Ellie Mental Health - Chicagoland’s Post

We believe the government’s newly published Disability Action Plan has missed the opportunity to tackle the major issues facing young people with disabilities and their families. While we welcome the government’s commitment to consult with people with disabilities about the policies that impact their lives, it is disappointing that there are not more actions that will address the fundamental issues of support, inclusion and valuing people with disabilities across society. Read our full response to the plan here https://lnkd.in/eCkpgNnD #disabilityinclusion #SEND #Employability Lynette Barrett, MBA Joanne Kingsbury-Elia Simon Bridgnell Simon Welch John Mann Zoe Barnett Peter Horne Claire Paine Rachel Harber FCIPD

Join WHC in celebrating #DisabilityPrideMonth today, on the 34th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Enacted on July 26, 1990, the ADA marked a crucial moment in the journey towards equality and inclusion. Challenges in accessibility and discrimination persist, especially in housing—a domain not directly covered by the ADA but protected under the Fair Housing Act to ensure reasonable accommodations and modifications for those with disabilities. This 2023 article from Open Communities details the significance of Disability Pride Month and the critical issue of housing discrimination still faced by many in the disability community: https://buff.ly/4bZ5UcA

Honored to have played a part through our supplier diversity efforts and, more broadly, proud of the collaborative approach we have taken at Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island with our #CSR team led by Carolyn Belisle and her team to intentionally leverage this work! Thank you Disability:IN for recognizing this work! Disability-Owned Business Enterprises (DOBE’s) Employ People with Disabilities at a rate 10x of non-DOBEs 1 in 4: Adults in the United States lives with a disability. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) 32.5 M: Number of estimated small businesses in the United States. (U.S. Small Business Administration ) 2x: People with disabilities are twice as likely to be self-employed.

Did you know that around 25% of Americans have a disability, making it the largest minority group in the country? Many disabilities are invisible, meaning you likely have colleagues or friends with disabilities you may not even be aware of. Regardless of your personal connection to disability, it's crucial to understand its rich history and current impact. Explore our latest blog by Taylor Anderson, one of our therapists in Bismarck, to delve into the significance of Disability Pride Month and learn how to celebrate and advocate effectively. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/gW--UDNZ

Celebrating the Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)! On this day, we honor the powerful impact of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which was signed into law on July 26, 1990. This landmark legislation has been a cornerstone in advancing the rights of individuals with disabilities, ensuring accessibility, and promoting full participation in all aspects of society. As we celebrate this anniversary, let’s reflect on the progress we’ve made and renew our dedication to ensuring that every individual has the chance to thrive. Here’s to the continued journey toward a more inclusive and equitable world for all. #ADAAnniversary #InclusionMatters #DisabilityRights #AccessibleCommunities #CelebratingDiversity #EqualityForAll #BreakingBarriers #ADA #AmericansWithDisabilitiesAct

Changing Narratives: Media Representation and Disability Rights" explores the profound impact of media portrayal on shaping societal perceptions of individuals with disabilities. It delves into the power of storytelling in challenging stereotypes, fostering empathy, and promoting inclusivity. The discussion highlights the critical role of responsible media representation in advancing the rights and dignity of people with disabilities, ultimately contributing to a more equitable and understanding society

July is Disability Pride Month which holds deep personal significance for me as my family has navigated a multitude of workplace accommodations, 504 plans for my children, ongoing education as we learn more about the strength, resilience, and invaluable contributions of the disability community. This month, let's:  Celebrate Diversity: Recognize and appreciate the unique talents and perspectives that people with disabilities contribute to our communities.  Promote Inclusion: Advocate for environments where everyone feels valued and included, regardless of their abilities.     Raise Awareness: Educate others about the importance of accessibility, understanding and empathy towards people with disabilities, and remind ourselves that not all disabilities are visible.    Support and Empower: Stand by policies and initiatives that protect and empower individuals with disabilities, ensuring they have equal opportunities to succeed.    #DisabilityPrideMonth #DisabilityAwareness #Inclusion #Empowerment  

This Disability Pride Month, we reflect on how far we've come and how far we still must go to break barriers to create a truly inclusive society. A reflection on history is a great way to begin this process. On this day in 1867, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors approved the first of America's "ugly laws." Designed to prohibit street begging, and to restrain certain persons from appearing in streets and public places, ugly laws discouraged people with visible disabilities from appearing in public, and paved the way for the arrest and detainment of people with visible disabilities. The last of these laws was not retracted until 1974. Disability Pride Month boldly reminds us that disability is a natural part of human diversity, and is something people living with disabilities can take pride in. #DisabilityPrideMonth #DisabilityEmployment #Inclusion

July is Disability Pride Month! As we celebrate the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), signed on 7/26/90, let’s make it a time to honor the history, achievements, experiences, and struggles of the disability community. People with disabilities deserve to live full, self-determined, independent lives—just like everyone else. This year’s theme is “We Want a Life Like Yours,” reflecting the disability community’s dreams for life experiences that are too often denied. For me, this is personal. Can you imagine having a child who doesn’t have friends knock on the door to ask him to play or one who doesn’t get invited to sleepovers and rarely gets invited to birthday parties? Yes, people are polite (most of the time) but he is still treated like a “sometimes friend”. While we’ve made progress, discrimination and ignorance still persist. Let's use this month to educate ourselves, advocate for change, and create a more inclusive society for all. Together, we can do better! #DisabilityAwareness #InclusionMatters