Lauren Appelbaum’s Post

🌐 Help Expand Our Disability Resources Page! 🌐 We're on a mission to make VCU's Partnership for People with Disabilities an even richer hub of information and support. Our goal is to provide a comprehensive, accessible, and valuable resource for individuals with disabilities, their families, educators, and professionals across the board. But, to do this, we need your help! 🤝 We’re actively seeking: Educational websites Advocacy groups Technology tools Accessible leisure activities Employment resources Legal aid information Anything else you believe can make a difference! How You Can Contribute: Share a Resource: Got a website, tool, or organization in mind? Drop us a message or comment below. Spread the Word: Know someone with insights or resources that can help? Tag them or share this post in your network. Feedback is Gold: If you’ve used a resource that changed things for the better, tell us about your experience. Every suggestion helps us move a step closer to building a more inclusive and supportive community. Let's come together to make a real difference in the lives of people with disabilities. 🌍💙 View our Resource Page Here: https://lnkd.in/geKCgTgF #DisabilityResources #Inclusion #Accessibility #CommunitySupport #VCUPartnership

July is #DisabilityPrideMonth! This year, the theme is “We Want a Life Like Yours.” One challenge Virginians with disabilities and their families face is finding useful info on services. A lot of info about disability services is confusing or wrong. Change takes time, but you can take the first step toward positive change today. Ask your agency or organization take the pledge to become an Information Access Champion: https://lnkd.in/ePBPYKzb

🌟 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

Did you know that The League has a blog? Our goal is to cover topics that are important to you, like best practices for individuals traveling with disabilities! Submit any suggestions you might have in the comments below and we'll work towards incorporating them in our resource library. Read it here:

Putting the ‘ability’ in social and community events . Encouraging people with disabilities to actively participate in social and community activities requires a thoughtful and inclusive approach. Here are some tips to foster engagement and create an environment that promotes social and community participation for people with disabilities. https://lnkd.in/gDis7CUT

The integration and active participation of individuals with disabilities are of utmost significance in fostering a society that is both resilient and equitable. This commitment to inclusivity is being demonstrated by the convergence of global leaders, renowned organizations, and representatives from civil society, who have convened at the United Nations Headquarters in New York this week. The primary objective of this high-level gathering is to engage in substantive discussions and deliberations centered around crucial themes pertaining to disability inclusion. By embracing individuals with disabilities and ensuring their full participation in various spheres of life, societies can harness their diverse skills, talents, and perspectives. This inclusive approach not only upholds the principles of justice and fairness but also contributes to the overall resilience of communities and nations. The participation of world leaders, organizations, and civil society representatives in these discussions underscores the recognition of disability inclusion as a critical priority in the pursuit of societal progress. The United Nations Headquarters serves as a fitting venue for this important event, as it symbolizes the commitment of the international community to address global challenges and promote sustainable development. Through the exchange of knowledge, sharing of best practices, and exploration of innovative solutions, participants at this gathering will strive to enhance the understanding of disability inclusion and formulate strategies to overcome barriers that hinder the full participation of individuals with disabilities in society. This high-level meeting at the United Nations Headquarters exemplifies the collective determination to promote an inclusive and just world, where the rights and needs of persons with disabilities are fully acknowledged and respected. By fostering an environment that empowers individuals with disabilities and ensures their active involvement, societies can pave the way for a more resilient and fair future for all.

United Nations...Social Inclusion..."Embracing, not coercing or forcing it"...Take a look at it: "The goal of social integration is to create “a more stable, safe and just society for all”, in which every individual, each with rights and responsibilities, has an active role to play. Such an inclusive society must be based on the principles of embracing – not coercing or forcing – diversity and using participatory processes that involve all stakeholders in the decision-making that affects their lives. Social inclusion is the process by which efforts are made to ensure equal opportunities – that everyone, regardless of their background, can achieve their full potential in life. Such efforts include policies and actions that promote equal access to (public) services as well as enable citizen’s participation in the decision-making processes that affect their lives."

Why Choose Bright Future Support Services? At Bright Future Support Services, we understand the unique challenges individuals with disabilities face, and we are committed to providing compassionate and comprehensive care to support them in leading fulfilling lives. Here’s why you should choose us: 1. Individualized Care Plan. 2. Experienced and Compassionate Staff. 3. We offer a Wide Range of Services. 4. We believe in empowering individuals with disabilities to reach their full potential through education, skill-building activities, and advocacy. we strive to empower our clients to live their lives with confidence and autonomy. 5. Flexible and Reliable Support: Whether you need assistance on a part-time or full-time basis, temporary or long-term care, we are here to help. Our flexible scheduling options and reliable support ensure that you receive the assistance you need when you need it most. 6. Commitment to Quality and Safety. 7. Community Engagement and inclusion. Choose Bright Future Support Services for compassionate, personalized, and comprehensive care that empowers individuals with disabilities to live their best lives. #DisabilityCare #SupportServices #Empowerment #Inclusion #CommunityEngagement #PersonalizedCare #QualitySupport #CompassionateCare #Independence #brightfuture

#Inclusion of persons with disabilities is not just a matter of #socialjustice, but a crucial step towards building a d#iverse and #vibrant society. 😁 ☘️ Each individual, regardless of their abilities, brings a unique perspective that enriches our collective understanding and experience of the world. 🌱 When we include persons with disabilities in all aspects of life, we are acknowledging their potential, valuing their contributions, and recognizing their rights to equal opportunities. 🌿 Inclusion fosters #empathy, breaks down barriers, and dispels #stereotypes. It encourages innovation by challenging us to design for a wider range of human experiences. It drives #socialprogress by promoting a #culture of respect, understanding, and #mutualsupport. Above all, inclusion of persons with disabilities underscores our shared humanity and the universal truth that we are all interconnected. #InclusionMatters #personswithdisabilities #diversity

How you respond when someone asks you in-person for a disability accommodation, for themselves or others, will determine your reach in our disability community. We will know whether to trust you, or not. Performative accessibility illusion masking ableism are quickly recognizable. I can sniff that out just from a simple conversation. When you’re ready for analysis, and a plan for implementing inclusive practices, let us know. Let’s talk about it. https://lnkd.in/eFvb-9G