University Physicians'​ Association, Inc. (UPA)’s Post

The 2024 Sonoma County Mayors’ Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities will once again be honoring businesses in our community which help to demonstrate the value inclusion of people with disabilities bring, not only to the community, but also the businesses themselves. During National Disability Employment Awareness Month, or NDEAM, we celebrate the value and talent workers with disabilities add to America’s workplaces and economy. NDEAM takes place annually each October, but its purpose is to confirm our commitment to ensuring disabled workers have access to good jobs, every month of every year. That’s the spirit behind this year’s official theme: “Access to Good Jobs for All.” We will be honoring businesses which have made efforts to engage individuals with disabilities through partnerships with local non-profits and government programs, and Community Advocates who make training and reentering the workforce easier. We also honor the individuals with disabilities themselves, who show the value of being inclusive to the diversity that is Sonoma County. https://lnkd.in/gXK6SpEK

Disability Pride Month Celebrated in July to mark the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) that was passed on July 26, 1990. The goal of Disability Pride Month is to promote inclusion (equal opportunities for those with disabilities), change views (challenge stereotypes about disabilities), and empower (help those with disabilities feel proud and advocate for their rights). Ways to celebrate: -Learn more about disability experiences and history - see our book recommendations in this post. -Encourage inclusive practices. -Support disability-owned businesses. -Advocate for better accessibility. -Encourage inclusive practices.

Honored to have played a part through our supplier diversity efforts and, more broadly, proud of the collaborative approach we have taken at Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island with our #CSR team led by Carolyn Belisle and her team to intentionally leverage this work! Thank you Disability:IN for recognizing this work! Disability-Owned Business Enterprises (DOBE’s) Employ People with Disabilities at a rate 10x of non-DOBEs 1 in 4: Adults in the United States lives with a disability. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) 32.5 M: Number of estimated small businesses in the United States. (U.S. Small Business Administration ) 2x: People with disabilities are twice as likely to be self-employed.

As we observe National Disability Employment Awareness Month this October, it's important to recognize that professionals with disabilities face not only physical and digital accessibility barriers but also the weight of negative perceptions. These combined challenges often contribute to the underrepresentation of individuals with disabilities in leadership roles. Let’s take the time to examine our unconscious biases and fully appreciate not only the obstacles these professionals overcome but also their remarkable abilities to lead. Together, we can foster more inclusive and equitable workplaces at all levels.

Did you know that around 25% of Americans have a disability, making it the largest minority group in the country? Many disabilities are invisible, meaning you likely have colleagues or friends with disabilities you may not even be aware of. Regardless of your personal connection to disability, it's crucial to understand its rich history and current impact. Explore our latest blog by Taylor Anderson, one of our therapists in Bismarck, to delve into the significance of Disability Pride Month and learn how to celebrate and advocate effectively. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/gW--UDNZ

Self-advocacy is an important part of being a leader. We suggest starting with listening to Maria Town on Disability Matters to learn more about what is happening in the disability community today. Listen on-demand at https://lnkd.in/e3epX7Vh. #DisabilityMatters #AAPD #LeadOn

Today is the 51st anniversary of the passage of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, a landmark piece of disability rights legislation. The Rehabilitation Act was the first major federal civil rights law to protect people with disabilities from discrimination in federal employment, federal agencies, programs that receive federal financial assistance, and more. Significantly, The Rehabilitation Act paved the way for the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other advancements in disability rights laws. While there is still work to be done, today is a day to reflect on the progress that has been made, and the foundation that the Rehabilitation Act built.

July is Disability Pride Month! It's a time to honor the history, achievements, experiences, and struggles of the disability community. Let's celebrate and raise awareness about the importance of inclusivity and accessibility for all. Learn more about the flag and ways you can celebrate and advocate for Disability Pride Month at https://lnkd.in/gwRaQRnY Have you seen the Disability Pride Flag? Each color represents a different aspect of disability: Red: Physical disabilities Gold: Neurodivergence White: Invisible disabilities Green: Emotional and psychiatric disabilities, including mental illness Blue: Sensory disabilities Image description: Hearts in the colors of the disability pride flag, red, gold, white, green and blue. Text reads: Disability Pride Month. Honoring each person's uniqueness and seeing it as a natural and beautiful part of human diversity.

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