Billion Strong

Billion Strong

Non-profit Organizations

Rockville, Virginia 2,083 followers

A global diversity and inclusion movement by and for persons with disabilities.

About us

Billion Strong is a nonprofit organization that seeks to unite our Global community, to support each other and empower self-identification and honor our lived experiences with visible and invisible disabilities.

Industry
Non-profit Organizations
Company size
2-10 employees
Headquarters
Rockville, Virginia
Type
Nonprofit
Founded
2021

Locations

Employees at Billion Strong

Updates

  • Billion Strong reposted this

    Open Letter to EY India: A Tragic Reflection on Work Culture and Accountability To the Leadership at EY India, The tragic death of Anna Sebastian Perayil, a 26-year-old employee in your Pune office, exposes a glaring truth about how global corporations, especially those from the Global North, treat employees in countries like India. The differential standards in workplace ethics, employee care, and human rights are stark and undeniable. Anna's heartbreaking death, as her mother so poignantly expressed, was a consequence of relentless work pressure, a culture that glorifies overwork, and a lack of fundamental support for employees navigating the challenges of new environments. This incident demands introspection, not mere damage control. EY’s official statements expressing condolences are hollow when no one from the company attended Anna’s funeral. This absence reflects a troubling corporate culture that fails to see employees as individuals, treating them instead as expendable. Anna’s case highlights how employees in India are subjected to unmanageable workloads, deprived of basic support systems, and pushed to their limits without regard for their mental or physical well-being. The email from Rajiv Memani to staff, while expressing sympathy, subtly implies that EY’s focus will not be on improving the toxic work culture but on ensuring employees are "fit" enough to withstand it. The notion that the company would rather assess whether employees can endure exploitation rather than fix the conditions leading to burnout is disturbing. This response points to a mentality that treats workers as commodities rather than human beings. Anna’s death is not an isolated incident; it is symptomatic of a broader issue within your work environment. If EY is genuinely committed to employee welfare, it must go beyond surface-level expressions of sympathy. The exploitation of employees, particularly in countries like India, under the guise of productivity needs to end. Real change requires structural adjustments, manageable workloads, and a deep commitment to mental health and well-being. Anything less is a disservice to Anna and to all those who are silently enduring an exploitative workplace. In Grief, A Concerned Advocate for Workplace Justice #EY #EYIndia #EYPune #WorkPlace #SocialJustice #MentalHealth

  • Billion Strong reposted this

    Your organization’s inclusivity isn’t defined by the polished DEI statement on your website. It's far more than the policies penned or the occasional training sessions held. True inclusivity is how your employees feel every single day they show up to work. ↳ Do they feel genuinely valued and heard? ↳ Or do they mask parts of themselves to fit in? When your employees look forward to work, not just for the paycheck, but because they: ↳ Feel embraced for who they are, ↳ Feel supported in their unique needs, and ↳ Feel aligned with the company’s vision of true diversity, That's when you know you've built something exceptional. Your inclusivity is built in the small, everyday moments: ↳ The accessible entrances that welcome everyone. ↳ The meetings where every voice is invited and respected. ↳ The swift actions taken when someone faces barriers. Inclusivity is what people share after the workday ends, when they talk about their experiences. It's not just a message crafted for your corporate image, but the reality your team lives and breathes every day. Something that cannot be fabricated or forced. Perhaps you're thinking, "We have policies; isn't that enough?" But policies are just the starting point. ↳ Are they reflected in daily practice? ↳ Do they resonate with every team member? Inclusivity isn't about grand gestures; it's about consistent, meaningful actions. ↳ The effort to understand someone's unique challenges. ↳ The willingness to adapt and accommodate without hesitation. ↳ The culture that celebrates differences rather than merely tolerating them. It's recognizing that every employee's experience matters. When your team members feel: ↳ Safe to express their ideas, ↳ Confident to ask for what they need, and ↳ Certain that they belong, That's the true measure of inclusivity. It's not a statement on your website—it's the heartbeat of your organization. Let's build a place where everyone feels they are part of something bigger. Because true inclusivity can't be written—it must be lived.

