Puneet Singh Singhal’s Post

In 2019, I made a trip back home to Texas and stopped at Buc-ee's, the famous convenience store. I was trying to keep up with one of the children, and twisted my knee something awful. I made it home okay, but was told that I was going to be on crutches for the next week or so. As it happens, I was in the process of interviewing, and the first candidate that came in was a colleague in the disability community--someone who has a disability themselves. He took one look at me, leaning on my crutch, and sighed, "Everybody wants to get in on the act." So I tell this story to ask a question that gets asked all the time; is it a good idea to tell a recruiter if you have a disability? General thoughts follow: 1. Sometimes you have to. If you need an accommodation--let's just say relay or video interpreting for the phone screen--well, obviously, you don't have a choice. Asking for an accommodation in the hiring process also gives you a good idea about what the organization's attitude is going to be for accommodations in general. 2. It's always helpful to ask yourself first (this is for everyone, for every role) if you're qualified. If the honest answer to this is, "well, no," then it isn't going to matter whether you disclose or not. (Keep in mind that a recruiter might have a different idea than you do about what "qualified" means for a given job; I am not here telling you not to apply if you think there's a chance.) 3. Obviously you should disclose if you're applying within the nonprofit disability services and advocacy sphere. I've spent nearly my entire career there, and let's face it, there's advantages in those types of organizations if you have a disability. If that's the kind of work you want to do, and you're aligned with the mission, more power to you. But I don't think anyone should resign themselves to working for nonprofits if there are other opportunities out there. 4. The only situation where it really matters if you disclose or not is a) you don't know how the organization views people with disabilities b) you don't need an accommodation in the hiring process and c) you have some reason to think that your disability (whatever it is) is going to be a drawback in the hiring process. My general advice--your mileage may vary--is to disclose. The reason behind this is simple; I think you need to give people a chance. I think that most people are going to handle the disclosure with empathy or something like it. I like to think that very few people are going to react in a way that's dismissive or cruel. But I think that most people aren't worried about cruelty, necessarily. (I have been treated cruelly by recruiters, more than once, and it stings.) I think that people are more worried about being treated in a patronizing or paternalistic manner. If that's where you are--in a place where you absolutely want to be judged on your merits than on your disability--I think you're OK not disclosing. (Good luck either way.)

Failed visions  What's my contribution to disability inclusion? Other people are technically more proficient, still others are better at making or coding things. I knew I should try and find a less congested space with no edges so I could dream the answer. The social model of disability requires us to be persuasive but it doesn't require us to be visionary. So that's the challenge I set myself. Could I bring forth persuasive visions. If you see the video online from the BBC called 3D a disability revolution you can see one of my examples - the mobile digital fabrication laboratory for disabled people where they could design and print their own reasonable adjustments or express their imagination. A second example was the public procurement event at the offices of the Financial Times. A third example was the APPG on disability "Ahead of the Arc" report that united representatives of seven political parties during the austerity period; many of whom were in the room when it was launched in parliament. Strong visions often aim to occupy the physical and intellectual spaces of other's people's power. To progress this radicalism further I founded the Disability Resilience Network. I asked myself if the DRN could think in the future see its way back to the present and act with that conviction. Could we change society or at least how others react towards us through changing ourselves? In a society where the government has almost all the power and the individual voice is almost inaudible the power to re vision things is one of the few powers left open to us all. I have spent much of my life following other people's visions such as Jerry Danmers two tone record label. As a Quaker I also understood the power of visions; George Fox our own founder had had a vision that there is that of God in everyone when out walking on Pendle hill. William Blake the composer of "erusalem" was an artist who worked in visions and understood this well. Blake wrote of fourfold visions: 1) seeing the object, 2) interpreting the object, 3) converting the object to an image (3D thinking) and 4) interacting with that image - the fourth dimension. Once people get to the fourth dimension or even get past the literal the results can be stunning; the guide dogs for navigation, the DDA for access, apps for independent living, the Open University with its largest intake of disabled students for adult skills acquisition and the role of supported employment in maximising the economic participation of people with learning difficulties. I have heard all these expressed as visions and often by visionary people. Myself no. I have in the main failed but you know what some have been glorious failures. As we move towards International Day of Disabled People you can hire me for bespoke problem solving and to try and convince you that my failure can be your success. Share your disappointments as well as your successes with me via the free form at https://lnkd.in/ez-aciNC  

