BART’s Post

A powerful, well-written story about the progress made by the disability rights movement globally.: "Much of the historical progress has come from local communities and organizations made of people whose loved ones had a disability. Today, advocacy communities made of these allies still influence larger policy changes. For example, in Canada, local advocates and their communities have called for international accountability when their provincial governments instate unequal pension policies and have continued pushing for specific changes to improve accessible infrastructure. This is only a small example of how years of advocacy have achieved tangible changes in how society operates to improve the lives of people with disabilities. " https://ow.ly/iiwy50ReswP movement, moving from inclusion towards leadership.

On April 3rd, Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund (DREDF) filed an amicus brief in support of the plaintiffs-respondents in the upcoming landmark U.S. Supreme Court case Johnson v Grants Pass. Twenty-three disability rights organizations and scholars, including WID, signed on to the amicus brief, which was written with the help of pro bono partners from the international law firm O’Melveny & Myers. Johnson v. Grants Pass is the most important case regarding homelessness in the past 40 years. It will address the critical issue of whether laws punishing homeless individuals for sleeping outdoors with basic protections such as a pillow or blanket – when no safe and accessible shelter options are available – are violations of the Eighth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which protects against excessive bail, fines, and cruel and unusual punishment. The Supreme Court will hear argument in the case on April 22, 2024. DREDF's brief discussed how unique challenges and deep-rooted stigmas present people with disabilities with persistent challenges in accessing and navigating foundational systems for basic survival and place disabled people at increased risk of homelessness. The brief also discussed how grossly disproportionate the impact municipal prohibitions on sleeping in public spaces are on people with disabilities, and the significant harm criminalization based on housing status causes disabled people.

July is Disability Pride Month, a time to honor the history, challenges, and achievements of the disability community. This month is also an important reminder of the ongoing efforts needed to ensure that people with disabilities are recognized, included, and supported in all aspects of society. Accessibe's latest blog post, "Disability Pride Month: Celebrating Inclusion and Advocacy," dives deep into the significance of this month, its origins, and the continuous journey towards a more inclusive world. Disability Pride Month was established to commemorate the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) on July 26, 1990, a landmark legislation prohibiting discrimination based on disability. Beyond celebration, this month is a call to action for increased awareness, advocacy, and inclusion. Join us in celebrating and advocating for a more inclusive world. Check out accessiBe's blog to learn more and find out how you can contribute to this important movement. Let's continue to work together to break down barriers and create a society where everyone can thrive. 🔗 https://lnkd.in/e3-Kgqdk #DisabilityPrideMonth #Inclusion #Advocacy #DisabilityAwareness #Accessibility #Accessibe #Empowerment

How well do you know the history of the disability rights movement? In the United States, July 26 is recognized annually as National Disability Independence Day, commemorating the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) into law in 1990. The landmark legislation has served as a de facto bill of rights for Americans with disabilities by assuring their access to economic and civic opportunities. Its passage represented an unprecedented bipartisan effort to acknowledge the centuries of discrimination suffered by the disability community, and a fundamental change to how they live their lives. The story of the ADA remains a significant chapter in U.S. history and the ongoing struggle for disability rights. On the 34th anniversary of this important civil rights law’s passage, let’s take a closer look at its origins and how it has changed the lives of so many for the better. #a11y #Accessibility #ADA #DigitalInclusion

Happy Disability Pride Month! As the linked article states, "July is an occasion to celebrate people with disabilities, ... and applaud their achievements. July is also a powerful reminder about the importance of disability rights and why we fight for them. While some progress is being made ... more should be done before we live in a truly inclusive world." Let's keep our minds open to how we can make the world as inclusive and accessible as possible, for ALL. #disabilitypride #disabilitypridemonth https://lnkd.in/gRrZ7-Da

This is important

**Reflecting on Judy Human's "Being Human": A Masterclass in Resilience and Advocacy** Just finished "Being Human" by Judy Human and I'm compelled to share how profoundly it has impacted me. This memoir goes beyond sharing a journey; it’s a deep dive into the essence of humanity, resilience, and the unyielding fight for equality, particularly from the perspective of disability rights. Judy Human's life story is not just inspirational but a critical call to action. Her narrative, skillfully blending personal experiences with broader socio-political undercurrents, serves as a vivid reminder of the power of advocacy, empathy, and solidarity. What Judy teaches us through her struggles and victories is that the fight for equality is not just necessary but deeply enriching to our collective human condition. For anyone like myself, living with a disability, or working within the spheres of disability rights and advocacy, this book is a treasure trove of motivation, enlightenment, and a reminder of the indomitable spirit inherent within us all. Judy’s ability to present her life’s work and insights makes "Being Human" not just a memoir, but a manifesto for meaningful change and inclusivity. This book challenges us to view disabilities not as barriers but as unique lenses through which we can enrich our understanding of humanity. It is a guide for not only those navigating life with disabilities but for professionals keen on making a real difference in their fields. "Being Human" stands out as more than literary work; it’s a beacon of hope and a transformative call to build a more inclusive, empathetic, and equal society. Judy Human, through her relentless advocacy and the power of her story, reminds us that true humanity involves resilience, compassion, and the pursuit of justice for all. To anyone looking to be inspired, educated, and called to action, I cannot recommend this book enough. It embodies the profound impact of shared stories and struggles, urging us all to work towards a more inclusive and empathetic world. An absolute must-read!

Powerful idea! Advocate for pedestrian safety improvements by submitting a video of your walk audit.

July is Disability Pride Month. The history of the disability pride flag is an interesting lesson in being willing to listen and learn: https://lnkd.in/eTwKNF8t The short version is: 1. A woman with cerebral palsy designed the original flag. It looked like a multi-colored and striped lightning bolt (with symbolism in all of its components). 2. Disabled people were pleased to have a flag that represented them. But the jagged corners of the lightning-bolt design made it difficult for some disabled people to view on digital screens. The red and green stripes being next to each other made it difficult for people with red-green colorblindness to see it as it was intended. The brightness and contrast of the colors were difficult for some people to process. Some of those people spoke up about their difficulties with the flag that was supposed to represent them. 3. The woman who designed the flag took the feedback and redesigned the flag to accommodate people with different disabilities from her. The message here isn't: Wow, isn't it amazing that a disabled woman designed a flag? It's more like: Isn't it cool that this disabled woman wasn't so attached to her own ideas that it prevented her from taking valid criticism from other people? Maybe her experiences in life have taught her things that I haven't been challenged to learn yet (or that I've avoided learning). Maybe if I actually listen to disabled people and learn about their experience navigating the world, I can learn how to make the world a more accessible place for everyone instead of just using disabled people as a way to feel better about my lot in life. I'm not disabled. I'm not an authority on this stuff. I probably got something wrong here. I guess that's part of the point. We all get stuff wrong, and it's often pretty difficult to identify that wrong stuff on our own. Are you listening when other people identify it? #DisabilityPrideMonth #disability #disabled

Hey everyone Disability Pride Month: Celebrating Inclusion and Advocacy Celebrating Disability Pride Month encourages businesses, organizations, and communities to evaluate and improve their accessibility - both online and offline. Here's how: https://lnkd.in/em-EuxUn I hope you will comment and repost my content, together we can move the needle. accessiBe #disability #employment #business a@accessibe