Disability Rights Fund’s Post

Women with Disabilities Victoria (WDV) are losing 48% of their funding, resulting in a loss of 36% of their staff, this includes 19 women and non-binary people with disability. In a crucial time for the disability community, where Royal Commissions, inquiries and reviews have exposed the extreme inequities experienced by women with disability, it is unfathomable that the Commonwealth Government have chosen to no longer fund WDV’s work. Women with disabilities have a right to have their say about government policies that will affect them. Not continuing to fund the very organisation with this remit makes no sense. WDV is calling on Minister Bill Shorten and Minister Amanda Rishworth for WDV’s funding to be re-instated so their critical work can continue after June 2024. WDV is a disabled people's organisation, representing over 1000 members who are women with disabilities. WDV employs 53 staff, a majority of these are also women with disabilities. The funding loss will have a devastating impact on the community; Regional Hubs in Bendigo, Barwon, Moira and Melbourne’s Outer East will disband, leaving many women with disabilities without the monthly meetings they have come to relish and rely on. For many, their only social connection and sole source of disability advocacy and pride will be gone. WDV’s Enabling Women Leadership programs are also being axed after 10 years empowering women with disabilities and transforming lives. Recently retiring from her role as a hub leader in Barwon, Deb Haygarth says “I am shattered to hear of the funding loss. Our hub met monthly for nearly 10 years. It was our safe-haven to share, learn and discuss issues that affect us. We encouraged inclusion and self-advocacy, as being a woman with a disability is not easy. We strived to empower ourselves and rise above our hardships together. This will be a huge loss for the women in this hub.” WDV CEO, Nadia Mattiazzo, wrote to Minister Rishworth after being notified of the funding cut, saying “the government says it is committed to supporting women with disabilities to gain meaningful employment. How can I explain to our staff that at the end of June, they will have no job?”. She continues “we know the Federal Government has acknowledged the additional barriers that women with disabilities experience in gaining employment. We know that women with disabilities experience higher rates of domestic violence than many other sectors of the community and we know that for many women, finding and retaining consistent and long-term employment is a critical factor to escaping domestic violence, reducing isolation, and becoming a part of their community.” WDV calls for immediate action to cover its funding shortfall to continue their Community Inclusion and Women’s Empowerment program and their work to strengthen existing partnerships with women's health services in order to reduce barriers that women with disabilities face in accessing health services. More👇🏼

Breaking New Ground for Disability Rights : Ana Victoria Espino De Santiago Ana Victoria Espino De Santiago, a 25-year-old from Zacatecas, Mexico, has shattered barriers by becoming the first lawyer with Down Syndrome. Her journey through law school was marked by immense challenges, including societal biases and academic obstacles that often hinder individuals with disabilities. But fueled by an unwavering determination, Ana Victoria overcame these hurdles and achieved a remarkable milestone that inspires us all. Her accomplishment serves as a powerful testament to the capabilities of individuals with disabilities. She plans to use her legal education to become a legislator and advocate for policies that promote equality and combat discrimination against people with disabilities. It's time to redefine our perception of individuals with disabilities. Let's assume their potential and watch them achieve extraordinary things. Ana Victoria's story is a shining example of the limitless possibilities that await those who are willing to defy expectations. #Equality #Inclusion #DisabilityRights #Trailblazer #BreakingBarriers #ChampioningChange #RedefiningPossibilities #Leadership #Inspirational #Advocacy #ADGTech

Learning alongside human rights defenders at the University of York within CAHR (centre for applied human rights) was the highlight of my MA program - so delighted the Protection International guide is being further amplified in this wonderful article! I’ll link the guide below! #DisabilityRights #DisabilityJustice #HumanRights

Read more on Advocacy & Disability rights and the story of Chenelle White. #TodaysCare

Inclusion drives innovation: In the 4th century B.C., depictions of people with disabilities began to contrast with the idealized figures of Greek art, raising profound questions about human experience and equality. Today, we’ve made significant strides, with laws like the American Disability Act in the US, the Equality Act in the UK, and similar legislation across the globe, protecting the rights of individuals with disabilities. As we enter October, BlackRobin Group proudly supports National Disability Employment Awareness Month relaying the message and work done by Disability:IN, a non-profit that helps businesses become more inclusive. We look forward to furthering its mission to promote inclusion, diversity, and sustainable growth, both within our organisation and in partnership with others. #DisabilityInclusion #DisabilityEmployment #InclusiveWorkplace #EqualOpportunities #AccessibilityMatters #WorkplaceDiversity #NDEAM (National Disability Employment Awareness Month) #DisabilityRights #impactinvestment #highconviction #convertiblebonds #creditderivatives #fixedincome #blackrobingroup