Dear non-disabled allies, We need your support now more than ever. Did you know that 1 in 4 U.S. adults—about 61 million Americans—have a disability? Globally, over a billion people are living with a disability, making it the only minoritized group that anyone can join at any time. Disability can happen to anyone at any stage of life. It’s crucial to understand that disability isn’t a bad word or something inherently negative—it’s simply a health condition that affects how someone navigates daily life. To create a more inclusive world, we must remove negative value judgments surrounding disability. On the other hand, ableism is a system of oppression that devalues individuals based on how their bodies or minds function. Anti-ableism requires us to take proactive steps to ensure that disabled people are valued and empowered. As Author, 3x TEDx Speaker and Founder & CEO, Diversability, the talented Tiffany A. Yu, MSc explains, “We claim our disabilities with pride as part of our identity.” Disability rights activist and author, Emily Ladau also emphasizes, "If we want the world to be accessible to the disability community, then let’s make the ideas and the experiences surrounding disability more accessible to the world.” Tiffany highlights that anti-ableism is all about action. Please don’t wait until disability affects someone you know, or even yourself, before you start caring about this issue. Your allyship is essential. We need you to listen to our stories and gain a deeper, more accurate understanding of the disabled community. I highly recommend Tiffany Yu’s insightful book, The Anti-Ableist Manifesto: Smashing Stereotypes, Forging Change, and Building a Disability-Inclusive World. In it, In The Anti-Ableist Manifesto, Tiffany shares her own disability origin story, moving from initial shock, shame, and stigma to acceptance, advocacy, and pride. Ms. Yu offers a wealth of wisdom, from historical perspectives and models of disability to better communication strategies. Each chapter contains well-researched information and thoughtful reflections, encouraging readers to learn, reflect, and support disabled individuals. The Anti-Ableist Manifesto: Smashing Stereotypes, Forging Change, and Building a Disability-Inclusive World is a must-read for anyone looking to foster allyship, inclusivity, and learning. #Allies #Non-disabled #DisabilityAwareness #Allyship Square graphic on an orange gradient background. At the top, text, “I’m a member of The Anti-Ableist Manifesto book launch team!” Below, on the left, a photo of the book The Anti-Ableist Manifesto with a red to orange gradient cover. Below, text, “Coming October 8, 2024. Available for preorder now.” On the right, headshot image in a circle. Below, text, “Tiffany Yu (@imtiffanyyu) takes readers on a revelatory examination of disability—how to unpack biases and build an inclusive and accessible world. I’m getting an early look and can’t wait to share my reflections!”

