The Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities provides training on disability awareness and accessibility to Chicago businesses, organizations and community groups at no cost.

Disability & Access Training is the most requested MOPD training session. This training defines disability, gives appropriate terminology, and covers strategies when interacting with individuals with all types of disabilities in professional, social, and recreational settings. The training is designed to help remove barriers for people with disabilities. The removal of these barriers ensures equal access and opportunity for people with disabilities in all aspects of life, such as recreation, housing, employment, education, and transportation. Other training topics include:  

• Accessible Meetings and Events  
• Accessible Social Media  
• Service Animals  

Read the full training menu below.

Training can be conducted in person, virtually, or with a recording. We are happy to customize training to meet the needs of your audience. Audience members have the opportunity to ask questions and engage in discussion at the conclusion of the training. 

Looking for self-guided resources on accessibility? Check out our Access Toolkit.

Training Course Menu 

Disability & Access 

A foundational training for teams who want to learn the basics about disability, appropriate terminology, and communication skills for interacting with people with different disabilities. Provides considerations for physical, digital and communication accessibility. 

Disability & Youth Employment 

 A foundational training for teams who work with youth and want to learn the basics about disability. This training includes information on accessibility, modifications, and strategies for working with youth with disabilities. 

Inclusive Hiring and Employment 

For managers, employers, and HR, this training covers hiring practices that are inclusive for all individuals. 

Accessible Meetings and Events 

This training builds on basic knowledge. Education on how to plan and host accessible meetings and events for the public and your employees 

Accessible Social Media 

For personal or professional use, this training covers accessible social media practices to promote accessibility for all consumers. 

Service Animals 

Recommended for those who work in public spaces, this training covers identification of and interaction with service animals, as well as laws protecting service animals. 

Supporting Disabled Survivors 

A foundation training for organization leaders, outreach workers and crisis support teams who want to learn the basics about appropriate terminology and different communication skills for interacting with disabled survivors of gun violence. Provides overview of considerations for physical, digital and communication accessibility.