    • A quote graphic by Puneet Singh Singhal. The text reads: "Your organization’s inclusivity isn’t measured by the polished DEI statement on your website. It’s judged by how your employees feel every day they show up to work." The background is a dark blue color, and the text is in a white font, providing a clear contrast. At the top left, there is a profile picture of Puneet Singh Singhal next to his name, which is accompanied by a verified badge. The quote emphasizes the importance of genuine inclusivity in the workplace beyond surface-level statements.
  • Billion Strong reposted this

    Dear Organizations, You don't get to ask your disabled and neurodivergent employees to provide endless 'inspiration' while doing nothing about inaccessibility and ableist behaviors. Have you considered the message you're sending when you applaud our resilience but ignore our requests for reasonable accommodations? When you share our stories to showcase diversity but fail to address the barriers we face every day? It's time to rethink how you engage with us. You might think, "But aren't we celebrating their achievements?" There's a difference between genuine appreciation and using someone's experience for inspiration while neglecting their needs. ↳ Inspiration without action is empty. ↳ It feels good but leads to no real change. Consider this: Why do stories of overcoming adversity appeal so much, while the systemic issues causing that adversity remain unaddressed? Is it because it’s easier to admire someone’s perseverance than to confront the realities of ableism in your organization? Ableism isn’t always obvious. ↳ It can be subtle—like holding meetings without considering sensory sensitivities. ↳ Or ignoring accessibility in digital platforms. These behaviors add up, creating environments where we feel undervalued. So, what can you do? First, listen. ↳ Engage with us openly, without expecting us to educate you for free. Second, act. ↳ Review your policies. ↳ Are they truly inclusive? Third, respect. ↳ Value us for our skills and contributions, not just our stories. It’s time to move from performative gestures to meaningful action. True inclusion is built on respect, equity, and real support. So, will you continue to seek inspiration without change, or create the inclusive environment we all deserve? The choice is yours.

  • Billion Strong reposted this

    Dear Organizations, You don't get to ask your disabled and neurodivergent employees to provide endless 'inspiration' while doing nothing about inaccessibility and ableist behaviors. Have you considered the message you're sending when you applaud our resilience but ignore our requests for reasonable accommodations? When you share our stories to showcase diversity but fail to address the barriers we face every day? It's time to rethink how you engage with us. You might think, "But aren't we celebrating their achievements?" There's a difference between genuine appreciation and using someone's experience for inspiration while neglecting their needs. ↳ Inspiration without action is empty. ↳ It feels good but leads to no real change. Consider this: Why do stories of overcoming adversity appeal so much, while the systemic issues causing that adversity remain unaddressed? Is it because it’s easier to admire someone’s perseverance than to confront the realities of ableism in your organization? Ableism isn’t always obvious. ↳ It can be subtle—like holding meetings without considering sensory sensitivities. ↳ Or ignoring accessibility in digital platforms. These behaviors add up, creating environments where we feel undervalued. So, what can you do? First, listen. ↳ Engage with us openly, without expecting us to educate you for free. Second, act. ↳ Review your policies. ↳ Are they truly inclusive? Third, respect. ↳ Value us for our skills and contributions, not just our stories. It’s time to move from performative gestures to meaningful action. True inclusion is built on respect, equity, and real support. So, will you continue to seek inspiration without change, or create the inclusive environment we all deserve? The choice is yours.

  • Billion Strong reposted this

    View profile for Debra Ruh, graphic

    CEO, Ruh Global IMPACT | Founder, Billion Strong | Global Disability Inclusion & Accessibility Strategist |CoHost of AXSChat | Global Women of Influence | 3 x Author | US State Speaker |AI4Good | Tech4Good | Collaborator

    Organizations with decades of experience often claim that inaccessibility is 'unintentional.' But is that acceptable? To the disability community, it feels like a hollow excuse—a clear signal that we aren't welcome to work, participate, or exercise our rights. It's not about ignorance; it's about priorities. When accessibility isn't prioritized, it shows inclusivity isn't genuinely valued. With information readily available, how can organizations still ignore such a critical issue? You might wonder, "Isn't it possible they just didn't realize?" But would other groups receive the same leniency if they were consistently excluded? Intentional or not, the impact is the same—exclusion perpetuates inequality, and good intentions don’t erase the harm of inaccessibility. It's not about blaming, but recognizing patterns. When organizations repeatedly fail to make spaces and services accessible, despite resources, it raises questions about their commitment. "But accessibility upgrades are costly," some might argue. Yet, investing in accessibility fosters participation and innovation. Inclusive design benefits everyone—like curb cuts that help wheelchair users, parents with strollers, and travelers with luggage. Imagine being eager to contribute, only to face barriers—not due to a lack of skills, but because the environment isn't accommodating. It's unjust, and organizations miss out on diverse talents, hindering their growth. So, what's the solution? It's time for organizations to move beyond excuses and act: ➠ Educate themselves about accessibility standards. ➠ Engage with the disability community in planning. ➠ Commit to continuous improvement. By doing this, organizations can say: "We see you, we value you, and you are welcome here." It's not too late to make accessibility the norm, not the exception.