Breaking Down Barriers: My Recent Advocacy Journey for Disability Rights in Healthcare As someone living with Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophy, I face numerous challenges daily that extend beyond the visible aspects of disability. Recently, I’ve encountered yet another barrier in a system that should be accessible to everyone but often falls short. This time, it was a battle for something as basic as an echocardiogram. When I scheduled my appointment, I didn't expect to be told that the facility couldn't accommodate my needs simply because I use a wheelchair. The hospital staff informed me that they were not trained to use a Hoyer lift, a device many of us in the disability community rely on for safe transfers. As if that wasn’t enough, one of the elevators had been out of service for over two years! Imagine the frustration of arriving at a healthcare facility and being unable to receive the care you need because the system isn’t built to support you. Inaccessible healthcare is a form of discrimination, and it’s something we cannot ignore. This experience, unfortunately, isn't isolated. After further communication with the hospital about their inability to accommodate my disability, I began thinking about how we can effect real change. I believe healthcare systems should include more disability-inclusive practices, and I am now advocating for the creation of a **Girls Chronically Rock Disability Clinic** at the hospital. This clinic would not only educate staff on ADA compliance and proper patient care for individuals with disabilities, but it would also help ensure that these situations stop happening to others. My goal with this clinic is to help hospitals be better prepared for all patients, including those with mobility impairments. Everyone deserves equal access to healthcare, and it's time we build a system that reflects that. I’m also asking for compensation from the hospital for the inconvenience and harm caused by these experiences because it’s important that institutions take accountability and use those funds to improve their accessibility practices. This is not just my story, it’s our story. I know so many in our community have faced similar struggles, and it’s time we amplify our voices. We shouldn’t have to fight for basic dignity, but until the system changes, I’ll continue to push for progress. And I’ll do it not just for myself but for everyone who faces barriers in healthcare due to their disability. If you’ve had similar experiences, I’d love to hear your stories. Together, we can advocate for the change we need to see in our healthcare systems. #GirlsChronicallyRock #DisabilityAdvocacy #HealthcareAccessibility #BreakBarriers #ADACompliance #HealthcareJustice #DisabilityRights

🎉 💓 Happy first #WisdomWednesday of Disability Pride month! We are excited at HP to celebrate this community and are committed to bringing necessary attention to all the work that still needs to be done. Check out this Forbes article, written by Keely Cat-Wells (Disability Rights Advocate and CEO of Making Space): https://lnkd.in/gS9grRRq Cat-Wells talks about the ways we can proactively make this world a more inclusive place for everybody. Here's a few we can all implement TODAY: 💰 Embed Accessibility in Every Budget: "Making accessibility a mandatory line item on every budget ensures that it becomes an inherent part of planning rather than an afterthought. This financial commitment underscores the importance of inclusivity and creates a structure to make all events, programs, and projects accessible to all." 💼 Inclusive Hiring Practices: "Disabled people should be hired for all roles, not just those specifically related to disability. This expands the scope of opportunities and allows Disabled individuals to bring their diverse perspectives to various aspects of the organization." 💭 💭 Discard Assumptions: "It's crucial not to assume what someone can or can not do or what they may or may not need. Disabilities can be non-apparent, and peoples access requirements can vary greatly. Encourage open conversations and avoid making assumptions about what someone can or cannot do based on their appearance." 📢 ✨ Amplify Disabled Voices: "Practice 'passing the mic' by giving Disabled people a platform to share their experiences, knowledge, and perspectives, and pay them for their time and expertise...Amplifying Disabled voices not only fosters representation but also allows these critical perspectives to reach a wider audience." What are some ways you are making your workplace more inclusive? #disabilitypride #inclusive #ally #leadership

#DisabilityPrideMonth may end, but the spirit of inclusion it ignites burns bright all year. It all started in 1990, a year marked by the signing of the groundbreaking Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This critical legislation laid the foundation for equal access and opportunity, paving the way for the first Disability Pride Day held in Boston that same year. Disability Pride Month 2024 wasn't just about celebration; it was a powerful springboard for progress. The global community rallied for a more inclusive world, from thought-provoking conferences to impactful social media movements. Now, let's delve deeper into some of the year's most inspiring achievements and ongoing efforts to ensure everyone can thrive. • Hannah Shewan Stevens dives into the history of disability in cinema, offering a wart-and-all look at the good, the bad, and the ugly of how disabilities have been portrayed on the big screen. The article highlights negative stereotypes like "disability spectacle" and the "angelic disabled child" but also celebrates films like "CODA" that challenged these tropes by featuring a deaf family. It concludes with a call for more correct and diverse portrayals of disability in movies. https://lnkd.in/dHjMJtBndisabled-cinema/ • Celebrating Disability Pride Month, Mattel just unveiled two exciting additions to its inclusive doll line: a blind Barbie and a Black Barbie with Down syndrome! The blind Barbie features textured clothes and a white cane, while the packaging includes Braille. Both dolls were created with the help of disability communities for an authentic and accessible experience. This is an excellent step towards inclusivity, letting kids see themselves reflected in their toys! https://lnkd.in/dvg-2Bea While July may end, the journey for a truly inclusive society continues. Let's harness the energy of #DisabilityPrideMonth and translate it into year-round action. Let's dismantle barriers, empower voices, and work together to create a future where all individuals have the chance to reach their full potential. Wen Charlton 🏳️🌈 Balaji Thiagarajan TechDigital #DisabilityPrideMonth2024 #DisabilityPride #ADA #BeyondTheMonth #Diversity #Equity #Inclusion

