Celebrating Disability Pride Month at Waterford.org

At Waterford.org we understand the power diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences have on fueling our external social impact, as well as cultivating a sense of employee belonging and inclusion. That’s why we invest in and support employee resource groups (ERGs).

In celebration of Disability Pride Month this year, we’d like to highlight one such ERG and its members–Inclusive Disability Engagement, Awareness, and Support (IDEAS). IDEAS represents a community of Waterford employees who strive to advance a workplace culture and policies that welcome and support employees of all abilities through advocacy, education, and networking. IDEAS members are made up of folks who identify as having a visible or invisible disability (including sensory, mental health, neurodivergent, or physical), as well as compassionate allies.

Why Disability Pride is so Important to Waterford Employees

This July, we asked ERG members to consider two questions: why they decided to join IDEAS and why they believe disability pride is so important. Here’s what a few of them had to say.

“Disability pride is not about overcoming limitations; it's about embracing the unique strengths and resilience that thrive beyond them. It celebrates diversity, challenges stigma, and affirms the power of every individual's journey toward inclusion and equality. I joined the IDEAS ERG because I believe it is important to provide a dedicated space for fostering inclusivity, advocating for accommodations, and celebrating the diverse perspectives and strengths of individuals with disabilities. It serves as a platform for promoting awareness, educating colleagues, and influencing organizational policies to ensure equal opportunities and support for all employees.”

– Mandy Gonter M.Ed (She/Her), Program Coach and ERG Member

“I joined [IDEAS] as an ally to learn, grow, and support others with visible and invisible disabilities. It has made an impact on how I engage with others personally and professionally.”

– Toby Gruber (She/Her), Sr Director of Partner Success and ERG Member

"For years, I tried to repress my OCD symptoms and autistic traits with the fear that disclosing either diagnosis would affect how others saw me. It took burnout and requesting accommodations for me to realize that, like everyone else, I deserved to feel safe and supported at work. As we celebrate Disability Pride Month, I'm grateful for the advocacy the IDEAS ERG provides that allows employees to be their authentic selves and receive the support they need to thrive."

– Andreas (Andy) M. (He/They), Marketing Writer and ERG Member

“Disability pride is about dignity, respect, and equality for all individuals, regardless of their abilities. It plays a crucial role in challenging societal norms and advocating for a more inclusive world where everyone can fully participate and contribute.”

– Laura Denniley (She/Her), Program Coach and ERG Member

"As someone living with hidden disabilities, including being legally blind in one eye, depression, ADHD, and a touch of OCD, I have personally experienced the challenges of navigating a world that often overlooks or misunderstands these conditions. I joined IDEAS because I believe in the power of understanding and inclusivity to create a supportive and accepting environment for all. Disability pride is essential in breaking down the walls of bias and fear that stem from the unknown. By creating a safe space for individuals to share their experiences, IDEAS fosters understanding and belonging for all. Let's celebrate our diverse abilities and work together to build a more inclusive world."

– Kim Fischer (She/Her), EVP of Marketing and Communications and ERG Executive Sponsor

“I joined the IDEAS ERG because a great deal of my life I have been involved with the day to day ramifications of disabilities encountered by family members and children that I have worked with. Disabilities are far more common than the general population is aware of and I would like to help dispel that myth and educate others on the commonality we all share.”

– Janet LaRue , Program Coach and ERG Member

“I joined IDEAS because I wanted to build connections with others managing disabilities to increase my exposure to, and understanding of, conditions different from my own and to have an impact on shaping organizational policies on workplace accessibility and equity. I’m so humbled that as a leader of IDEAS, I also get to play a role in creating a psychologically safe space each month that welcomes open dialog on the disabled human experience–both inside and outside the workplace. Disability pride is so important to me because it symbolizes the embrace of self-acceptance and personal confidence, as well as the destruction of societal stigma and both external and inward shame.”

– Teisha Gillespie (She/Her), Director of Demand Generation and ERG Chair

At Waterford.org , we proudly celebrate Disability Pride Month and honor the strength, resilience, and contributions of our employees with disabilities. Through the collective voices of the IDEAS ERG, we continue to build a workplace where everyone feels valued, understood, and empowered to thrive. Together, we champion diversity, promote inclusion, and strive for a world where everyone can fully participate and contribute.