[News from Diversability] Tuesday, August 11: Virtual event on wellness support for musicians

We're opening one of our Diversability Leadership Collective (DLC) events to the broader Diversability community: Wellness and Support Resources in the Music Ecosystem (with MusiCares).

Newsletter contents:

1. [Virtual] Join us at our event on Tuesday, August 11: Wellness and Support Resources in the Music Ecosystem (with MusiCares).

2. Check out the 2026 D-30 Disability Impact List honorees.

3. Updates from the Diversability® Leadership Collective.

4. Other things we wanted to include in this newsletter:

   1. Get your “Disability is Not a Bad Word” merch!

   2. Geared toward allies, employers, and organizations, take our self-paced online course on disability inclusion.

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We are excited to open up one of our Diversability Leadership Collective (our members-only space to advance disability leadership, advocacy, and influence) events to the public. All events are free for DLC members to attend.

{Virtual} Tuesday, August 11: Wellness and Support Resources in the Music Ecosystem (with MusiCares)

[Image description: a square graphic on a peach background with a red border. At the top, text, “Diversability Leadership Collective. Wellness and Support Resources in the Music Ecosystem (with MusiCares).” Below, Wade Johnson Jr.’s headshot in a circle with her name. Below, text, “Tuesday, August 11 | 3:00PM ET / 12:00PM PT. Join us for a free week of membership. Sliding scale options available. Sign up here: http://diversability.mn.co.” On the sides, text, “Open to the public.”]

This session introduces music industry professionals to the wellness, mental health, and financial support resources available through MusiCares, the philanthropic arm of The Recording Academy. Andrea will briefly share about her role as a MusiCares Ambassador, and Wade will share clear, practical information on who MusiCares serves, what programs are available, and how music industry professionals can access care and support. The session includes a brief overview followed by time for questions.

Wade Johnson Jr. is the Director of Community and Outreach at MusiCares, where he leads national initiatives that connect music professionals with mental health, financial assistance, addiction recovery, and other critical support services. A Jacksonville, Florida native, Wade has spent more than a decade building partnerships and expanding access to resources in underserved communities. His work has helped young Black men become published Harvard authors, earn national media recognition on Good Morning America, and met President Barack Obama during his final term in office. Today, Wade collaborates with artists, industry leaders, and community organizations to advance wellness across the music industry. Passionate about the power of music to change lives, he brings a unique perspective on community engagement, equity, and creating meaningful partnerships that drive lasting impact.

1. When: Tuesday, August 11 | 3:00PM ET / 12:00PM PT

2. Where: A Zoom link will be emailed to you 10 mins before the event begins.

   This event will also be recorded and the recording will be shared with registered attendees after the event.

3. Tickets: FREE for Diversability Leadership Collective members, sliding scale tickets for non-members

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Updates from the Diversability Leadership Collective (DLC)

Since launching in 2021, our members have made over $37k in opportunities shared through the DLC!

The Diversability® Leadership Collective (DLC) is our members-only space to advance disability leadership, influence, and advocacy. Join over 170+ members for curated paid & visibility opportunities, members-only events, and community.

Our Facebook Group (7,400+ members) will continue to be a free, loosely moderated space for peer support, resources, and community.

Member Updates:

1. Keely Cat-Wells wrote an article for Forbes about America’s only research center for disabled parents facing closure.

2. Arielle Dance authored two Diversability blog posts: interviews with musician Doctor Noize and author Alan Carrigan.

3. Catarina Rivera shared a video highlighting the importance of nondisabled allyship for Disability Pride Month.

4. Lilly Grossman announced that she is seeking literary representation for her forthcoming book, The Quiet Parts of Disability.

5. Keisha Greaves penned a blog post expressing gratitude and support for her Haitian caregivers affected by recent immigration policies.

6. Tiffany Yu has upcoming book events for The Anti-Ableist Manifesto in Detroit, MI (October 6).

Recent opportunities curated for DLC members:

1. Join a journalism fellowship.

2. Level up your nonprofit.

3. Share your story on a podcast.

4. Educational storytellers: win $10,000.

5. Submit a workshop proposal for a conference.

6. Submit your film to a disability film festival.

7. Apply for a disability justice film lab.

8. Be a speaker at a women’s conference.