Disability Pride Month with Ken Meeker

Career Practitioner Conversations with NCDA

In this episode, NCDA Professional Development Director Melissa Venable meets with Ken Meeker to discuss Disability Pride Month. Ken is a writer, speaker, podcaster and Certified Professional Coach providing services through his company, Vitality Career Coaching LLC. Ken is also a member of NCDA’s Diversity Initiatives and Cultural Inclusion Committee and a recent graduate of NCDA’s Leadership Academy.

The conversation provides an introduction to Disability Pride Month and recommended resources for career development professionals who may be working with students or clients who have disabilities. Ken emphasizes that you don’t have to be an expert in disability services, but you can build a network that includes this kind of expertise. We can also be proactive in asking questions, finding effective resources, and expanding our awareness and advocacy related to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Resources

• Rocky Mountain ADA Center Course Catalog
• ADA National Network
• Job Accommodation Network - Ask Jan
• Vitality Career Coaching

More information about Ken Meeker:

Ken Meeker is the owner of Vitality Career Coaching LLC, a boutique leadership, executive, and career coaching company. In addition to one-on-one client coaching, Ken develops customized workshops and training tailored to the unique needs of business clients. Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Justice, and Accessibility consulting are essential aspects of his work. Ken is a Certified Professional Coach, Certified ADA Coordinator, and has extensive DEI training and education, participated in numerous seminars and summits, and is Inclusive Behaviors Inventory Certified. Several national organizations have featured him as a presenter or panelist for discussions on workplace inclusivity, disability inclusion, accessibility, and other topics. He is a graduate of the AFB Blind Leaders Development Program, National Career Development Association’s Leadership Academy 2023-24 Fellow, and received the 2023 AFB Llura Gund National Leadership Award.

Additionally, Ken is the creator and host of the “Dissing My Ability" Podcast and has appeared on several other shows and podcasts. Ken is a regular contributor to the Bold Blind Beauty lifestyle magazine, Beyond Sight and serves on the NCDA private practice advisory board. Prior to launching his business, he was the Career Specialist for a comprehensive vocational rehabilitation program serving blind/low vision adults. Ken held leadership roles in the commercial insurance industry for many years and maintains an active agent license in Arizona, providing him with key knowledge and insight for businesses on topics such as: discrimination, employment practices, and other important risk management related topics.

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