Chicago City Wire

Applications are open for the Disability Lead Institute, and accepted through October 6, 2023. In an Aug. 7 Facebook post, Rep. Bradley Stephens encouraged Chicago-area constituents to apply.

"Do you want to build the pathway of leaders with disabilities in the Chicago region? The application is OPEN for the 2024 Institute!" "

Bradley Stephens was first elected to the Illinois House in 2019. A Republican, their legislative experience includes serving on the Transportation: Regulation, Roads and Police & Fire Committee. Stephens is a state representative who resides in Rosemont, according to the Illinois House.

The Disability Lead Institute is a fellowship that brings together community activists, artists, and others in the Chicago area to “explore their disability identity and how to lead with power and influence,” according to the website. Participants must be nominated by two different individuals, including one professional relationship. The Institute is a year-long program, with intensive retreat sessions, mentoring, and networking events, according to Disabilitylead.org

In 2022, Disability Lead helped members with 75+ connections to find and explore more than 230 opportunities. For example, according to the 2022 Impact Report, “Two dozen Disability Lead Members were named to Crain’s Notable Lists including Notable Black Leaders and Executives, Notable Nonprofit Board Leaders and Notable Leaders in Sustainability, Community Development, Sports, and Health Care.”

To become a member of Disability Lead, an individual must: self-identify as a person with a disability, live or work in the Chicago area, have at least 10 years of leadership experience, and have a passion for civic engagement. Members are expected to attend monthly programs and commit to specific requirements of any new leadership position, according to Disability Lead.

To apply for the Institute, the organization notes that there is no tuition or application fee, although they encourage employer sponsorship, and suggest $1500 for nonprofit, government, small business, or self-employed members, or $3,000 for a corporate sponsorship.

The MacArthur Foundation reports that Disability Lead received $375,000 between 2019 and 2022, including three grants for Chicago Commitment. In 201, the organization received a one-year, $75,000 grant from ADA25 Advancing Leadership. In 2020, the organization received a second $75,000 grant from ADA25. In 2021, the organization received a three-year $225,000 grant to run the Leadership Institute with 16-20 emerging leaders each year, to implement a program “designed to increase the number of persons with disabilities serving in public service positions; and integrates foci on racial equality and disability justice.”