Billion Strong

Empowering people with disabilities and changing the world so that it's more inclusive and accessible is a huge undertaking. We need your help. Please donate today at https://lnkd.in/g4jXV9Tm. #pwd #crowdfunding LaMondre Pough

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.

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.

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.

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

Thank you for including us. It was such a gift to meet you. Let’s collaborate and make the world a better place for all #Moroccans. #WeAreBillionStrong #BillionStrong #AXSChat #DisabilityInclusion #Inclusion #Grassroots #GreenDisability #PeopleWithDisabilities #DIA #DEI #AccessibilityAsWell #WomenOfImpact #WomenOfInfluence Nabil Eid Richard Streitz Puneet Singh Singhal Jasmin Ambiong Roqayah Ajaj رقية عجاج, Ph.D. شكرًا لك على إشراكنا. كان من الرائع مقابلتك. دعونا نتعاون لجعل العالم مكانًا أفضل لجميع المغاربة. #نحن_بليون_سترونج #بليون_سترونج #AXSChat #إدماج_الأشخاص_ذوي_الإعاقة #إدماج #جذور_المجتمع #البيئة_الخضراء_والإعاقة #أصحاب_الهمم #التنوع_والشمولية #التأثير_الاجتماعي #الوصول_للجميع #نساء_مؤثرات #نساء_ذات_تأثير

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

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

Trevor Noah dives into a fascinating topic: "How can AI empower people with disabilities?" Saqib Shaikh, creator of SeeingAI, joins Trevor to show how AI is revolutionizing life for people who are blind or have low vision. He demonstrates how Seeing AI provides detailed descriptions of surroundings—from buildings and film crews to even birdhouses! Why is this important? ● AI is not just tech; it's a tool for independence. ● It transforms how people with disabilities interact with the world. ● Seeing AI offers real-time information, enhancing daily experiences. Key Takeaways from the Video: 1.) Empowerment through technology: AI like Seeing AI opens new possibilities. 2.) Creating independence: No more waiting for assistance—access information instantly. 3.) Breaking barriers: AI helps to navigate spaces, understand environments, and make decisions. Kudos to Saqib Shaikh and your team! They are leading the way in making AI accessible, practical, and genuinely transformative. What’s next? Imagine a world where every tech innovation includes accessibility from the start. AI is a powerful step forward, but there’s so much more to explore. P.S. Check out the video—it's an eye-opener!

Uniting the Voices of the #Caribbean & #Oceania in Global Disability Inclusion! At #BillionStrong, we believe that true change happens when everyone has a seat at the table. That’s why we’re contacting leaders across the Caribbean and Oceania to join our powerful global movement. Our community represents over one billion people with disabilities worldwide, and your voice can help create a more inclusive future. By becoming a Country Partner or Global Advisor, you can help amplify the voices of people with disabilities, advocate for greater accessibility, and foster meaningful change both in your region and globally. Together, we can break barriers and ensure no one is left behind.  Join us today and be part of the transformation! #WeAreBillionStrong Debra Ruh Nabil Eid Richard Streitz Puneet Singh Singhal Jasmin Ambiong