That Agile Autistic

"I don’t see disability." Oh, really? Well, then you must be missing a lot. You don’t see inaccessibility—the steps that block a wheelchair, the lack of captions that exclude the Deaf, or the websites that are impossible to navigate with a screen reader. You don’t see ableism and oppression—the microaggressions, the stares, the assumptions that disabled people are either "inspiring" or a "burden". You don’t see reasonable adjustments—because you’ve never had to fight for something as basic as the right to do your job or live your life with dignity. You don’t see disabled people. When you say “I don’t see disability,” what you’re really saying is that you refuse to see the barriers that disabled people face every single day. You’re erasing our struggles, our realities, and ultimately, our humanity. Disability isn’t something to ignore or pretend doesn’t exist. It’s real, it’s part of people’s lives, and choosing not to see it doesn’t make you progressive—it makes you part of the problem. If you truly want to be inclusive, start by seeing the obstacles we face, the accommodations we need, and the respect we deserve. Stop hiding behind the idea that “disability doesn’t matter” and recognize that it does. A lot. Because when you don’t see disability, you’re only making sure the world stays inaccessible for those who live with it every day.

🌟🌟Today is my 6-year Autiversary!🌟🌟 Six years ago, I embraced my autistic identity, and it’s been a journey of growth, learning, and self-discovery ever since. Here’s what I’ve learned along the way: ✨ Authenticity is Power – Owning my autism has allowed me to show up as my true self, with all my strengths and quirks. It’s been liberating to live without masks. 💪 Challenges Build Resilience – Whether it’s sensory overload or navigating social situations, every challenge has made me more resilient. It’s taught me to be patient with myself and others. 📢 Advocacy Matters – Over the years, I’ve found my voice in advocating for autism awareness and acceptance. Speaking up has created space for more understanding and inclusion. 🤝 Community is Key – Finding fellow autistics has been life-changing. There’s something so empowering about connecting with people who just get it. 🌱 Keep Growing – Every step in this journey is a chance to grow. I’ve learned that challenges can be opportunities in disguise. As I celebrate this milestone, I’m filled with gratitude for the journey and excited for what’s ahead. Here’s to many more years of growth and advocating for acceptance! 💪✨ #Autiversary #AutisticAndProud #KeepGrowing

Cure what? #NoThanksImGood #AutismAtWork #DEI #Accessibility

💛 Today is World Suicide Prevention Day 💛 It's a day to remind ourselves that everyone matters—your life matters. If you're struggling with thoughts of suicide, I want you to know you're not alone. Did you know? Autistic individuals are three times more likely to experience suicidal thoughts and behaviors. We need to create safer spaces for those with autism, where their unique struggles are understood and supported. Tips for when you're feeling overwhelmed: 1. Reach out to someone you trust: Even if it feels hard, talking to someone can create space for hope. 2. Breathe and ground yourself: Practice mindfulness—focusing on your breath can help center your mind. ⁠3. Protect yourself: If you have ideations or a plan, remove or lock up those implements. 4. Seek professional help: Therapists, counselors, and hotlines are ready to listen without judgment. Call 988 (In the US and Canada. For those who want to help: 1. Be there: Sometimes, just being present is enough. Listen without trying to "fix" things. 2. Ask the hard questions: It's okay to ask someone directly if they're thinking about suicide. It can open up a conversation. 3. Encourage seeking support: Help them connect with resources like crisis lines or professional care.   Together, we can make a difference. You are loved, you are important, and your story isn't over. 💛 ⁠https://lnkd.in/eH_gP97H #WorldSuicidePreventionDay #YouAreNotAlone #AutismAndSuicide #MentalHealthMatters

🧠💡 Why Do I Support and Attend All ERGs? 💡🧠 It's a short answer - To be a better ally.   Longer answer...   🌱 It's not the responsibility of marginalized communities to educate us; we owe it to ourselves to do the work, read, and learn. That said, if we're invited into a space where meaningful conversations are happening, we should take advantage of those opportunities to learn more about the community and ourselves.   📚 Opportunities to learn exist everywhere, especially when we immerse ourselves in spaces where these important discussions take place. In the before times, there was a non-profit in STL called Venture Cafe that hosted Thursday gatherings, providing a space to "Connect. Learn. Share." I attended so many interesting talks by thought leaders, innovators, and fledgling startups.   👂 One presentation that stuck with me was from Women in Product. By sitting and listening, I connected what I had read with the real-life experiences they were sharing. One common example they discussed was how people, often men, talk over or interrupt women in meetings or repeat something a woman just said, only for them to receive credit.   🧠 Ultimately, by being open to these experiences, I can expand my worldview and learn how to be a better human and ally. By embracing new perspectives, we become more empathetic, informed, and better equipped to make a positive impact.   ⁉ Here's an example of that stolen valor. https://lnkd.in/gMjyAvXd   🎯 Here's the original post she wrote about an amazing woman whose history I had also never heard about. ⁠https://lnkd.in/gKxGhWnd    But I know now, and so do you.⁠💡✨ #Diversity #Inclusion #LifelongLearning #Allyship #Leadership #Empathy