Happy Disability Pride Month! Today I wanted to talk about the 10 Principles of Disability Justice, a framework created by Sins Invalid. Sins Invalid is a performance art and education group that use art, activism, and education to create spaces of healing, justice and liberation for disabled people who are Black, Indigenous, Asian, Pacific Islander, Latinx, queer, trans, nonbinary, gender non-conforming, gender expansive, and two-spirit. Here are the 10 principles in plain text created by Sins Invalid: 1. INTERSECTIONALITY “We do not live single issue lives” –Audre Lorde. Ableism, coupled with white supremacy, supported by capitalism, underscored by heteropatriarchy, has rendered the vast majority of the world “invalid.” 2. LEADERSHIP OF THOSE MOST IMPACTED “We are led by those who most know these systems.” –Aurora Levins Morales 3. ANTI-CAPITALIST POLITIC In an economy that sees land and humans as components of profit, we are anti-capitalist by the nature of having non-conforming body/minds. 4. COMMITMENT TO CROSS-MOVEMENT ORGANIZING Shifting how social justice movements understand disability and contextualize ableism, disability justice lends itself to politics of alliance. 5. RECOGNIZING WHOLENESS People have inherent worth outside of commodity relations and capitalist notions of productivity. Each person is full of history and life experience. 6. SUSTAINABILITY We pace ourselves, individually and collectively, to be sustained long term. Our embodied experiences guide us toward ongoing justice and liberation. 7. COMMITMENT TO CROSS-DISABILITY SOLIDARITY We honor the insights and participation of all of our community members, knowing that isolation undermines collective liberation. 8. INTERDEPENDENCE We meet each others’ needs as we build toward liberation, knowing that state solutions inevitably extend into further control over lives. 9. COLLECTIVE ACCESS As brown, black and queer-bodied disabled people we bring flexibility and creative nuance that go beyond able-bodied/minded normativity, to be in community with each other. 10. COLLECTIVE LIBERATION No body or mind can be left behind – only moving together can we accomplish the revolution we require. Disability justice helped me find wholeness on both a personal and coalitional level. It also speaks to the importance of building across difference with and within our communities. In LGBTQIA+ spaces I am disabled, and in disability spaces I am trans & gender non-conforming. Disability justice has gifted me the ability to rediscover my own wholeness. For those unfamiliar with disability justice, I highly encourage you to look into the work and resources by Sins Invalid. Disability is an intersection. An intersection founded in difference, it is a difference that embodies strength, patience, sustainability, risk taking, learning, and resilience when we allow it to be our teacher.

What’s on your reading list? I hope you will join me in reading or re-reading some books that are foundational in understanding diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice. ALL areas of representation involve these emphases. Feel free to use the comments to add to the list!

