Social Futures’ Post

What do you know about Invisible Disability badges, and which ones are used in your country? These badges and the visual symbols the carry are becoming increasingly popular around the world, helping to signal when someone might need a bit more patience or support. I love the initiative, but sadly, unlike the intended meaning, I find the design of some of these badges to be exclusive—which may be why we still don't have one universal sign. When I saw the symbol of a stick person with spread arms in an airport in Spain, (the one on the right) it intrigued me and kind of made sense to me. Especially after the pandemic. The one in the middle, used in Canada, is promising but its color contrast and line thickness could be improved to include people with low vision and other visual imparements. The first one on the left, the sunflower symbol, seems to be the most widely used but also excludes many people. This symbol has too much visual detail and relies heavily on color, making it challenging for those with visual impairments. It also doesn't convey the idea of disability to those who are unfamiliar with it, which is the majority of the population. A strong symbol is easily recognizable without relying on color or requiring extensive education; it should be effective in black and white and intuitive in its design. And we need a strong timeless symbol instead of creating visual noise and confusion. Isn’t it time for an inclusive team of icon designers to come together to create a more inclusive and universal symbol for invisible disabilities? I sure think so! #InvisibleDisabilities #DisabilityAwareness #HiddenDisabilities #DisabilityInclusion #SunflowerLanyard #AccessibilityMatters #SupportInvisibleDisabilities #DisabilityRights #EmpathyInAction #NoMoreStigma #InsigniaDiscapacidadInvisible #HiddenDisabilitiesCanada #GlobalDisabilityAwareness #GoodDesignMatters #DesignThinking

In recent years, the dance world has grown and changed “in really cool ways,” says India Harville, the founder and executive director of disability justice performing arts organization Embraced Body . What’s still missing, according to Harville, is the acknowledgment that many artists, like herself, exist across several of these identities at once. “A lot of times, you’ll be in one space designed for disabled bodies that won’t have awareness around race,” she says. “Or you’ll be in a space that’s queer-friendly but doesn’t have a politic around fatness.” With How We Move, a new intensive for dancers 18 and older, India Harville and her collaborators hope to create a space where Disabled, multiply marginalized artists can find community, agency, and creative power. Funded by the Mellon Foundation, How We Move will begin with virtual sessions in March and May, followed by a 10-day in-person intensive in New York City in June, then a final virtual weekend in August. Learn more at https://lnkd.in/eVHyDT3M 🧡 📸: India Harville (in pink) and fellow members of Embraced Body, which is launching the How We Move intensive this year. Photo by A.Marie Studio, Courtesy Embraced Body 📝: Lauren Wingenroth #HowWeMove #MultiplyMarginalized #DanceIntensive Kayla Hamilton JJ Omelagah Movement Research Descriptions: 1) A diverse group of five adults wearing masks and a service dog dance in a bright room. One person is seated in a chair, another is sitting in a wheelchair, a third is dancing with a cane. Text: How We Move Offers a New Kind of Intensive Designed for Disabled and Multiply Marginalized Artists 2) Text: “One of the main impacts I want to see out of this program is a stronger network of Disabled dancers who recognize their brilliance and feel empowered to bring their contribution to the dance world in a bigger way, with more support underneath them.” —India Harville, founder and executive director of disability justice performing arts organization Embraced Body, on the new How We Move intensive

Special invitation for youth 12-18 years old with visual impairment/blindness: Free Art is for Everyone Mural Tour You are invited to this groundbreaking initiative that promotes inclusivity and accessibility in the world of art. The “Art is for Everyone” guided public art tour provides an engaging and enriching experience for low-to-no-vision and sighted individuals. The “Art is for Everyone” guided art tour for youth will be held at 10 a.m. July 11. This 90-minute walk begins and ends at the 7th Street Station on the light rail line uptown. Gather on the sidewalk out front of 7th Street Station around 9:50 a.m. The Art is for Everyone ArtWalk is sponsored by an ASC Cultural Vision Grant and is produced by project partners ArtWalks CLT, Disability Rights and Resources, Metrolina Association for the Blind and Lions Services. Key Features of the “Art is for Everyone” Guided Art Tour: 1. Spoken Word Performances: Each tour begins and ends with a spoken word performance by Annie Burns, setting the stage for a multisensory journey into the world of art. These performances aim to create a sense of connection and anticipation among participants. 2. Audio Descriptions: At every art stop, a trained describer from Disability Rights & Resources will provide detailed audio descriptions that allow them to visualize the artwork’s colors, shapes, and content. 3. Artist Guides: ArtWalks CLT and artist Elizabeth Palmisano will accompany the group, facilitating an interactive and informative experience by answering questions and promoting dialogue about art. 4. Interactive Activations: Palmisano will lead the group in appropriately-designed interactive art activities connecting to the art. 5. Inclusive Routes: The tours will be designed with accessibility in mind, including well-planned routes that accommodate mobility aids and easy navigation for participants with various needs. 6. Community Engagement: The project encourages participants to engage in meaningful conversations and build connections with fellow art enthusiasts. For more information Art is for Everyone Inclusive Youth Tour, visit https://hubs.ly/Q02C_Jhx0.

