Michael Petrovsky’s Post

It is so important to know how to vote in your state! This Disability Voting Rights Week take time to check out these helpful guides for people with disabilities voting in the upcoming election on Tuesday, November 5, 2024 by AAPD. https://lnkd.in/gVmimvWP Yesterday, we encouraged you to make a voting plan. The information in these guides will help you learn what your state allows for voting by mail, in-person, early voting, etc. It is important to be prepared to vote! DVRW is about advocating for accessible futures, celebrating community, and building power. Let's make sure everyone in our community is prepared to exercise their right to vote. #DRVW #DisabledVote #RevUp2024 #pwME #MECFS #ChronicIllness #disability Image description: A map of the Unites States showing an outline of all the states on a blue background with red writing. Text at the top: "Voting guide by state for people with disabilities now available! www.aapd.com/voter-info/ " Text in bottom corners: "#DisabilityVote #RevUp2024"

How can I be an ally for Disabled people? People often ask me this question. Whilst allyship isn't a singular thing, there are things that we do to be better, and it most certainly isn't just saying you’re an ally. It's listening to Disabled people. It's using your non-Disabled privilege. It's using your power to influence. It's advocating for Disabled people. It's amplifying Disabled voices. It's taking action. It's being vigilant. It's challenging ableism. It's knowing when to pass the mic. It's creating accessible content. It's creating accessible inclusive culture. It's educating yourself. And it should never be performative. #TuesdayThoughts #DiversityAndInclusion #DisabilityInclusion #Allyship

One Cause, One Voice: Partnering for Change in the Intellectual Disabilities Community As I spoke with a new graduate student in Texas this week, I'm reminded of the global challenges that individuals with intellectual disabilities face every day. It’s clear that these challenges are not isolated; they resonate across borders, cultures, and communities. Consider this: one in five people has a disability of some kind. That’s a significant portion of our population—a powerful voting bloc. Imagine what could happen if we united our voices, not just for ourselves, but for those we serve. What if our collective want was simply to be heard, to have people understand that we all "work with what we got"? That the voices of the people we serve are as valuable as our own? The partnerships we form today can help amplify these voices. Together, we can create a world where every individual, regardless of ability, is recognized, respected, and heard. One cause. One voice. Let's make a difference—together. #Inclusion #Partnerships #IntellectualDisabilities #Advocacy #OneVoice

Introducing the Charter of Demands, a powerful initiative of, for and by Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), as we brace ourselves for the 2024 General Elections. Co-drafted after extensive consultations, this charter embodies the voices of disability rights activists, civil society organizations, individuals with lived experiences, and experts in diverse disabilities. And now, it's your turn to help the cause ! Endorse the Charter (WhatsApp) - https://lnkd.in/dTeni4fb Endorse the Charter (Website) - https://lnkd.in/g43uThjt Share in your networks Help us amplify the collective voice of the community, seeking inclusivity and accessibility. Use #Vote4Accessibility #CharterOfDemands #2024elections to change the narrative!

Did you know? If people with disabilities voted at the same rate as those without disabilities, we’d have 2 million more voters! That’s a huge impact! Let’s work to make voting more accessible. Every vote counts, and together, we can push for an inclusive democracy where people with disabilities have equal access to the polls. Let’s close the gap! 🗳️ Learn how to get involved: https://lnkd.in/gZ2Sqc4i #DisabilityRights #AccessibleVoting #REVUP #NDVRW2024 #EveryVoteMatters #Inclusion #VoterEquality #VotingRights

July is Disability Pride Month. Here's my unpopular opinion. I totally get why posting about disability without making your content accessible seems like you're saying one thing and then doing another. But how do you make room for more voices if you keep expecting perfection and then cutting people down if their content doesn't measure up? We need more voices, not less. People have important thoughts to share about accessibility and about advocating for human rights. It bothers me to think that some people will choose to not be part of that conversation because they are afraid that they will be judged harshly. I think it's ok to learn as you go, and when you know better, you do better. What do you think? #Accessibility #A11y #InclusionMatters #SquarelyAccessible

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a pivotal piece of legislation that has transformed accessibility in public spaces across the United States since its enactment in 1990. It mandates that all public accommodations must be accessible to individuals with disabilities, ensuring they can fully participate in society. This includes not just physical modifications like ramps and elevators, but also comprehensive design considerations that promote independence and inclusion. Accessibility is crucial for fostering an inclusive environment where everyone, regardless of ability, can engage in community life. Check out the new episode of Transforming Social Justice where we discuss accessibility and its importance. Transforming Social Justice EP14 – Building Inclusive Spaces: Meg & Jen on Accessibility and Ableism Full episode here: https://lnkd.in/gDZhxP3w.. #TransformingSocialJustice #CHANGEmaker #DEI #SocialJustice #Equity #Diversity #Inclusion

Today marks the start of National Disability Voting Rights Week! It’s a time to shine a spotlight on the importance of ensuring that every person, regardless of ability, has the right and opportunity to vote. Did you know that out of the 70 million adults with disabilities in the U.S., only 40.2 million are eligible to vote? This stark statistic highlights the barriers and inequities that exist within the voting process for people with disabilities. But we’re here to change that. We must do better and WE WILL do better!** Ensuring accessibility in voting is not just a right, it’s a critical step toward true inclusion. Whether it’s pushing for better accommodations at polling stations, advocating for more accessible mail-in voting, or simply spreading awareness, together we can make a difference. This week, let’s commit to amplifying the voices of people with disabilities in the voting process. The power of the disability community can and will shape our future. Let’s make sure every vote counts and every voice is heard. #DisabilityVotingRightsWeek #CripTheVote #VoteAccessibility #InclusionMatters #EveryVoteCounts

As disabled people, we often face barriers that change how others see us and our needs. WWDA wants to change that - we believe that everyone should be able to participate in society, education, employment and all aspects of life without needing to ask for accessibility. We want to be part of a more inclusive world for anyone with any ability or disability, which means advocating for accessible forums and environments for everyone. Together, we can make sure everyone is able to live their life in their own design and on their own terms. 🦾💜 [Image Description: This post has a pale purple background, and the purple WWDA logo is in the top-right corner. Large black text reads: "My disability exists not because I use a wheelchair, but because the broader environment isn't accessible." In smaller black text below this, it says this quote was said by "Stella Young. Comedian, journalist and activist." A purple line drawing of a woman with short hair, wearing a vest and pants, and sitting in a wheelchair is featured in the bottom-right corner.] #WWDA #DisabilityAwareness #Inclusion #Accessibility #NothingAboutUsWithoutUs

Happy Spread the Word Day! Today, at Best Buddies in Pennsylvania, we're rallying to create a more inclusive world for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Why Spread the Word Day Matters: Today marks a global effort to raise awareness about the importance of inclusion and break down barriers that separate us. Let's celebrate diversity, kindness, and respect for all! How You Can Get Involved: 1️⃣ Take the Pledge: Join us in taking the pledge for inclusion at https://lnkd.in/gPRA83u. Your commitment makes a powerful statement for a more inclusive world! 2️⃣ Spread the Word: Share this post and use the hashtag #SpreadTheWord for Inclusion. Let's make our voices heard across LinkedIn and beyond! 3️⃣ Educate: Take a moment to learn more about intellectual and developmental disabilities. Knowledge is a powerful tool for change! Together, We Can Make a Difference! Join us in building a world where everyone is seen, valued, and included. Let's spread the word and create lasting change. #BestBuddies #InclusionMatters #SpreadTheWord #BestBuddiesPA #InclusiveCommunity #ChangeMakers #SpreadTheWordDay #TakeThePledge