Communitas Supportive Care Society’s Post

One of the most exciting and enjoyable parts of my job is tapping into my creative side. Those who know me know that I have strong opinions (fair) and that I love telling a compelling and insightful story - particularly if it motivates people to think about themselves and their perceptions of the world around them. Content in the disability space can veer quite easily into telling stories in ways that hit a sour note, focusing on how “inspiring” someone’s experience has been and how they’ve had to overcome challenge after challenge, barrier after barrier. But this type of content misses the mark. Disabilities are a normal, every day, ordinary part of life. It’s not inspiring to watch someone’s resilience in the face of persistent discrimination or navigating a world designed for some, but not all. It’s frustrating! We created this piece (and a series to come) that focuses instead on the ordinary (but wonderful!) people in the Melwood community. We hope it challenges the idea that having a disability is anything but normal. And if you do leave it inspired, I hope it is to join the work to break down those barriers, embrace universal design, reimagine and challenge the dynamics in the workplace or community that puts anyone at a disadvantage. We all want to be accepted in our community. To be included. This project was a fun way to challenge that dynamic. I hope you enjoy our new video!

Youth with disabilities are the most valuable and innovative contributors to the issues that affect them. Whether in the classroom, employment, or in their community, their lived experiences drive innovative solutions to systemic challenges of inclusion. Discover how young people like Mustulah Nalubwana are creating a more inclusive and accessible world for all. https://bit.ly/3GxFLED

Equality 360 members receive FREE access to all of our incredible monthly webinars! These aren't your typical log in, screen off, do you work in the background Webinars... They are engaging, interactive and hands-on. Our webinars are extremely informative and you leave with a framework, new tool or activity that you can apply and practice in your workplace! Join us next week to learn more about the Social Model of Disability and how to apply it effectively in the workplace! #DisabilityPride #SocialModelofDisability #DisabilityEquity #DisabilityJustice

Come and learn about Inclusion in the workplace, for everyone, and meet Philip, from RespectAbility, disability-led nonprofit that works to create systemic change in how society views and values people with disabilities, and that advances policies and practices that empower people with disabilities to have a better future. A MUST SEE. https://lnkd.in/dHmAdkXK

💯💯💯 Are you an organization looking to enhance your current DEI programming with a more disability inclusive lens? Reach out to me here or via my website www.kfreyconsulting.com to learn about how I can help. #disabilityinclusion #disabilityadvocate #disabilityawareness

Close the disability representation gap in film and TV. So important to attend to both hiring practices and mentoring. I think other organizations can be learning from the intentional focused work of the Inevitable Foundation . I also really like their statement “there is no diversity, equity and inclusion without disability” (Inevitable Foundation). How are the organizations that I am and you are connected to doing at disability at hiring practices, representation, retention, and leadership opportunities? Invite those conversations where you live and/work.

There's No Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion without #Disability Thank you to the Inevitable Foundation for this important paradigm-shifting campaign. One of my frustrations over the past several years has been sitting at #DEI tables and being the only entity interested in #inclusion of persons with #disabilities as well as #olderadults. In this country, people who have characteristics of either or both categories are siloed, excluded, marginalized. Few know that the status quo of programs, products, and places (and the policies that govern them) are contributing to this as they are dis-abling and discriminatory. But they don't have to be. We create for a perceived norm, thinking we are meeting the needs of the average and everyone else can adapt. But if you understand person:environment fit you know that we actually create for a small subset of the population, requiring everyone else to adapt. The farther a person is from the norm, the more they struggle to adapt. This not only costs them in dignity, independence, and money, but negatively impacts employers and society economically and through the loss of meaningful contributions of very diverse populations. It doesn't have to be this way--we can enable people to THRIVE! by design. In addition to the important work of the Inevitable Foundation, check out the important work of John Robinson of Our Ability, Inc. as well as Bret Lieberman of #YesICan to see how it's being done...and learn more about enabling people to thrive by design at https://lnkd.in/gbKvM9RT #abilitynotdisability #silverexodus #silverbraindrain #neurodiversity #sensoryfriendly

Why is lived experience so important for service and product design? 1 — Personal experiences play a vital role in democratic engagement, offering marginalised communities real chances to shape policies based on their firsthand expertise. 2 — When policymaking includes voices from people with disabilities, it's not just about the end result. The journey itself fosters social inclusion, bringing together and empowering both individuals with disabilities and their allies. 3 – There are significant perks for individuals with disabilities too. Studies show that those who participate in shaping policies gain valuable skills, knowledge, confidence, and a stronger sense of self-worth.

🌐 On International Day of Persons with Disabilities, let's remember to create inclusive spaces for all. Even though it’s been over 30 years since the Americans with Disabilities Act was signed into law, we still have work to do across our industry. It's not just about checking boxes; it's about embracing accessibility and inclusion as advantages for all. Let’s revisit the 2023 NAA Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Awareness Week, where we sat down with an invited panel of experts to discuss how to address implicit biases, foster change and make our world more accessible while reducing risks and liabilities. Together we can create a more inclusive future. 💫 https://brnw.ch/21wEYWv

Such important, powerful and inspirational words from Caroline Casey !!!