"Hello there, I hope this message finds you well. My name is Frank and I represent the Michigan Disability Rights Coalition (MDRC). At MDRC, we're passionate about advancing the disability justice movement and fostering inclusivity in all aspects of society. We understand the importance of creating environments where everyone feels valued and included, which is why we offer our Leaders for Inclusion Program. This program provides organizations like yours with comprehensive training and technical assistance at absolutely no cost. Our training covers a range of topics, including disability history, ableism, and strategies for fostering inclusion and belonging. We tailor each session to meet the specific needs of your organization, ensuring that you walk away with practical strategies for creating a more inclusive environment. I'm confident that our program can make a meaningful difference for your organization, and I'd be thrilled to discuss it with you further. However, I understand that your time is valuable, so please feel free to reach out only if and when you're ready. Looking forward to the opportunity to chat and explore how MDRC can support your organization's goals. Warm regards, Frank Vaca LFI coordinator #DisabilityRights #InclusionMatters #DiversityandInclusion #EqualityForAll #DisabilityJustice #Belonging #Empowerment #CommunityEngagement #SocialJustice #AccessibleWorld #InclusiveWorkplace #EmpowerDisability #DisabilityPride #Advocacy #InclusiveSociety #AccessibilityForAll #MDRC #LeadersForInclusion #MichiganDisabilityRights #TrainingProgram #Nonprofit

On Tuesday, July 9th, 2024, Maria Town, President & CEO of AAPD, joined Disability Matters host Joyce Bender to commemorate the 34th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Maria shared how AAPD is working to uphold the ADA and advocates for the rights of people with disabilities. You'll hear hear insightful discussions on the ongoing efforts and challenges in the fight for disability rights. Listen to the podcast episode on-demand: https://lnkd.in/eaz2uHQG #DisabilityMatters #Podcast #ADA #AAPD #DisabilityRights #Inclusion #Advocacy #AmericansWithDisabilitiesAct #DisabilityAwareness #DisabilityAdvocate #DisabilityInclusion #TheBarriersWeFace #HandsOffMyADA #CripLivesMatter #NothingAboutUsWithoutUs #DisabilityPolicy #DisabilityAgenda

This image has been shared many times over the weekend by advocates, as it should. Regardless of your views, the recent cover of The Economist, depicting a mobility device and questioning ability, is ableism. This kind of imagery perpetuates the old tired myth that someone who uses a mobility device cannot be effective. It shapes public perception on how society values the disabled lived experience. Reminder👇🏼 ✔️ Franklin D. Roosevelt was one of our country’s greatest presidents, led the nation through its toughest times using mobility aids, including a wheelchair. ✔️ Helen Keller was a notable author, activist, and lecturer who was both blind and deaf, co-founded the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). ✔️ Judith Heumann was a global disability rights advocate who was instrumental in creating and implementing the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). With over a billion disabled people globally, let's not forget that disability is our common ground NOT the thing that separates us. Ableism in media and politics reinforces negative perceptions about people living with disabilities, ultimately leading to policies and a society that neglect, exclude, and limit us. It's time for a change in this outdated narrative because in the end it benefits all of us. 💡 Join in: What are your thoughts on how we can challenge ableism and promote a more inclusive society? #Inclusion #Diversity #Ableism #Leadership #DisabilityAwareness #Disability #RepresentationMatters #Advocacy #TheEconomist #Ableism

An interesting and important perspective to consider about disability perception.

Reflections on Diane Abbott's Biography and Disability Pride Month This weekend, I had the rare pleasure of reading a book undisturbed. The book I chose was the Diane Abbott biography by Robin Bunce and Samara Linton. It’s an excellent read, highlighting her achievements and the numerous battles she has faced throughout her life because of Misogynoir, where racism and sexism meet. Diane Abbott has an impressive track record of championing human rights for many different people in her community and beyond. Diane positive influence has changed lives. Interestingly, many of the barriers she faces overlap with those faced by the disabled community: lack of fair representation, negative assumptions about abilities, and abuse in the media. Representation and Fairness: During Disability Pride Month, it's crucial to share stories that represent disabled individuals fairly. Disabled people make up over 20% of the population. The lack of support and opportunities for them wastes a vast pool of skills and talents. Even those who succeed in their careers are often treated differently by society. Diane Abbott's story shows that despite her success as an MP and grass root activist, she is judged more harshly than her peers because she is a black woman. Her mistakes are criticised heavily, whereas similar mistakes by others are often overlooked. This harsh judgement also applies to disabled people, who are judged more strictly than non-disabled individuals when they make mistakes. Recent Examples of Mistakes and Progress: A recent oversight occurred last week with the change of government. The absence of a BSL interpreter for the first Prime Minister’s speech sent a message that Deaf people are an afterthought. While I hope this was a mistake due to the rush of the transition, it highlights the need for greater awareness and inclusion. However, there have been positive developments. The appointment of @James Timpson as Prisons Minister is one such example. His kindness and understanding have positively impacted many ex-prisoners through employment opportunities, showing how compassionate leadership can drive meaningful change. The Need for Change: We need to change how people and are seen and treated. More kindness and understanding would benefit everyone. Employers and individuals should give people a chance whatever their backgrounds.  Following on from last week's post Don’t make assumptions—these are often incorrect. Visual description: Red canva with white text: Book Review and some learnings. The impacts of prejudice and discrimination. There is picture of me on the right side of the canva grinning. Because I had the rare chance to read outside in the UK weather uninterrupted till I finished the book. I am a white woman with short brown hair wearing a white jumper. DM me at Living 4 Moments for training, coaching, and talks. #DisabilityPrideMonth #InclusionMatters #DoNotAssume #DeafAwareness #Kindness #CompassionateLeadership