On Oct. 26, several members of the CCLC staff delivered a virtual presentation to the U.S. Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) about Workplace Culture Inclusivity with an Emphasis on Invisible Disabilities.

Of the ten Naval Warfare Centers nationwide, the U.S. Navy designated Crane Naval Surface Warfare Center as the lead center for National Disability Employment Awareness Month. Crane turned to the CCLC for help promoting inclusivity among the 100,000 personnel who work at these centers to modernize and maintain the country's fleet of ships.

Early meetings with Crane focused quickly upon inclusivity in workplace culture with an emphasis on invisible disabilities. The CCLC presentation was pre-recorded and followed by a live Q & A session, during which Director Judith Gross, Research Associate Sandra Block, and Research Assistant Sandra Clark fielded a variety of questions.

The meeting was well-attended, with many representatives from partnering Surface Warfare Centers across the nation. The CCLC's message highlighted the importance of identifying what integration looks like, achieving inclusion through universal design strategies, and how to pay attention to specific invisible disabilities.

Guest speakers included Travis and Wendy Ritz and Cecilia Buckley.