Disability EmpowHer Network

It’s officially spooky season! We have an exciting lineup of events heading your way this month. Check back later this month for more updates and information on these events, or visit our website calendar to sign up now.

Which program/event are you most excited about? Comment below!

ID: A graphic that reads October Upcoming Events Don’t Miss Out! The graphic contains information about the upcoming events this month.

Over the years while running EmpowHer Expressions, our virtual public speaking program, we've heard from folks eager to dive deeper and build skills to advocate with confidence. We hear you, which is why we're now expanding with EmpowHer Advocacy, a new program for disability advocates!

EmpowHer Advocacy is for you if you're looking to sharpen your public speaking skills, refine your storytelling, and learn tools to succeed in advocating for our community.

Applications for this 12-week virtual public speaking program are open now through October 21st for disabled women and nonbinary advocates. The program starts January 13th at 4pm ET. Learn more and apply at disabilityempowhernetwork.org/empowher-advocacy

ID: graphic features text across the top "New EmpowHer Advocacy" below the text is an image of a disabled white woman speaking into a microphone. Below the image is text "A 12 week virtual public speaking program for disabled women and nonbinary advocates Applications Now Open!"

Happy Women’s Health and Fitness Day!!

Today is a reminder to celebrate women’s health, strength, and well-being. Taking care of yourself can look different for everyone. From staying active and eating nourishing foods to getting enough rest, managing stress, and making time for your mental and emotional health.

Let’s make women feel like they are enough, to put themselves first, to lift each other up, and to realize that health is not about perfection or doubting yourself. Health is doing your best, working hard, and feeling strong, beautiful, confident, and good!

Image Description:

Image 1 - Graphic stating September 30th is women’s health and fitness day

Image 2 - Health and wellness infographic. Stating why it is important to keep a 30-minute workout routine. That by starting to apply wellness into your life can be as simple as scheduling an annual doctor visit, getting enough rest, or just joining groups that focus on mental wellness and/or fitness activities.

It’s the International Day of the Deaf, also known as World Deaf Day! This day is celebrated annually on the last Sunday in September. This year’s theme is “Declaring Deaf People’s Human Rights.” The purposes of this day are threefold- raising awareness of the challenges faced by the Deaf community, promoting the rights of Deaf folks worldwide, and celebrating the vibrant and unique Deaf culture.

Image ID: On a light purple cloud background. In the middle of the image is a cartoon of a Black girl with a periwinkle dress and matching hair bow signing “hello.” Above and below her in purple text it reads: “Sunday, September 27 is the International Day of the Deaf. It’s celebrated annually on the last Sunday in September!”

Introducing Solangee McNeal, our newest member of the team! Solangee is our new Empowered Futures Assistant.

About: Solangee McNeal is passionate about helping people recognize their strengths, advocate for themselves, and build futures on their own terms. Her work with young people has reinforced her belief that
meaningful support means creating space for people to develop confidence, find their voices, and take a real role in the decisions that shape their lives. She is especially interested in the places where disability, gender, race, and other aspects of a person’s
experience and identitiy intersect, and in challenging the assumptions that cause people to be underestimated or overlooked. As a Futures
Assistant, Solangee is excited to support disabled youth explore their possibilities, identify their strengths, and envision futures that reflect who they are and what they want. To Solangee, empowerment
means equipping people to claim space and shape their own direction.

ID: a purple and white graphic with text that says “Welcome to the Team.” Below that is a photo of Solangee, a woman with short dark hair wearing glasses and a purple shirt while holding up a peace sign.

Join us for a fun-filled evening of creativity and community at our Halloween Paint Fundraiser on Friday, October 16, 2026! Doors open at 6:00 p.m. at Artisan Church on South Clinton Avenue.

Enjoy a guided painting experience with a spectacular Halloween twist while supporting the life-changing work of Disability EmpowHer Network. No artistic experience is needed. We’ll provide all painting supplies, step-by-step instruction, refreshments, beverages, and a night full of fun.

Come dressed in your favorite costume if you’d like to participate in our costume contest, featuring great prizes! You’ll also have the chance to win incredible raffle items throughout the evening.

Ticket Prices

Adults: $60
Youth (16 and under): $50

Every ticket purchased helps empower disabled girls and women through leadership development, mentoring, employment readiness, and community-building programs. All proceeds benefit Disability EmpowHer Network.

We can’t wait to paint, laugh, and celebrate with you!

ID: a Halloween themed graphic with information about the event, with ghosts, a moon, bats, and pumpkins in the graphic.

Come chat and connect with other disabled women, with drinks and refreshments provided!

Sign up through the link in our bio or here:
https://forms.gle/htx6nsFkmdBT2YMq8

Coffee and Connections
Sunday, October 18th
Albany Public Library - Delaware Branch
2:00pm-4:00pm
331 Delaware Ave, Albany, NY 12209

This event is free for all participants. Face masks are provided. Please let us know if you have dietary restrictions.

Questions? Email [email protected]

[Image description: A light purple flyer with drawings of coffee beans and coffee cups in the background. Dark purple text boxes contain the event information.]