EmployAble’s Post

THE WORLD AS I SEE IT     One of the biggest challenges, in my opinion, that if remedied would greatly aid the blind progress, is the sighted world's struggle to 'see' beyond our blindness.     Allow me to share some instances.    A common misconception is that all disabled persons are alike, leading to brief experiences with a single disabled individual, often negative, shaping opinions of the entire disabled community.     For instance, if a blind person misuses facilities during exams, it's unfairly assumed that all disabled individuals are dishonest and should not receive necessary support.    Furthermore, when a disabled person enters a profession, it's typical to continually reference examples of successful disabled individuals in that field, implying that the newcomer should solely learn from them and have no reason to underperform.     This overlooks the diversity of experiences and skills among disabled and able-bodied individuals alike.    Additionally, the assumption that disabled individuals are greatly struggling leads to unnecessary sympathy, unsolicited motivation, and at times, free advice, which can be patronizing and disempowering.    Through this post, I urge the able-bodied to treat us as humans and acknowledge disability as only one aspect of our identity.    What are your thoughts?    What is your perspective on disability?    #DisabilityAwareness #DisabilityInclusion #Accessibility #PersonalExperience #Insights    Alt text: A portrait of a man who has a splash of white paint over his eyes. (Source: Pinterest)

The way surveys ask about disability affects the accuracy of the count of disabled people in the U.S. Without an accurate count, researchers and policymakers cannot develop and evaluate interventions aimed at ensuring equity for Americans with disabilities. Learn more in this brief: https://lnkd.in/dZyNG6RY

🌟 Exciting Read Alert! 🌟 In my latest blog post, "Empowering Change: Enhancing Lives and Breaking Barriers for Disabled Americans," I dive deep into the heart of how definitions and perceptions of disability in the U.S. have evolved. Thanks to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), strides have been made toward creating a more inclusive society, but there's still much work to be done. This article sheds light on the ongoing journey towards empowerment and equality, from understanding the broad spectrum of disabilities to recognizing the personal and social impacts of self-identifying as disabled. I also touch on the importance of advocacy, education, and the collective effort needed to support and uplift disabled individuals in every aspect of public life. Whether you're passionate about accessibility and inclusivity or simply looking for ways to make a positive impact, this piece is a must-read. Together, let's celebrate diversity and work towards a world where everyone, regardless of their abilities, can lead fulfilling lives with dignity and respect. Read, reflect, and let's discuss how we can contribute to this vital cause. #DisabilityAwareness #Inclusivity #Accessibility #ADA #Empowerment https://lnkd.in/gqpQFDrB

What inequities do disabled people face? Share your thoughts! We encourage everyone in the disability community to respond to the Request for Information (RFI), from the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), which seeks input to help steer the development of the Federal Evidence Agenda on Disability Equity. OSTP is asking the public for feedback to understand the full scope of inequities faced by disabled people and the gaps in our current knowledge. Ultimately, the agenda will support the government in making data-informed policy decisions to advance equity in all areas—including health, employment, education and others—for people with disabilities. You may submit comments until July 15, 2024. Learn more and submit your comments: https://lnkd.in/gKEe2Age

Did you know that in 2023, the Legislative Assembly of Ontario passed a bill that establishes July as Disability Pride Month? Our latest blog discusses the history of this month https://lnkd.in/eWVHS28c 

What Inequities Do Disabled People Face? Share Your Thoughts! We encourage everyone in the disability community to respond to the request for information, or RFI, from the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, which seeks input to help steer the development of the Federal Evidence Agenda on Disability Equity. The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy is asking the public for feedback to understand the full scope of inequities faced by disabled people and the gaps in our current knowledge. Ultimately, the agenda will support the government in making data-informed policy decisions to advance equity in all areas—including health, employment, education and others—for people with disabilities. You may submit comments until July 15, 2024. Learn more and submit your comments at https://bit.ly/3yQg1CD

What inequities do disabled people face? Share your thoughts! We encourage everyone in the disability community to respond to the Request for Information (RFI), from the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), which seeks input to help steer the development of the Federal Evidence Agenda on Disability Equity. OSTP is asking the public for feedback to understand the full scope of inequities faced by disabled people and the gaps in our current knowledge. Ultimately, the agenda will support the government in making data-informed policy decisions to advance equity in all areas—including health, employment, education, and other areas—for people with disabilities. You may submit comments until July 15, 2024.   Learn more and submit your comments: https://lnkd.in/gKEe2Age

More than anything in the world disabled people want to be recognized as human beings. Many times we are ignored, pushed aside or given excuses for why we can't. Many times during our lives we've been told by others that we can't rather than we can. So, with that being said, how do you interact with disabled people? The answer isn't ooverly complicated at all or complex. Treat and interact with disabled people like you would anyone else. We have interests, hobbies, dreams and goals just like everyone else. Ask about us as people not just our disability. Many times we don't want another discussion discussing our disability. Many times we'll spin our disability into whatever we are discussing 'because it comes with the discussion. This is not to say that you can't ask but don't let the disability encompass the entire conversation. #LivedExperience #DisabledButCapable #HumanBeing #DisabilityAdvocate #ChangeMaker #BeTheChange

"All disabled people deserve respect. Not just the ones who inspire you." This quote is a powerful reminder that we must respect and value all people with disabilities, not just those who fit a certain mold or meet our expectations. Respect Means... *Treating disabled individuals with dignity and kindness *Advocating for their rights and inclusion in society *Challenging stereotypes and ableist attitudes *Listening to and amplifying disabled voices *Ensuring accessibility and accommodations Inspiration Comes in Many Forms. Disabled people are not obligated to be "inspirational" to earn respect. Respect should be given freely, regardless of how a person's disability manifests or how they choose to live their life. We all have a role to play and it's on all of us to build a more inclusive, equitable world where disabled people can thrive. We can start by examining our own biases, educating ourselves, and making changes big and small to support the disabled community. What will you do today to show respect to all disabled people? Share your thoughts and ideas below! #DisabilityRights #InclusionMatters #RespectForAll #EqualityForAll #DisabledLivesMatter

“Imagine a future with home care and elder care so seniors and people living with disabilities can stay in their homes and family caregivers get paid what they deserve. … Our North Star—the very idea of America—(is) that we are all created equal and deserve to be treated equally throughout our lives. We’ve never fully lived up to that idea, but we’ve never walked away from it, either. And I won’t walk away from it now.” — President Biden, State of the Union, March 7, 2024 I watched the State of the Union on The White House's YouTube channel last night. I continue to appreciate President Biden, Vice President Harris, and White House staff advocating for—and working toward—all people with intellectual and developmental disabilities having the choice to live in their communities with the support of home- and community-based services. This means ending the waitlists for services of hundreds of thousands of intellectually disabled Americans across the country and increasing compensation for care workers, whether Direct Support Professionals or family members who cannot work outside the home so they can take care of a loved one, to levels that will attract and appropriately reward excellent-quality staff. Intellectually and developmentally disabled Americans deserve no less than to have good-quality lives in their own communities—with their friends and family. Let's not imagine that inclusive future—let's make it the reality *now*. We can do it if we value it. #IDD #disability #autism #inclusion #acceptance #careworkers #SOTU