inQUEST CEO Scott Hoesman to Strengthen Disability Advocacy as Board Member of Access Living

Scott Hoesman Appointed to Access Living Board

Scott Hoesman, the CEO and Founder of inQUEST Consulting, has recently accepted a position on the Board of Directors at Access Living, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of people with disabilities. This appointment is particularly significant as it comes with a three-year commitment to work towards promoting inclusion and advocating for the rights of disabled individuals.

Access Living, based in Chicago, serves as a beacon of hope and support for the disabled community. As a center for independent living, it emphasizes dignity, community integration, civil rights, and equal access. With 26% of U.S. adults identified as having some form of disability, this demographic represents the largest minority group in the country. Hoesman's appointment is timely and crucial as the organization strives to address ongoing inequities faced by this population.

Hoesman expresses enthusiasm about joining the Board, stating, "I'm thrilled to join the Access Living Board of Directors and contribute to their impactful work as an ally and advocate for all people with disabilities." His personal convictions echo the mission of Access Living, which has long aimed to foster an inclusive society. Hoesman highlights, "Disability is the only group that individuals can join at any time, often unexpectedly, due to accidents, illness, or aging."

In his role as CEO of inQUEST Consulting, Hoesman has dedicated himself to advancing accessibility and fostering inclusive cultures in organizations worldwide. His extensive experience in consulting will be instrumental as Access Living continues to confront systemic barriers that disabled individuals face not just in Chicago, but nationwide. Karen Tamley, the president and CEO of Access Living, notes, *"Scott's experience in supporting clients to build more accessible and inclusive cultures will be invaluable as we continue working to address systemic barriers disabled people face."

Hoesman's tenure with Access Living will commence in January 2025, and he is eager to collaborate with Tamley and the rest of the Board to enhance the organization’s independent living services. His goal is to leverage his expertise in organizational culture and commitment to build environments that are accessible and inclusive for all. Through inQUEST, which specializes in creating workplaces that work for everyone, Hoesman has been at the forefront of efforts to ensure businesses prioritize accessibility in their practices.

Together with Access Living, Hoesman aims to drive meaningful change that empowers and uplifts the disabled community. The organization, established in 1980 by and for people with disabilities, envisions a world free from barriers and discrimination. It emphasizes the need for inclusion, noting that disability should be recognized as a natural aspect of the human experience.

As Hoesman aims to foster a more equitable society for individuals with disabilities, Access Living supports thousands of clients yearly through advocacy, training, and consulting. By partnering with various nonprofits, corporations, and philanthropies, Access Living strives to create environments where disabled individuals can thrive.

In a world where the importance of inclusion is gaining recognition, Hoesman's new role embodies a commitment to making disability advocacy a priority. With leaders like him involved, the future looks promising for the advancement of rights and dignities for people with disabilities in the U.S.