🌟 Celebrating Neurodiversity this Disability Pride Month! 🌟 July is Disability Pride Month—a time to honor the unique experiences and contributions of individuals with disabilities, including those who are neurodivergent. Neurodiversity enriches our workplaces and communities with fresh perspectives and innovative ideas. 💡✨ Let's make this month count by creating spaces that champion accessibility, understanding, and support for all. Here are some tips to get started: 📚 Educate Yourself and Your Team: Learn about ADHD, autism, dyslexia, and more. Knowledge is power! 🧘♂️ Create Inclusive Workspaces: Think quiet zones, flexible seating, and noise-canceling headphones. Small changes, big impact! 🗣️ Encourage Open Communication: Foster a culture where employees feel safe to share their needs. Support starts with listening. 🚀 Leverage Strengths: Recognize and harness the unique talents of neurodivergent individuals—attention to detail, creative problem-solving, and high focus are game-changers! 🏠💼 Provide Flexible Work Options: Flexibility in hours and remote work can make a world of difference. Let's meet people where they are. 🌱 Promote Mental Health Support: Make sure mental health resources are accessible to everyone. A supportive environment boosts well-being and productivity. Together, we can create a world where everyone, regardless of neurological differences, can thrive and succeed. Let's celebrate and embrace our diversity! 🎉 #DisabilityPride #Neurodiversity #InclusionMatters #DiversityandInclusion #EmbraceDifferences #WorkplaceInclusion #CelebrateDiversity #Accessibility #NeurodivergentStrengths

🧠💡 Embracing Neurodiversity: Celebrating Unique Thought Processes 💡🧠 There are times when I struggle with a task. The issue often isn't in finishing the task, it's in even starting the task. I often say, "I need to know what your PB&J sandwich looks like." While most NeuroTypicals can take the abstract, plan the work back from that, and then work the plan forward, I need the details of the plan and output before I can consider the abstract. Even if something is essentially the same, psychologically it can be completely different. This idea is at the core of neurodiversity—celebrating the unique ways our brains work! Neurodiversity includes ADHD, autism, dyslexia, and more. Each condition brings its own strengths, challenges, and perspectives, enriching our understanding of human potential. By embracing neurodiversity, we create environments where diverse minds thrive. It's about inclusive workplaces harnessing unique strengths—creativity, hyperfocus, pattern recognition—to drive innovation! 🚀 Let's champion neurodiversity with these steps: 🔍 Educate and Raise Awareness Host workshops and training sessions to help everyone understand neurodiverse conditions. Share resources and stories of individuals with neurodiverse conditions. 🌟 Create an Inclusive Environment Implement flexible working arrangements to accommodate different work styles. Design workspaces that reduce sensory overload and boost comfort for everyone. 🗣️ Foster Open Communication Encourage open dialogue about neurodiversity and mental health. Provide feedback and support channels, ensuring everyone feels heard and valued. Be direct when asking questions or requesting information. 🎯 Leverage Diverse Strengths Identify and utilize individual strengths like problem-solving, creativity, and attention to detail. Promote team collaborations that blend diverse cognitive approaches for innovative results. Let's embrace neurodiversity not just as a concept, but as a practice. Valuing diverse ways of thinking paves the way for more inclusive, empathetic, and innovative communities! 🌟 #Neurodiversity #Inclusion #DiversityandInclusion #InnovativeThinking #Empowerment

