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Fall 2026 HRM Learning Workshop

Creating Inclusive and Accessible Workplaces

Presented by the College of Business and Management and The ARC Minnesota

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Creating Inclusive and Accessible Workplaces, with the Metro Regional Quality Council logo and portraits of three people below that

This workshop is designed as an interactive learning opportunity for our HRM students focusing on inclusive workplace practices, disability employment equity, workplace accommodations, accessibility, reducing hiring bias, and HR professionals’ responsibilities related to the ADA.

The format will include presenter-led learning, interactive discussion, and Q&A. Based on your instructor's approval, you may receive bonus points for attending this workshop.

Light dinner will be served: RSVPs required for ensuring accurate headcount.

Bios

JoAnne Leppink has worked as the MRQC coordinator for four years. During that time, she has overseen many projects that tackle topics that impact the lives of people with disabilities. Topics range from advocating for more accessible and affordable housing and transportation to increasing employment opportunities for people with disabilities. Even though the projects have a disability focus, they benefit most people. There will come a time in most people's lives if not already where disability is inevitable. JoAnn has lived with a disability all her life and believes we could continue living our best lives if we work together to make places more accommodating, welcoming and inclusive.

Lexi Dunn is a disability advocate, social work student, and founder of Advocacy Dunn Right, where she works to promote disability inclusion, accessibility, and systems change through advocacy, education, and community engagement. Drawing from lived experience and professional work in disability services, Lexi is passionate about bridging the gap between policy and lived experience and ensuring that disabled people have meaningful opportunities to participate, lead, and thrive in their communities and workplaces.

Amelia DeRynck works outside the disability field professionally, but she is deeply passionate about disability policy, inclusive employment, accessible housing, and self-advocacy. As someone who acquired a disability as a teenager, Amelia brings both lived experience and professional expertise to her work and advocacy. Her community involvement includes participation in the federally funded Leadership in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) program, the Minneapolis Advisory Committee on People with Disabilities, and the Metro Area Regional Quality Council. Amelia holds a bachelor’s degree in social work and a master’s degree in public affairs, with much of her previous academic work focusing on the disability experience and its intersection with broader social and policy issues.