in some way, shape, or form or we know someone whose quality of life is impacted by a disability. 

Earlier this year, Executive Order 14035 added accessibility to the federal government’s diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts and affirms “…As the Nation’s largest employer, the Federal Government must be a model for diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility, where all employees are treated with dignity and respect…. And remove barriers to opportunities (whitehouse.gov). Knowing is half the struggle, doing moves us to victory! But what are we supposed to do or say and how? Don’t miss this opportunity to increase your disability awareness and decrease your chances of unintentionally excluding someone by saying or doing the wrong thing. A little support goes a long way. Together, we will support each other as we explore ways to ensure that people of all abilities have access to resources and information to be successful in life.

After attending this panel discussion, you will be able to:
● Define accessibility using disability statistics and facts
● Apply new knowledge to ensure that your written materials are accessible and 508 compliant
● Demonstrate how to be respectful and inclusive of differently abled people

Tickets: Free to members, $24 for guests
Login details: Use the link in the registration confirmation email to register for the Zoom. 
Certification: This program has been submitted to SHRM and HRCI for certification review

Thank you to our Presenters:

Rashanda Webber
Diversity + Inclusion Expert Communications Strategist | Innovator + Creative Problem Solver
Rashanda Webber is an award-winning, performance-driven diversity and inclusion expert, trusted advisor, and communications strategist. She has more than 20 years of experience in advancing and leading priorities for the federal government, national non-profits, and for-profit organizations. Rashanda is an expert at implementing communication strategies and establishing enterprise-wide programs and innovative projects. Action-oriented and resourceful, Rashanda leads diverse teams across disciplines and delivers effective results to move organizations forward. Rashanda’s dedication to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility can be traced back to her rural NC upbringing where she spent significant time working in the community. She is a first-generation college graduate and public servant. As a DEIA program manager for FDA’s Office of Regulatory Affairs, she specializes in facilitating conversations, DEI coaching, and strategic integration to achieve DEIA objectives. Rashanda has a BA in English and African American Studies from the University of NC-Chapel Hill, she holds a DEI Certificate from Cornell University, and she is ICF trained as a Federal Internal Coach. She is pursuing an MS in Creativity and Innovation from Drexel University. In her down time, she enjoys family, travel, and all things self-care. 

Regina Feny
Regina Feny is a Senior Advisor in the Office of Facilities Engineering and Mission Support Services (OFEMS). She is currently serving in her second term as the Chairperson for the Agency’s Advisory Committee for Employees with Disabilities (ACED). Regina began her career with FDA as a Bi-Lingual Administrative Assistant in the Office of International Programs (OIP). Then, for several years, she worked as a Regulations Editor in the Office of Policy before moving to the Office of Management Programs to oversee the Agency’s activities related to the Office of the Inspector General audits and maintaining the Agency’s Delegations of Authority. Following that, she joined the Office of Real Property Services (ORPS) where she was a Customer Relations Manager and then a Program Specialist for the Agency’s facility management system for tracking and reporting real property assets. The experience gained in each of those FDA positions provided Regina with the knowledge and experience to successfully serve in her current position as a Senior Advisor to the OFEMS Director. Regina began her advocacy work for employees with disabilities by establishing a support group for FDA employees Coping with Chronic Illness (CwCI) in 2014. Her endeavors with the support group and the desire to improve the quality of work-life for individuals with chronic illnesses led Regina to join ACED as a subject matter expert. She later became an ACED representative for the Office of the Commissioner, served as the Recording Secretary, and was elected to serve as Chairperson. In both of her roles at the FDA, Regina works to ensure that all employees have a safe and accessible workplace that embraces diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility.