Fraser’s Post

Learn Shaila Sawyer's story. She's often had to fight against negative connotations and perceptions about being disabled.⁠ ⁠ Before the Americans with Disabilities Act was passed in 1990, there were few protections for people with disabilities. ⁠Learn more about the Disabilities Act and how it has aided the disabled by watching our documentary here: https://lnkd.in/ebZqWbBa

People should stop automatically assuming that we are brave for dealing with our disabilities." "Stop constantly infantilizing adults with disabilities." Hear powerful truths like these from The Arc's advocates in Good Housekeeping 's new piece. Russell, Yvette, Ashley, Lizzy, Sean, and others from the intellectual and developmental disability community share what they want society to know. The more we listen to people with disabilities and share their truths, the more we can drive positive change! https://lnkd.in/eHRai8mM

One of the biggest barriers for people with disabilities is assuming they are not capable. This article is a great reminder. Everyone deserves #respect #compassion #HighExpectations We all benefit from #accessible and #inclusive environments. #TemporarilyAble #DisabilityRightsAreCivilRights https://lnkd.in/eHRai8mM

On International Day of Persons with Disabilities, the focus is on being representative and accessible to as many people as possible, including children with disabilities. It is essential they can see themselves in shows and enjoy digital content to learn and grow without restrictions. Discover how we achieve this focus https://ow.ly/IOZf50Q5yuc.

A friendly reminder that some people in the #neurodivergent community: Would say they have a "#disability" Others would say they do not have a "disability" at all. Some might say that they are "disabled" by the #neuronormative processes/systems that they are forced to conform to or rather lack of #accessibility ALL of these people are likely to be very #successful when supported with the right conditions that create #equity 😊 #neurodiversityawareness #disabilityinclusion #disabilityawareness #accessandinclusion

Eleven years ago I had no idea why this mattered or what type of impact Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) had on so many lives. It wasn’t that I didn’t care, it just didn’t impact my life in any way. At least that’s what I thought. I reflect back and realize it would impact my life, but I didn’t know how much. That all changed in June 2013 as Stephanie and I welcomed our son, Solomon, into the world, who was born with Spina Bifida (diagnosed in utero). Now there isn’t a day that goes by the ADA doesn’t matter to us. If you don’t know why ADA is important take it upon yourself to learn why before July wraps. Here is a little starter for you. According to The Pew Research Center, “There are about 42.5 million Americans with disabilities, making up 13% of the civilian noninstitutionalized population, according to U.S. Census Bureau data from 2021. This group includes people with hearing, vision, cognitive, walking, self-care or independent living difficulties.” There is still a lot of work left to do. Despite laws that prohibit discrimination and promote inclusion, people with disabilities often face inequities and exclusion from many areas of life, including healthcare, education, work, and community. Groups like ‘To Be Like Me’ are doing amazing work helping others learn about different types of disabilities and how these individuals live there life each day with their disability. The To Be Like Me mission statement is “It is our mission to break down the barriers that exist for those with different abilities and shed light on the positive impact of inclusion, ignite compassion, and foster awareness of the unique abilities of others.” Don’t make the mistake like I did by thinking it doesn’t impact you…it does… trust me. If you know of someone with a disability or a family who helps care for a disabled loved one, take time to ask them about their life and what they go through. Doing this will change your view and brighten their day. And when the 35th anniversary of Americans With Disabilities Act rolls around you will remember why this is so important to so many Americans.

Yesterday marked the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, urging us to reflect on the diverse abilities that shape our world. Read, reflect, and join the conversation! What's your take on rethinking disabilities in a modern society? Click to read the article: https://lnkd.in/eMnCTUcX

Disability Pride Month originated in the United States to commemorate the passing of the July 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Today, it’s a global event that celebrates people with disabilities, their cultures, and their contributions—aiming to shift perceptions, end stigma, and affirm disability as natural human diversity. This month and always, let’s keep in mind: "Words are powerful." Scroll to learn a few points from the ADA National Network on how to write and speak about people with disabilities:

CELEBRATE BUT ACT When I was injured in 1983, I couldn't imagine the changes that would occur in society as a result of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). A movie theater where I could sit and watch next to my friends? Unheard of. So many positive changes in our lived environments and our ability to enjoy sports, entertainment, and travel. Increased access to employment and higher education has grown exponentially. We certainly need to celebrate. But the necessity to act has not gone away. 34 years later I find myself still fighting the basics; many days I feel like I am dealing with segregation. There are steps built in new construction. Certificates of occupancy provided when a newly constructed building has many ADA compliance violations. These include counters that are not accessible in stores, hotels where I find myself fighting to just be able to hit the elevator call button because a garbage can is placed underneath, parking spots with no hashtags to allow a lift to open, employers thinking it is too difficult to work with someone with a disability so they don't hire them, and transportation that has many barriers for all disabilities. I could go on. It's not convenient to have these barriers and it's certainly not convenient to always have to fight. I've always said it takes a village, but the village includes those that make these barriers when they are not needed. Include individuals with disabilities at the table. Ask, research, it's not hard. We are moving exponentially into a new era of AI and other advanced technology. This is an opportunity to get individuals with disabilities at the table so that we move towards a world that is more inclusive and not less. Please, let's all be involved in making inclusion the rule and not the exception. It's a win-win. Be willing to learn, understand, and change your mentality if you think that accommodating those with disabilities and compliance with the ADA will hurt your business or be too complex and expensive. There is ample evidence that will show otherwise. #ADA #inclusion #WeAreBillionStrong #violations #ItTakesAVillage Debra Ruh Kimberly B. Annie Tulkin Ali Ingersoll Gerard Arnum Soula Antoniou