Katrina Smith’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

Reaching out to people with disabilities to understand issues about people with disabilities supports the mantra, "nothing about us without us". So, thank you NPR for your intentional inclusion in the creation of this article. As such, I would like to see as many in the community, who are comfortable doing so, to participate. #storytelling #NAUWU #disabilitypride #disabilityawareness https://lnkd.in/gzgbi2G4

Oh, my goodness, let's talk about this! Being disabled? Is it really a bad thing? Well, you know what, it's not! In fact, it's a beautiful part of who these individuals are, and they deserve all the love and respect in the world. But, oh boy, the stigma surrounding disability can be a real doozy. It's like, people would rather listen to harmful stereotypes and misconceptions than take the time to actually learn about and understand the experiences of those with disabilities. It's like, come on, guys, can't we do better? So, here's the thing: most people with disabilities are more than happy to share their stories and experiences with you. All you have to do is ask with an open mind and a kind heart. And trust me, you won't regret it! Want to learn more? Check out this link from Forbes for some eye-opening insights into the lives of people with disabilities. https://bit.ly/3ucRLsG In conclusion, let's break down these stigmas and embrace the diversity and beauty of disability. Because, at the end of the day, we're all just humans, wanting to be seen, heard, and understood. #DisabilityRights #Inclusion #OpenMindedness #Respect #Empathy

As someone with invisible disabilities, one of my goals is to help increase awareness and understanding, as well as provide education and resources on how to offer support. I want to create a more empathetic and supportive community for those with invisible disabilities. To celebrate #DisabilityPrideMonth, I am offering a unique opportunity for leaders with #disabilities specifically designed to help you communicate with confidence and clarity. Normally $225, it’s up for grabs for just 3 participants this Disability Pride Month. What’s included? * Pre-coaching check in: a short questionnaire to understand your current pain points, your goals and how I can best support you * 90min Power Coaching session: a focused, uplifting session to gain clarity and create actionable steps. * Follow-Up: An email or text check in two weeks later to ensure you're on track and feeling confident. How to Apply: * Application link: https://lnkd.in/gc-VPYH6 * Share your story and let me know why you’d benefit from coaching. * I’ll choose 3 participants based on their applications to receive the complimentary coaching session. * All applications must be submitted by July 31st and selected participants will be notified via email for next steps. To raise #awareness of the challenges that people with disabilities face, it’s time to celebrate the diversity of the disability community and to recognize their accomplishments. We're not only celebrating Disability Pride Month but also reinforcing our commitment to fostering inclusive and confident leadership. This is a limited promotion, so apply now and let’s work together to unlock your full potential!

We close out Disability Pride Month today with a spotlight on Shea Isaac: “Celebrating Disability Pride Month is important to me because it provides a platform to raise awareness for invisible disabilities. Invisible disabilities are often overlooked or even written off as things to "get over" or “deal with,” because outer appearances may reflect a different image. Invisible disabilities are just as real and can be as debilitating as seen disabilities for those who suffer from them. I believe many individuals would be surprised to know how many of their peers they interact with daily suffer from invisible disabilities but appear to be hard-working, happy, “normal” people. These individuals may struggle every day, enduring immense pain, and floods of emotions, and may even spend a lot of emotional energy trying to mask their disability. I hope openly discussing this hidden side of disabilities will help change the narrative by lessening their stigma. I think talking about invisible disabilities will further encourage those who suffer and hide their struggles, or mask themselves to fit in, to feel more secure and comfortable embracing who they are and sharing what they do have to bring to the table. We are not defined by these invisible disabilities.” #DisabilityPrideMonth #YouBelongAtJackHenry #JoinInJackHenry #IAmJackHenry #DiversityandInclusion

It's Disability Pride Month! Join us in celebrating diversity through disability. Learn from people with disabilities whose voices are loud and proud. You don't know what you don't know. One such person is Theo W. Braddy from the National Council on Independent Living. In the image below, he states: "Ableist ideas and beliefs affect people with disabilities in all aspects of life, including employment, healthcare, education, housing, transportation, etc. These ideas and beliefs create systems that discriminate and oppress people with disabilities." This quote originally appeared in Good Housekeeping in April 2024. How can YOU make a difference for people with disabilities today? #EastersealsWV #DisabilityPrideMonth #LearnSomethingNew

Today is a good day to do the following: 1. Invest in training and education to help staff learn how to better serve and work alongside people with disabilities. Include a local disability non-profit in this conversation. 2. Make your office layout accessible. 3. Consider assistive technology enhancements for office staff and those that you serve. 4. Ask for feedback from the community.

What a great coaching opportunity for leaders with #disabilities specifically designed to help you communicate with confidence and clarity.

The Ford Foundation has created a Disability Inclusion Toolkit. People with disabilities are a diverse group of individuals with varying needs. There is no one-size fits all accessibility approach, which is why this toolkit emphasizes the need to create pathways for people to share their access needs and solicit feedback to identify areas of improvement. This toolkit is 508 compliant, meaning that it is screen reader compatible for individuals who are low vision, blind, and/or require a screen reader due to physical, intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eRtCqRXu

dLCV has launched its 2024 dLCV Public Input Survey!   dLCV’s annual public input survey is an opportunity for people with disabilities, advocacy partners, family members, and everyone else, including the general public, to comment on what we should be working on in FY 25. The dLCV Board’s Public Awareness and Goals Committee develops a new instrument every year which we all distribute to the community. dLCV uses this instrument to not only create our annual Goals and Focus Areas, but we can also incorporate specific ideas into our actual objectives.   We have a few changes in issue selection and categories this year, as well as the addition of a few other questions.   We need to know what issues are important to you and your family. Your input will be a valuable part of how we serve people with disabilities in the coming year. Thank you for your time!   https://lnkd.in/dDXMxVA8