There are portraits circulating on social media which have sparked a heated debate. From a young woman in a yellow bikini to a stylish young man in a suit and tie, these images have garnered attention for their representation of individuals with disabilities. Do we need more diverse portrayals of beauty and success? Can individuals with disabilities be seen beyond their physical limitations? These portraits challenge us to look past the stereotypes and see the person within. Scope's 2007 disability awareness campaign, 'See The Person, Not The Disability', aimed to break down barriers and change perceptions. Why should people with disabilities be excluded or treated differently? Why can't they be seen as sexy, intelligent, and successful individuals? The campaign cleverly subverted traditional disability iconography, showcasing individuals with disabilities engaging in everyday activities. It's time to recognise that disability doesn't define a person; they are human, with their own unique identities and capabilities. To learn more about Disability Awareness e-learning, visit https://lnkd.in/eQ5M7--A. Join the conversation and challenge your perceptions. #Visualise #Training #Consultancy #Inclusion

Welcome to Week #2 of Disability Pride Month - Arts and Culture. Disability art has been a vital part of the disability justice movement in the United States, taking many forms including paintings, drawings, sculptures, installations, videos, and live performances. It challenges ableist beliefs and promotes disability pride by: Embracing Disability Identity: Celebrating bodily differences and building a distinct disability community. Reevaluating Disability Markers: Transforming markers of disability and impairment traditionally associated with shame. Sharing Perspectives: Allowing disabled artists to share unique life perspectives, chipping away at ableist beliefs. Creating Images of Strength and Pride: Portraying strength and pride as opposed to dependency and helplessness. Key Aspects of Disability and the Arts Intersection: Authentic Representation: Ensuring that artists with disabilities are authentically represented in media, literature, performing arts, and visual arts. Inclusive Practices: Developing inclusive practices that provide opportunities for artists with disabilities to showcase their talents. Physical Accessibility: Making venues, galleries, and performance spaces accessible to both artists and audiences with disabilities. Digital Accessibility: Ensuring digital content is accessible through alt text, captions, and screen-reader-friendly formats. Adaptive Tools: Utilizing and creating adaptive tools and technologies that enable artists with disabilities to practice their art. Innovative Approaches: Encouraging innovative methods in artistic creation that accommodate different abilities. Advocacy Groups: Supporting groups that promote the rights and representation of artists with disabilities. Awareness Campaigns: Educating the public about the contributions of artists with disabilities and the importance of inclusive practices. Grants and Scholarships: Providing financial support specifically aimed at artists with disabilities. Institutional Support: Encouraging arts institutions to adopt policies and programs that support artists with disabilities. Educational Programs: Developing programs that cater to the needs of aspiring artists with disabilities. Professional Development: Offering professional development opportunities for artists with disabilities to advance their careers. Artists: Renowned artists with disabilities, such as Frida Kahlo and Beethoven, whose works have significantly impacted the arts. Organizations: Groups like Disability Arts Online and AXIS Dance Company that promote and support the inclusion of disabled artists. Stereotyping and Stigmatization: Overcoming stereotypes and stigmas associated with disability in the arts. Barriers to Entry: Addressing and dismantling barriers preventing artists with disabilities from entering and thriving in the arts sector. #disabilitypridemonth #adaanniversary #CAI #InclusionMatters #DisabilityAwareness Can you name this famous disability artist?

There are portraits circulating on social media which have sparked a heated debate. From a young woman in a yellow bikini to a stylish young man in a suit and tie, these images have garnered attention for their representation of individuals with disabilities. Do we need more diverse portrayals of beauty and success? Can individuals with disabilities be seen beyond their physical limitations? These portraits challenge us to look past the stereotypes and see the person within. Scope's 2007 disability awareness campaign, 'See The Person, Not The Disability', aimed to break down barriers and change perceptions. Why should people with disabilities be excluded or treated differently? Why can't they be seen as sexy, intelligent, and successful individuals? The campaign cleverly subverted traditional disability iconography, showcasing individuals with disabilities engaging in everyday activities. It's time to recognise that disability doesn't define a person; they are human, with their own unique identities and capabilities. To learn more about Disability Awareness e-learning, visit https://lnkd.in/e5NEnQdq. Join the conversation and challenge your perceptions. #Visualise #Training #Consultancy #Inclusion

Thoroughly recommend this webinar. Some beautiful images and useful guidance on how to take and commission inclusive photographs.

