Proven leadership and experience in disability and youth transition services, advancing inclusion, accessibility, and opportunity. Let’s move forward, together.

Falls Church, VA
Joined November 2012
Time flies. In this recent post, @derekshieldsFWD provides a @fwdworks update: Moving forward, together. Thanks for following us as we activate our #Twitter feed! #disabilityinclusion #Entrepreneurship #consulting #mentoring #forwardworks linkedin.com/pulse/moving-fo…
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ForwardWorks Consulting retweeted
Join @chooseworkSSA for a FREE WISE Webinar, “Find Work that Works for You,” Learn how Ticket to Work can help you pursue your employment goals with a job that works for you! This webinar is for people who: •Are ages 18 through 64 •Receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) due to a disability •Are interested in learning more about work and employment support When: October 28, 2026, at 3 p.m. ET 📅 Register now: ow.ly/Y7YT510183i
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On MLK Day, we reflect on Dr. King's legacy and commit to advancing equity, accessibility, and opportunity in all we do. "The time is always right to do what is right."- Dr. MLK Jr. #MLKDay #Equity #ForwardWorks #Inclusion
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Happy Holidays from all of us at ForwardWorks! This season, we’re celebrating connection, community, and creating more accessible, inclusive spaces where everyone belongs. Grateful to continue this work together. #HappyHolidays #InclusionMatters #ForwardWorks
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Peer mentors build confidence, model real-life success, and help young adults with disabilities gain transition and work skills. Yet programs are still rare. Peer MentoringWorks is changing that. See what’s working nationwide: peermentoringworks.org/ #PeerMentors #Mentoring
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Join Social Security's ChooseWork tomorrow, December 17th from 3:00-4:30 P.M. ET to learn about work incentives, benefits, and planning for a secure future through the #TicketToWork program. Register: choosework.ssa.gov/wise/ #DisabilityInclusion #WorkIncentives #ChooseWork
If you’re thinking about work and have questions about your Social Security disability benefits, don’t miss the free Ticket to Work webinar on December 17 from 3 - 4:30 p.m. Eastern: Top 3 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Working While Receiving Disability Benefits. We’ll cover common concerns, explain helpful Work Incentives, and share where to find free support as you explore your job options. Looking for answers? This free webinar is a great place to start. 🔗 Register now: choosework.ssa.gov/wise/ #WISEwebinar #TicketToWork
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Human rights are universal. Today, let’s reflect on dignity, access and inclusion for all - and commit to action that creates real change. #HumanRightsDay #AccessibilityMatters #DisabilityInclusion #ForwardWorks
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Dr. Hannah Barham-Brown's TEDx Talk offers a powerful insight on how workplace barriers, not disability, shape employment experiences. Her message invites employers to rethink what meaningful accessibility requires. youtube.com/watch?v=twaKuhvY… #DisabilityInclusion #Accessibility
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Wrapping up the week after #IDPD2025 with one question on my mind: How are we showing up for inclusion in the everyday: in our language, systems, design, choices, and assumptions? Let us know in the comments! #DisabilityInclusion #ForwardWorks
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Today is #IDPD2025! A day to celebrate progress, amplify voices, and push for systems that work for everyone. Accessibility and inclusion are not optional, they are essential. #DisabilityInclusion #Accessibility #ForwardWorks
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On December 3rd, join @GeenaDavisOrg to celebrate #IDPD2025 with a data-driven, culture-shifting conversation on how authentic TV storytelling transforms how audiences see disability & inclusion. Learn more & register for this 3-4pm ET 12-1pm PT event: bit.ly/43SL3GV
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#IDPD2025 is almost here! A day to celebrate inclusion, reflect on barriers, and spark action. Stay tuned tomorrow for insights and ways to make accessibility real. #ForwardWorks #DisabilityInclusion #AccessibilityMatters
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It’s #WorldAIDSDay. Join the fight against HIV by learning the facts, getting tested, and exploring trusted resources that support education, prevention, and care: until.org/donate.html #EndHIV #HIVAware
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Tomorrow! Join the Ticket to Work for America’s Veterans webinar at 3 p.m. ET hosted by @chooseworkSSA. Learn how eligible disabled veterans can access #TicketToWork employment resources and support. Register: choosework.ssa.gov/wise/
If you or someone you know is a #DisabledVeteran ready to enter the civilian workforce, join us for our next #WISEwebinar on 11/19 at 3 p.m. ET to learn how the #TicketToWork Program can help. choosework.ssa.gov/wise/
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ForwardWorks Consulting retweeted
We're saddened to hear of the passing of Alice Wong, writer, activist, & Disability Mentoring Hall of Fame inductee. Her work in community building & activism leave a lasting legacy that's impacted so many lives. Read Alice's goodbye message: instagram.com/p/DREMDNBjnqk/
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Big news! Digital Accessibility Ethics is here—32 chapters, global voices, and the first Digital Accessibility Ethics Framework. @DerekShieldsFWD from our team was honored to provide project management support. Pre-order now! #DigitalAccessibilityEthics amazon.com/Digital-Accessibi…
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ForwardWorks Consulting retweeted
Are you a veteran ready to start a new career? Join us for our next #WISEwebinar on 11/19 at 3 p.m. ET to discover how Ticket to Work service providers can help you find and transition into a new career. choosework.ssa.gov/wise/
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ForwardWorks Consulting retweeted
Excited to share that I am a Co-Author for a wonderful book titled “Digital Accessibility Ethics: Disability Inclusion in All Things Tech.” My chapter title is— “Public Relations, Marketing, Accessibility, and Ethics” Preorder below👇👇 #DigitalAccessibilityEthics #A11y
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ForwardWorks Consulting retweeted
Ready to get to work? We rounded up career fairs happening nationwide and online — all month long! You can meet employers, network with peers, and explore new opportunities. Take charge of your future and discover who’s hiring now. choosework.ssa.gov/blog/2025…
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ForwardWorks Consulting retweeted
Ready to take the next step in your employment journey? Find employment success with Ticket to Work. Don’t miss our next WISE webinar on October 22: “Ticket to Work: Support on Your Employment Journey.” 🔗 Register now and kickstart your employment journey: choosework.ssa.gov/wise/ #WISEWebinar #TicketToWork
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ForwardWorks Consulting retweeted
Why did the chicken cross the road? To help one woman heal. “The chickens gave me meaning… something to take care of…” says Frances. Frances built a meaningful career helping others as a registered nurse. After a stroke, she wasn’t sure how to move forward — until she connected with #TicketToWork. Through her Employment Network, Frances received career guidance and benefits counseling that helped her rediscover her strengths and rebuild her confidence. Today, Frances is thriving again in a career she loves, is in the midst of a fitness journey, and is planning her dream trip to Italy! Her story is proof that with the right support, new opportunities are possible. Whether you’re looking to gain skills, explore options, or find fulfilling work, the Ticket Program is here to help. Read Frances’ story and discover how the Ticket Program can open doors for you. choosework.ssa.gov/library/f…
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