    • A quote graphic by Debra Ruh. The text reads: "Organizations with decades of experience and unlimited information available, claiming inaccessibility as 'unintentional' is a hollow excuse. It’s a clear message: the disability community isn’t wanted. They don't want us to work, participate, or exercise our civil rights like everyone else." The background is a dark maroon color, and the text is in white font for clear contrast. At the top left, there is a profile picture of Debra Ruh next to her name, accompanied by a verified badge. The quote calls out organizations that use inaccessibility as an excuse and highlights the exclusion faced by the disability community.
  • Billion Strong reposted this

    Stop being irritated by disabled people's anger at society and the Government for exclusion, ableism, and inaccessibility. Instead: Be angry with us. Understand that we're angry for a reason—because we're fighting for your future, too. Disability can happen to anyone, and aging is an ultimate reality. We’re demanding a world that’s ready for all of this. #WeAreBillionStrong #AXSChat #DisabilityInclusion #SDGs #Accessibility #Ableism

    Instead of Being Angry at Us, Be Angry With Us

    Instead of Being Angry at Us, Be Angry With Us

    Puneet Singh Singhal on LinkedIn

  • Billion Strong reposted this

    View profile for Debra Ruh, graphic

    CEO, Ruh Global IMPACT | Founder, Billion Strong | Global Disability Inclusion & Accessibility Strategist |CoHost of AXSChat | Global Women of Influence | 3 x Author | US State Speaker |AI4Good | Tech4Good | Collaborator

    View profile for idir Ouguindi, graphic

    Consultant en développement Inclusif et Handicap Enseignant en sciences économiques et sociales Coordinateur de la vie scolaire

    خلال اليومين الماضيين من برنامج الزيارة حضرنا اجتماعا متميزا ومركزا بمقر وزارة العمل مع السيد أكينيمي بانجو، كبير مستشاري السياسات، والسيد سكوت مايكل روبرتسون، كبير مستشاري السياسات من مكتب سياسة توظيف ذوي الإعاقة. والذي يعتبر أحد ابرز مكاتب وزارة العمل الأمريكية، وقد قدّم المسؤولين عنه أهم تدخلاته سواءً اتجاه الوزارت او او الوكلات الفيدرالية ، وقد وتركزت المناقشات على تعزيز نجاح ولوج الاشخاص في وضعية اعاقة للعمل من خلال الجهود التعاونية بين القطاعين العام والقطاع الخاص .وقد أثيرت العديد من الأسئلة حول كيفية تعزيز الحكومة الفيدرالية للتعاون بين القطاعات العامة والخاصة والمنظمات غير الحكومية لدعم قابلية توظيف الأشخاص ذوي الإعاقة. ويمكن القول ان هذا النهج يمكن أن يساعد على خلق فرص وظيفية جديدة ذات جودة أفضل ، وأعتقد أنه يمكن اعتباره من الممارسات الفضلى التي يجب على المغرب 🇲🇦 أن يستحضرها. كما حضرنا اجتماع رفيع المستوى بمقر كتابة الدولة في الخارجية الامريكية 🇺🇸، تمحورت اللقاءات حول الجهود المبذولة لتشجيع ومساعدة الحكومات الأجنبية ومنظمات المجتمع المدني على زيادة الالتزام والقدرة على حماية الحقوق وضمان ادماج الاشخاص ذوي الإعاقة ومشاركتهم الكاملة. كما تم التواصل مع مكتب الديمقراطية وحقوق الإنسان DRL في زوال نفس اليوم ، حضرنا اجتماع مثمر وشيق مع السيدة ديبورا روه، مؤسسة ورئيسة تنفيذية لشركة Ruh Global IMPACT، والسيد ريتشارد ستريتز، كبير مسؤولي العمليات في شركة Ruh Global IMPACT بمدينة واشنطن. ركزت المناقشة على قانون الأمريكيين ذوي الإعاقة (ADA)، وتعزيز إمكانية الوصول إلى التكنولوجيا للأفراد ذوي الإعاقة، وتعزيز الدعوة لسياسات الإدماج في الولايات المتحدة والعالم. كان اجتماعًا مثمرًا حيث تبادلنا الأفكار واستكشفنا السبل المحتملة للتعاون في المستقبل، وخاصة في مجال توظيف الأشخاص ذوي الإعاقة. كما قمنا بزيارة المجلس القومي للإعاقة حيث تمت مناقشة دوره في تقديم المشورة للجهات الاتحادية والحكومية بالتعاون مع الاشخاص ذوي الإعاقة ومناصرتهم.

