Highlighting Inclusive Leadership
As we celebrate the 34th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act—which was passed on July 26, 1990—Luke Labas, Director of the Inclusion Institute at The League and graduate of the Leadership Lab, reminds us that “the disability community is the only minority group that 100% of people will join, it’s just a matter of when.”
The youngest of five kids, a first-generation college graduate, and a lifelong wheelchair user, Luke Labas didn’t initially think he would go to college. “I wanted to open my own business, but I decided that since my disability prevented me from making a contribution to society physically, I had to go to college so I could make my impact with my mind.”
Luke went to Ball State University, known as the premier institution for individuals with disabilities, and studied political science. “I wanted to study something that was cross-sector, but I didn’t know I’d work in disability advocacy. My first job out of college was as an Advocacy Coordinator at The League, though. Then, when the pandemic happened, we were asked to reevaluate our positions.”
He continued, “I knew I always wanted to use my background in reform and policy to change the systems that create barriers. I proposed a new job, which The League loved, but the funding wasn’t available.” Luke left to work at the City of Indianapolis as the ADA Coordinator & Director for a year and a half when The League called him to tell him they’d secured funding for the Director of Inclusion Institute position, which he applied for and began in 2022.
An Inclusion Institute Leadership Academy module, where program participants discussed education.
The Inclusion Institute is focused on working from the outside in—advocating for systemic change, which leads to change in communities and a positive impact on individuals.
As the Director of the Inclusion Institute, Luke found himself in a direct supervisor role for the first time, assuming a brand new role that no one else had ever held.
Shortly after, Luke was selected to participate in Foellinger Foundation’s Leadership Lab program as a 2023 Rising Leader cohort member.
“To be able to learn from other leaders and guest speakers when I had just started this new position was essential to my journey,” said Luke. “I learned so much that influenced how I continue to lead today. Because of this experience, I know how to ask questions in a way that allows people to come up with their own answers and solutions. Our team feels shared ownership of the work. It creates accountability at all levels—we work with and for each other—creating a trusting and communicative environment that welcomes feedback and input. Because of this approach, I am cultivating them to be leaders themselves.”
Luke said part of the value the Leadership Lab provided was dedicated monthly meetings with opportunities for collaboration.
“We all came from diverse experiences and organizations, often representing a specific community. Having dedicated time together allows us to create better service across our organizations. People with disabilities attend the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo, participate in Big Brothers Big Sisters, etc., so it’s important that we provide perspective and enhance the experiences of those with disabilities.”
The League's Deaf Access Alliance met with Mayor Tom Henry about communication access for the Deaf community within local government events and meetings.
Moving forward, Luke hopes to continue building bridges with community leaders and see more representation in those positions. “I want to develop the next generation of leaders with disabilities in our community,” Luke explains. “People with disabilities are not often included in decision-making spaces. I often find myself the only person in the room with a disability, but I’m not representative of all people with disabilities. I use a wheelchair—I don’t know what it’s like to be blind or Deaf or hard of hearing.”
As part of the Inclusion Institute’s Leadership Academy, individuals with disabilities participate in training curriculum that spans grassroots coalitions, civic engagement, and effective board and committee service. “My hope for the future of this program is to see it expand across the Northeast Indiana region,” he said.
Thank you, Luke, for your inclusive leadership in our community!