Each year in July, Disability Pride Month celebrates people who experience disability and their contributions to society. It is also to raise awareness of the challenges people with disabilities still face every day to be treated equally and to promote all types of disabilities as a natural part of humanity. This includes 16% of the world’s population - over 1 billion people - according to the World Health Organization (2023). It is so important to showcase people with disabilities because that allows viewers to see beyond disability. Celebrating #DisabilityPrideMonth with insights on #accessibility and #inclusion I do with intention and purpose. There have been invaluable contributions of individuals with #disabilities to our society and who carried and lived their disability with pride. Some of these champions are: 1. Judy Heumann: A disability rights activist, known as the "Mother of the Disability Rights Movement", who played a significant role in development of American disability legislation (e.g., Americans Disability Act, Section 508, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, etc.). She used a wheelchair since childhood due to polio. 2. Helen Keller: An author, disability rights advocate, political activist, and lecturer who was deaf-blind. 3. Jim Sinclair: An American autistic activist and writer who is widely considered the founder of the Autism Rights Movement. 4. Franklyn Roosevelt: American politician and lawyer who presided as the 32nd president of the United States who lost the use of his legs due to polio. 5. Steve Jobs: The legendary technology CEO and Co-founder of Apple who had dyslexia as a child. 6. Harriet Tubman: Revered and reviled abolitionist and successful conductor of the Underground Railroad who lived with epilepsy. 7. Louise Braille: A French educator who invented the Braille system who was completely blind. Now we have companies and global modern heroes who continue to carry the torch with technology, digital accessibility, #advocacy, #allyship, and pride such as Apple, Microsoft, Google, Haben Girma, Michael J. Fox, Alice Wong, Nick Vujicic, as well as LinkedIn Top Voices in Disability Advocacy (LinkedIn News, 2022), 🦻 Meryl Evans, CPACC (deaf), Emily Ladau, Brandon Farbstein, Catarina Rivera, MSEd, MPH, CPACC, Marisa Hamamoto, @JulieHarris, Tiffany A. Yu, MSc, Jamie Shields, Maayan Ziv, @RyanHonick, amongst others. I am committed to humbly carry and wear my personal disability experience, educate, and support the voiceless people with disabilities and unsung heroes that disability is a “natural” part of life. Let’s ALL continue to honor the history, achievements, experiences, stories, and inclusion of the disability community – with pride. #InclusionForAll #AccessibilityMatters #PeopleWithDisabilities #BeAVoice #InvisibleDisabilities #VisibleDisabilities #LastingImpact (Alt-text provided)

Those who know me well, know that I am an avid reader. I have been leading a weekly book club on Sundays and I've already been thinking about the next read I would like to facilitate for a group. When my friend Tiffany A. Yu, MSc shared that she wrote a book about a subject I am deeply passionate about, I knew it would be on the top of my list! Without hesitation, I applied to join her book launch team :-) The truth is, while we may not work directly together, we have worked in parallel for the last 10 years, sharing our disability experience and providing spaces and platforms for our community to do the same. We are working to support anti-ableism, disability rights, disability justice, and generally making the world a more equitable place for all. As part of the book launch team, I have Early Access to reading The Anti-Ableist Manifesto! I started late last night and I'm already 15% into the book. For the record, this role on the launch team is voluntary and I receive no kind of payment for reading, or for my future reflections. Already, I can see how this book is going to impact both folks within the community and those desiring to become allies, and maybe educate others who are not sure where they fit in. I can't wait to finish the book and share a full review!! Please let me know if you would be interested in joining a book club on this book! The book will be publicly released on October 8th, but you can pre-order now (check out the comments section for details). If you are interested in the book club, let me know in the comments. We probably wouldn't start until late this year or early in the new year, so you would have time to get your book. Image description: Square graphic on an orange gradient background. At the top, text, “I’m a member of The Anti-Ableist Manifesto book launch team!” Below, on the left, a photo of the book The Anti-Ableist Manifesto with a red to orange gradient cover. Below, text, “Coming October 8, 2024. Available for preorder now.” On the right, headshot image in a circle. Below, text, “Tiffany Yu (@imtiffanyyu) takes readers on a revelatory examination of disability—how to unpack biases and build an inclusive and accessible world. I’m getting an early look and can’t wait to share my reflections!”