Metropolitan Water District of Southern California’s Post

What do you want to be known for in this world? What will your legacy be? Many quick to make money in Cyber investing, I ask you to really assess your investments, and the people within them, that they are doing things for all the right reasons. For you too, have an opportunity to make a big difference in this world, of who you are including and excluding into your own groups. I've challenged people to think innovatively different to problem solve in areas of workforce development, to create programs, new disruptive businesses, products, and pathways that serve into PEOPLE, never leaving the disabled behind. Today, there is NO person that has not been affected by the traumas of a Pandemic, catastrophic events, familial, genetic, psychological, or disease stricken events. Its affected every bit of souls; our minds, our body, our breathe. I stand for strength, mindfulness, resillience, amongst my own cripplings to be better, do better, and help others to solve problems in a variety areas, if I can. Progress doesn't happen if your mouth is closed and we are not moving the needle forward in some way. I'm assessing myself, this Pride Disability Month. There are so many things that I can do for people, across Business, Sales, Cyber, Networking and helping others, while I jockey the needs of the homebound, the disabled, fighting for them in a big world, making sure their needs will not be lost in the innovative mix, while we soar thru a revolutionary period. Instinctually, I found my purpose, shared it with the world, but perhaps there's even more to a successful path, than I really thought. There are a number of people in need of help. I'm not able to join Black Hat Training this month, due to 4 hospitalizations of the disabled, ironically in DisabledPrideMonth. I do not have the coverage, and I remain and advocate of myself and others. I'm crushed that I will not personally meet the people I need to meet, but I have skills, and I can make calls or reach out, if I can just figure thru a closed minded Cyber industry. Since when do we rudely shut ourselves off to the world in need? That's not disruption, that's interruption! Here's what I know even so.: * Life is what I make it! * I know that I have to create my own happiness * I'm hungry for the change in myself * I'm working at hard things in the backdrop. * I'm in pain, physically, financially, and mentally working thru challenge. * I'm staying true to my own health and well being, for generations to come. * I'm doing the development work at being the example I want to see. * I'm always looking for Partners who understand me. * I stand for those who cannot stand up for themselves, that require the support to mobilize. I refuse to be: A Victim in Cyber I refuse to be labeled I refuse to see the disabled left behind I refuse to be disabled myself. I wont fake it, til I make it. I HAVE to make it! I am a Warrior, with superpowers, pushing thru adversity. Tell me, who are you?

NILP would like you to read a good blog from the Institute on Disability from the University of New Hampshire titled, "5 People Extrememely Important to the Disability Rights Movement" that relates well to the 34th Anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) this month. Read the blog here: https://lnkd.in/eC-SysgQ #ADA #DisabilityRights

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a milestone in disability rights, paving the way for greater accessibility and equality. Despite this, many disabled individuals like myself still face daily challenges and stigma. Have you ever felt that deep, sinking feeling of disappointment when something you were excited about suddenly crumbles into dust? Imagine feeling this way every single day simply because of your disability and who you are. Over the weekend, you're left out of social outings due to perceived social awkwardness. On Monday, you’re turned down for another job opportunity because of your anxiety disorder. On Tuesday, a friend accuses you of faking your disability. By Friday, you're too exhausted to explain anymore, and it feels easier to hide everything than to repeatedly face disappointment. This is the daily reality for many disabled individuals. Stigma, misconceptions about what disability "looks" like, and a true lack of understanding contribute to the lack of support we receive. As a disabled individual, it’s hard to feel true pride during Disability Pride Month. For me, it’s not just about celebrating what I can accomplish or my identity as a disabled person; it’s about speaking out about my reality. By sharing our stories, we can encourage others to do the same and collectively shift the narrative on disability and the supports we need. Because true change begins when we refuse to stay silent. Read more in my latest article on the milestone of the ADA and its impact on disability rights: https://lnkd.in/gaWwkg2k #DisabilityRights #ADA #DisabilityPride #Inclusion #Accessibility #SynergiesWork

Today we celebrate National Disability Independence Day, which commemorates the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) into law in 1990. The ADA has had a profound impact, but we still have much work to do to continue building a culture that not only protects disability rights, but also celebrates disability pride. Here are three ways you can help to create a more accessible workspace: 1. Use captions in your virtual meetings, and when/where appropriate, save a recorded transcript for later distribution. 2. Provide agendas for meetings so those needing more time to process information to successfully share ideas have that space. 3. Include alt text on online images that describe what’s happening in the photo for those who may not be able to see.