🌟 Embracing Disability Pride Month: Celebrating Neurodiversity and Intersectionality 🌟 Not to be a downer but, statistically speaking, we will all experience some form of disability in our lifetime. This Disability Pride Month, let's shine a light on the incredible strengths of neurodivergent individuals and the vital role of intersectionality. Neurodiversity Rocks 🎉: 💡Neurodivergent people, including those with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and more, bring unique, creative perspectives that challenge conventional thinking. 🚀Their innovative problem-solving skills often lead to groundbreaking solutions and fresh approaches that drive progress. 🌈Embracing neurodiversity enriches our workplaces and communities, fostering a culture of innovation and inclusivity. Intersectionality Matters 🌍: 🔄Disability intersects with race, gender, age, socioeconomic status, and many other aspects of identity, creating unique experiences and challenges. 🏘️Recognizing that everyone will experience disability at some point in their lives highlights the importance of creating inclusive environments that support all individuals. 🤝Understanding and addressing these intersections helps build a truly equitable and just society where everyone feels seen and valued. Promoting Inclusivity & Accessibility ♿: 🌟Inclusivity means more than just physical accessibility; it's about creating environments where everyone feels respected and valued for their unique contributions. 💻This includes implementing accessible technology, offering flexible work arrangements, and developing supportive policies that cater to diverse needs. 🌱Ensuring that everyone, regardless of their abilities, has the opportunity to succeed and contribute leads to a more dynamic and productive community. Empowering Through Pride 💪: 🏅Celebrating Disability Pride means recognizing and honoring the strengths and contributions of individuals with disabilities. 🌺It involves challenging stereotypes, breaking down barriers, and promoting a culture of understanding and acceptance. 🌈Empowering individuals to bring their whole selves to every aspect of their lives enriches our community, fostering a vibrant, inclusive society. Let's use Disability Pride Month to raise awareness, advocate for accessibility, and champion the rights of neurodivergent individuals. Together, we can build a world where everyone thrives and contributes their best! 🌍💙 Image of recommended reading - The Country of the Blind: A Memoir at the End of Sight - by Andrew Leland #DisabilityPrideMonth #Neurodiversity #ActuallyAutistic #AutismAwareness #DEI #Equity #InclusionMatters #Intersectionality #DiversityandInclusion

🤝 The Power of Selfless Leadership in Supporting Neurodivergent Employees 🤝 In my adult life, I've worked beside Leaders and beneath bosses (capitalization intentional). Those Leaders helped me grow and chase my dreams. The bosses were anchors who often ruled by fear. In my first management role, as a bar manager, I was given a book to read by the dining room director, titled 'Who Moved My Cheese?' As I read that book, I realized that he largely did the opposite of the suggestions in the book, often to disastrous results within his team. While I've grown the most under some amazing Leaders, I've also learned the most about what not to do under some terrible bosses. What did I learn, I'm glad you asked! I learned that lifting up others DID NOT diminish me. So let's talk about Selfless Leadership! In today’s diverse workplace, selfless leadership is key. By prioritizing our team’s needs, we foster an environment where everyone can succeed. Here’s how to support our neurodivergent colleagues: 🌟 Personalized Accommodations Understanding individual needs starts with open conversations. Ask, listen, and proactively check in to offer tailored support. It’s about making small adjustments that can make a big difference. 💬 Open Communication Creating a safe space for honest dialogue is essential. Build trust within your team and provide training on neurodiversity to promote empathy and understanding. Open communication helps everyone feel heard and valued. 🤗 Culture of Acceptance Celebrate the unique strengths of neurodivergent team members. Lead by example with empathy, patience, and flexibility. When we embrace diversity, we foster a more innovative and inclusive workplace. 🏢 Supportive Policies Flexible work arrangements, like remote work and adjustable hours, can make a significant impact. Clear and consistent communication ensures everyone knows what to expect and can perform at their best. 🔄 Continuous Improvement Regularly seek feedback from your team and be open to making changes based on their input. This ongoing process helps us grow as leaders and create a more supportive environment for all. By practicing selfless leadership, we enrich our teams with diverse talents and perspectives. Let’s create workplaces where everyone feels valued and can thrive. 💪✨ Image credit: https://lnkd.in/gNYTQuz6 #ActuallyAutistic #Leadership #Neurodiversity #Inclusion #Support #SelflessLeadership #TeamSuccess

🎉 Celebrating Juneteenth: A Day of Freedom and Reflection 🎉 Today, we honor Juneteenth, a key milestone in American history symbolizing freedom, resilience, and the ongoing fight for justice. On June 19, 1865, the news of the Emancipation Proclamation finally reached Galveston, Texas, ending slavery in the United States. This powerful day, Juneteenth, reminds us of the long journey to freedom and our continued pursuit of true equality. Juneteenth isn't just a historical milestone; it's a reminder of the work still needed to achieve true equality. Here’s how we can honor this day: 🔍 Educate and Reflect: Learn about the history and significance of Juneteenth. Reflect on the progress made and the challenges that remain in the fight against racial injustice. 🤝 Support Black Communities: Amplify Black voices and support Black-owned businesses. Invest in initiatives that promote equity and justice. 📚 Commit to Inclusion: Foster inclusive environments where diversity is celebrated. Encourage open dialogues about race and equality in your workplace and community. 💡 Take Action: Advocate for policies and practices that dismantle systemic racism. Use your platform to drive meaningful change. Juneteenth is a day to celebrate freedom and recommit to the pursuit of justice for all. Together, we can build a more inclusive and equitable society. https://lnkd.in/gqvPZFF #Juneteenth #BIPOC #DEI #FreedomDay #Equality #Inclusion #Diversity #Justice #BlackHistory #CelebrateDiversity #TogetherWeRise