As the newest Employee Resource Group (ERG), the Disability Network Alliance invites new members—regardless of ability—to support their mission of building and enhancing a more inclusive and supportive environment for all faculty and staff members.
Founded by faculty and staff members of various abilities—including those with physical disabilities, cognitive disabilities, other visible and invisible disabilities, and allies—the group’s purpose is centered on building support and awareness and sharing resources for individuals with disabilities at the University of Miami.
Sandrine Apelbaum, administrative assistant in the Department’s of Atmospheric Sciences and Marine Geosciences at the Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, and member of the alliance, shared that having an invisible disability encouraged her to join the group to better advocate for herself and others.
As a teenager, Apelbaum slowly began to lose her short-term memory. Today, as an adult, her memory doesn’t exist beyond a 24 to 48 hour window. “I have developed ways to function, personally and professionally, but it is a challenge every day,” Apelbaum said. “It can be alienating to join conversations because people might think that I don’t care, simply because I can’t remember what they said previously, or because I can’t remember what I’ve read or watched.”
Apelbaum’s invisible disability is one of many that exist, and she’s excited for the opportunity to shed light on how the University community can continue to support and include faculty and staff members of various abilities through her involvement with the ERG.
“Having an invisible disability can be just as challenging as having a physical disability, and it can be discouraging when people are unaware or don’t see it as a hindrance,” she said. “By working with colleagues—those with physical and invisible disabilities—and our allies, I know we can continue to support the University’s culture of belonging.”
Faculty and staff members who are interested in learning more about the ERG are encouraged to email disability_network_alliance_erg@miami.edu.
Register to attend other events surrounding Disabilities in the Workplace this month at hr.miami.edu/disability-awareness. Employees enrolled in the University’s Well ’Canes Incentives program can earn up to 25 points by attending this session.
The University of Miami’s Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) present opportunities to explore collaborative networks centered on a dimension of diversity, allowing a positive impact within the University community. With support from the Office of Human Resources and a shared goal of enhancing the University’s culture of belonging, ERGs are open to all employees.
