National Disability Employment Awareness Month Webinar

Oct 22 - Oct 22, 2025

2-3:30pm

Event Summary

NDEAM – Strategies to Success: Celebrating Value and Talent of Employees who are DeafBlind, Blind, or have Low Vision

As we celebrate the 80th anniversary of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, there has never been a more important time to recognize and amplify the extraordinary value and talent that employees who are DeafBlind, blind, or have low vision bring to today’s workforce. This year’s Department of Labor theme, “Celebrating Value and Talent,” perfectly aligns with our mission to showcase both the capabilities of individuals within our community and the concrete strategies that lead to their workplace success.

In today’s rapidly evolving job market, forward-thinking employers are discovering what we’ve long known: when workplaces are designed around individual talents and strengths, everyone thrives. Employees who are DeafBlind, blind, or have low vision bring unique problem-solving approaches, innovative thinking, and specialized skills that drive business success and foster more inclusive, creative work environments.

This interactive webinar goes beyond inspiration to deliver practical, actionable strategies that make a real difference. Whether you’re a vocational rehabilitation counselor seeking effective approaches for your clients, an employer ready to tap into underutilized talent, or an individual navigating your own career journey, you’ll leave with specific tools and insights you can implement immediately.

This year, we’re proud to feature an exceptional and diverse group of panelists from our community—individuals who bring varied perspectives from their career journeys and professional experiences. You’ll hear insights and practical approaches that provide valuable strategies for recognizing, nurturing, and celebrating talent in the workplace.

Event Details

When: Wednesday, October 22, 2025, 2-3:30pm EST (Webinar & Q&A)

Cost: FREE for all!

Register Today

Who can benefit?

Counselors and Leaders of State Vocational and Blind Services
Community Service Programs/Agencies
Employers and Businesses
Individuals who are blind, DeafBlind, have vision loss or other disabilities
Individuals from nonprofit organizations and foundations
College and university employees

Panelists

Chris Woodfill

Chris was appointed on January 2, 2024 by Governor Kathleen Hochul to the role of Executive Director of the New York State Interagency Coordinating Council on Services to Persons who are Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing (IAC). The office has since been renamed to the New York State Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing Office (The Office). The IAC is under the Office. Prior to working at the Office, Chris was the Associate Executive Director at Helen Keller National Center. Prior to that role, Chris was the Helen Keller National Center regional representative for New York, New Jersey, Puerto Rico and United States Virgin Islands. Prior to his twelve-year career at HKNC, he worked at Wisconsin School for the Deaf for thirteen years as a high school teacher.

Chris has been active in both Deaf and DeafBlind communities at local, state, national and international levels for about three decades. Currently, he is an executive board member of the World Federation of the DeafBlind and a board member of DeafBlind Citizens in Action. In the past, he served as officers or board members of organizations such as Southern Lakes Association of the Deaf, Wisconsin School for the Deaf Alumni Association, Wisconsin School for the Deaf Foundation, Wisconsin Association of the Deaf, Wisconsin DeafBlind Technical Assistance Program, American Association of the DeafBlind and World Federation of the DeafBlind. He has been involved at committee levels with several organizations such as National Association of the Deaf and DeafBlind International among others.

One of his proudest achievements was his leading role as the Vice President of the Wisconsin Association of the Deaf in passing the Wisconsin Sign Language Interpreter Licensure bill in 2010. This bill established the Sign Language Interpreter Council (of which he served on for two years prior to his move to New York). It also established a mechanism for licensing all sign language interpreters working for compensation in the state of Wisconsin.

Chris is a believer in servant leadership. He leads to serve the New York State Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing communities.

Elizabeth Schmaltz

Located in Moorhead, Minnesota, and originally from North Dakota, Elizabeth is an inspiring influencer of “If I can, you can.” She is a former NPC Figure competitor, bodybuilder, former crowned North Dakota Beauty pageant winner and model, and proud mother to a beautiful daughter. Elizabeth had an accident at age 3 and lost her arm from hand to elbow, and has Usher Syndrome which led to her becoming DeafBlind. Throughout her life, she has faced challenges and fought to succeed, determined to show that she can accomplish anything. She has a huge passion for showing others that they can overcome obstacles and succeed at what seems impossible.