In 2023, Disability Rights California achieved some significant victories in the courts and in the Legislature as we continue to prioritize disabled people from the most marginalized communities and their families. Among our victories, DRC staff responded to 21,187 requests for assistance, conducted 1,435 outreach events and trainings, analyzed 816 bills directly impacting persons with disabilities, and took positions on 156 bills. Learn more about the work Disability Rights California accomplished in 2023, here: https://lnkd.in/g4KEmNB3

Today, July 26th, is Disability Independence Day! Disability Pride Month was officially recognized in 2015, marking the 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The #ADA was a huge step forward in ensuring civil rights protections for folks with disabilities. While it's a time to celebrate, it’s also a reminder of the ongoing work needed to achieve full inclusion and equality. Despite the progress we've made so far, plenty of barriers still exist that prevent people with disabilities from fully participating in society. These can include physical barriers, like inaccessible buildings and transportation, as well as attitudinal barriers, like discrimination and misconceptions about disabilities. As an employer, here are some things you can do to make your workplace inclusive and accessible for all. 👇 #disabilitypride #disabilitypridemonth #disabilityindependence #ADA

"To be sure, some progress has been made, but the fight for disability rights is ongoing. Issues of disability rights in the past still leave an impact on the present." This #DisabilityPrideMonth, we honor the progress made by the early advocates, the changemakers who fought for disability rights to bring us the laws and policies we have today. Check out this informative history of disability rights by Allan I. Bergman, "Bending the Long Arc of Disability History," published in Impact: Disability Rights, Disability Justice from the University of Minnesota: https://bit.ly/4cGfJ0b

34 years ago, the Americans with Disabilities Act was signed into law, making it a significant step forward in the fight for disability rights. Let’s reflect on the progress made and the work still to be done to achieve true accessibility and inclusion. 💙 What are you grateful for today that is made possible by the ADA? Comment below, we want to know! #Inclusion #Accessibility #TeamCSD #DEI #EquitableCommunication #ADA #AmericansWithDisabilitiesAct [Image Description: There is a white square centered with text inside that reads: "Happy Anniversary to the Americans with Disabilities Act! Together we can create an inclusive future." Below the text are outline drawings of the letters A, D, and A in American Sign Language. The text letters are faded behind them. There are stars in blue and gray around the text. Outside of the white square is a light blue background with the CSD logo centered on top.

Did you know? July is Disability Pride Month! Globally celebrated, Disability Pride Month is a time for disabled folks to celebrate our achievements individually and as a whole. Here in the US, July 26th is also the 24th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act being passed, so this month also serves as a reminder for how far we've come and how far we still have to go in regards to disability rights. And like Pride month, it's also a time for awareness. #DisabilityPrideMonth (Image description in comments)

Why do we celebrate Disability Pride Month? ⬇️ • To recognize and honor the progress disability activists have made • To acknowledge that there is still a long way to go in the fight for disability rights • To reflect on our own journeys • To quote disability activist Becca Wight, to celebrate “the pride in the ableism you’ve overcome” California Governor Gavin Newsom recently recognized July as Disability Pride Month! Awareness is JUST the beginning, but listening, learning, and taking action is what will bring about collective change Why else do you celebrate Disability Pride Month? Let us know in the comments! #Disability #DisabilityAwareness #DisabilityPride #DisabilityPrideMonth #DisabilityRights #DisabilityInclusion