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  • Billion Strong reposted this

    View profile for Debra Ruh, graphic

    CEO, Ruh Global IMPACT | Founder, Billion Strong | Global Disability Inclusion & Accessibility Strategist |CoHost of AXSChat | Global Women of Influence | 3 x Author | US State Speaker |AI4Good | Tech4Good | Collaborator

    At Ruh Global IMPACT, we are dedicated to advancing accessibility and inclusion for people with disabilities and older adults worldwide. As part of our commitment, we are expanding our services to support the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Through our Inclusion Think Tank, we are leveraging our expertise to provide innovative solutions in: ➠ Inclusive Smart Cities ➠ Inclusive Employment ➠ Inclusive Education ➠ e-Health and Healthcare Services All tailored to meet the unique needs of this diverse region. We are committed to collaborating with governments, organizations, and stakeholders across the Arab world to create more inclusive communities for all. #InclusiveMENA #DisabilityInclusion #eHealthForAll #AccessibleEducation #EmpoweringCommunities #RuhGlobal #WeAreBillionStrong Read this blog by Nabil Eid for more information: https://lnkd.in/eAVz_VMg

    Ruh Global IMPACT - Expanding Accessibility and Inclusion Services to the MENA Region

    Ruh Global IMPACT - Expanding Accessibility and Inclusion Services to the MENA Region

    Nabil Eid on LinkedIn

  • View organization page for Billion Strong, graphic

    2,083 followers

    Inclusion Think Tank: Billion Strong proudly recognizes Ruh Global IMPACT as our founding force and unwavering supporter. Their vision and commitment to advancing accessibility and disability inclusion globally laid the foundation for our movement. Through their leadership, #BillionStrong has grown into a global community uniting over 1.3 billion people with disabilities. #RuhGlobal’s expansion into the #MiddleEast and #NorthAfrica reflects their dedication to making a lasting difference worldwide. Together, we are championing the rights, empowerment, and inclusion of people with disabilities across all sectors, ensuring that every individual has the opportunity to thrive. #WeAreBillionStrong

    View profile for Nabil Eid, graphic

    Co-Founder & CSO at Billion Strong | CIO at Ruh Global IMPACT | Disability Inclusion Architect | Author | Speaker | ICT & Digital Accessibility Specialist | Championing A11Y in the Middle East

    At Ruh Global IMPACT, we are dedicated to advancing accessibility and inclusion for people with disabilities and older adults worldwide. As part of our commitment, we are expanding our services to support the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Through our(Inclusion Think Tank), we are leveraging our expertise to provide innovative solutions in Inclusive Smart Cities, Inclusive Employment, Inclusive Education, e-health, and healthcare care services, all tailored to meet the unique needs of this diverse region.  We are committed to collaborating with governments, organizations, and stakeholders across the Arab world to create more inclusive communities for all. #InclusiveMENA #DisabilityInclusion #eHealthForAll #AccessibleEducation #EmpoweringCommunities #RuhGlobal #WeAreBillionStrong

    Ruh Global IMPACT - Expanding Accessibility and Inclusion Services to the MENA Region

    Ruh Global IMPACT - Expanding Accessibility and Inclusion Services to the MENA Region

    Nabil Eid on LinkedIn

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