Rocky Hart

Rocky Hart is a 22-year-old DeafBlind young adult and resident of Minneapolis, Minnesota. He was born with Norrie Disease, a rare genetic condition which caused his congenital blindness and progressive hearing loss. He began losing his hearing at age 10 and is profoundly deaf in his right ear with moderate hearing loss in his left.

Rocky graduated from the Minnesota State Academy for the Blind in May 2021 and is currently pursuing his undergraduate degree in psychology from North Central University, which he intends to complete by spring 2026.

His relationship with Helen Keller National Center (HKNC) began in summer 2020 when he attended the center’s Summer Assessment program. In January 2022, he enrolled as a full-time participant at HKNC, and four months later began an internship in the Adaptive Technology Department. Since then, he has worked for HKNC as an Instructor Aide in the Adaptive Technology Department as well as in a similar capacity in the center’s North Central region.

Rocky is currently pursuing his undergraduate degree with plans to seek further training as a vocational rehabilitation counselor.

Kevin Schultze

Kevin Schultze is a Community Service Information Assistant at the Farmingdale Public Library and a graduate of the Connecticut School of Broadcasting. As an entrepreneur, Kevin previously owned and operated two small businesses before transitioning his career focus to public service.

Living with retinitis pigmentosa, Kevin participated in Helen Keller Services for the Blind’s TEAM and Work Experience Training programs, mastering adaptive workplace technologies including JAWS screen reader software.

At the Farmington Public Library, Kevin combines his broadcasting background with his digital skills to serve his community in innovative ways. He moderates the popular Twisted Tales True Crime Club and produces and hosts Beyond The Rotunda, the library’s first ever podcast—a role that combines his professional broadcasting experience with his commitment to public service.

Moderator: Joe DiNero

Assistant Program Director of Assistive Technology Services and Director of Business Outreach, Helen Keller Services for the Blind & Head Digital Accessibility Tester, UsableNet

Joseph DiNero is a seasoned accessibility professional with over seven years of experience empowering blind and visually impaired students to live, study, and work more independently through the effective use of assistive technology. As the Assistant Program Director of Assistive Technology Services and Director of Business Outreach at Helen Keller Services for the Blind, Joe spearheads national training initiatives, oversees instructional programs for teens and adults, and champions remote accessibility training across the country.

In his role at Helen Keller Services for the Blind, Joe leverages his expertise to enhance the accessibility landscape, ensuring that individuals with visual impairments have the tools and support necessary to thrive in an increasingly digital world. His leadership has been pivotal in developing innovative training programs that cater to diverse learning needs, fostering a culture of inclusion and independence.

Additionally, Joe serves as the Head Digital Accessibility Tester at UsableNet, where he has contributed to hundreds of client projects across various industries, including finance, e-commerce, healthcare, and education. With a Trusted Tester Certification from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Joe brings a user-first perspective to every evaluation, ensuring that digital platforms are not only compliant but also truly accessible to all users.

Driven by a deep commitment to accessibility, Joe is passionate about seeing companies implement accessibility recommendations, knowing firsthand the profound impact these changes can have on the lives of people with disabilities navigating the digital world. His work at both organizations underscores his dedication to creating a more inclusive and accessible future for all.

Accessibility Statement

Helen Keller Services (HKS) aims to be inclusive and accessible to all individuals, especially the target audience for this webinar series: professionals who work with individuals who are blind, DeafBlind or have low vision. All HKS trainings include ASL and Spoken English interpretation, captions, audio descriptions and transcripts. We understand the importance of accommodating diverse needs and ensuring equal opportunities for learning. If you require alternative accommodations, please contact us a month prior to the training event at pld@hknc.org. We look forward to welcoming you to our training program and ensuring an enriching experience for all participants.