𝑭𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒔: Nipun Malhotra, founder of an organization promoting disability awareness objected to the portrayal of disabled characters in the film "𝑨𝒂𝒏𝒌𝒉 𝑴𝒊𝒄𝒉𝒐𝒍𝒊" and filed a legal notice to #Sony Pictures. But, the film was already released with a 'U' certification from CBFC. 𝑯𝒊𝒈𝒉 𝑪𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒕 rejected dismissed the #petition on grounds of "maintainability" and said that the primary challenge i.e. overcoming disability was not established. 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐭 𝐀𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐲𝐬𝐢𝐬: 1. They said that the "the freedom of speech and expression of the #filmmaker on one hand & the rights of persons with disabilities need not be balanced because the rights in question (dignity, non-discrimination and #equality) do not include the right to curb the filmmakers’ rights to exhibit a film duly certified for such exhibition". 2. SC emphasized that films must be certified considering contemporary societal standards and must not needlessly portray abuse of disabled persons. 3. Further, stressed the need for #media to shift focus from medical aspects of disability to social barriers. Hence, the Court highlighted the need for #awareness and inclusion of disability experts in certification processes but refrained from imposing new guidelines or specific changes to the film. 𝐌𝐲 𝐏𝐎𝐕: The Supreme Court was right to find a 𝐝𝐢𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐧 "𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐡𝐮𝐦𝐨𝐫" 𝐚𝐧𝐝 "𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐡𝐮𝐦𝐨𝐫" and to rule that films must be certified based on contemporary societal standards. However, Sony Pictures has not apologized for using outrageous words to define disability, which is disappointing. Nipun Malhotra Thank you, for fighting this case and bringing this important development to our cinematography era. Films are a powerful medium for change, and it’s crucial that they portray all people with respect and dignity. #cinematographyact #RPwdact #humanright

Happy Disability Pride Month from Omnium Circus®! Did you know there is a Disability Pride Flag? Here it is! Created by Ann Magill, every part of this flag has meaning… …the charcoal represents disabled people who have died due to ableism, violence, negligence, suicide, illness, and eugenics while also representing the rage and protest against the mistreatment of the disabled community. …the diagonal band of color cuts through the darkness, representing the solidarity of the disability community as it “cuts through” the barriers of society. …the green represents sensory disabilities, including blindness and deafness. …the blue represents psychiatric disabilities, including anxiety, depression, and schizophrenia. …the central white stripe represents invisible disabilities, and those who are undiagnosed. …the gold represents intellectual disabilities and neurodivergence, including Down Syndrome and Autism. …the red represents physical disabilities. …the muted colors and vertical design was an 2021 update to better accommodate those with migraines, seizures, and color blindness. — ACCESSIBILITY: A pale yellow graphic has the Disability Pride Flag in the center; it is a charcoal background with 5 colorful diagonal stripes “cutting through” the darkness, from left to right: red, gold, white, blue, and green (symbolism listed in caption). The words “Omnium Circus celebrates Disability Pride Month” are above the flag in the yellow header with an Omnium: a Bold New Circus logo sitting in the top left corner. The bottom of the graphic has a dark purple footer with 6 accessibility icons on it, highlighting the access at Omnium Circus: ADA Wheelchair access, American Sign Language, Audio Description, Touch Tours, Relaxed Seating, Calming Area. — #OmniumCircus #Omnium #Circus #DisabilityPride #DisabilityPrideMonth #DisabilityPrideFlag #RepresentationMatters #DisabilityInclusion #Accessibility #DisabilityIsNotInability #Inclusion #DiversityEquityInclusion #Belonging

White canes are the armor of the person with disabilities, particularly visually impaired people. They are generally 100-150 cm long and help the person with visual impairments to avoid obstacles and navigate their way. With the advancement in technology, white canes can also detect obstacles up to nine feet by using ultrasonic systems. But still, it’s seen that there’s a hesitance in the visually impaired to use these canes. Why is it so? Let’s find out. 1. Ableism and its Social Construct Ableism is the discrimination against persons with disabilities based on the notion that the abled are superior. The clutches of this evil social construct create a tough life even tougher for the disabled. The physical visibility of the white cane becomes an identification criterion for the latter community; thus, people feel uncertain about using it in schools, at work, and in other public settings. 2. Body Image Concerns Using a cane, makes the person with disabilities feel conscious of other people’s perceptions and lowers their self-esteem. Thus, they prefer walking without the white cane even if it hinders their movement. Due to preconceived negative stereotypes and discriminatory behavior towards them, the disabled feel hesitant to use an object that was specially designed for their well-being. 📍What can you do to break the stigma around the use of white cane? 1. Learn about Visual Impairments: People with complete loss of vision or problems in perceiving depth and light require white canes while the ones with residual vision manage without it. Understand the difference between these impairments and offer assistance in the right way. 2. Treat People with Respect: Don’t make assumptions about the person with disabilities by viewing them as dependent or helpless. Be patient and let them perform tasks at their own pace. 3. Offer Help when Asked: Assist when someone asks you to without making them feel like they need it. Be supportive and kind. 📍We at Equibeing Foundation, aim to elevate the lives of the disabled by providing them with better educational and employment opportunities, sustainable livelihoods, and overall improve the quality of their lives. Follow us for more! Content by Mannat Arora #WhiteCane #VisualImpairment #DisabilityAwareness #Ableism #DisabilityRights #AssistiveTechnology #BlindCommunity #InclusionMatters #DisabilityAdvocacy #Empowerment #RespectDisability #Accessibility #EquibeingFoundation #BreakTheStigma #SupportDisability #EndAbleism #InclusiveSociety #AssistiveDevices #DisabilityAwarenessMonth #DisabilitySupport