Championing Change: An Interview (Q&A) with Irene Sarpato on Transforming Disability Inclusion

Irene Sarpato

Diversity & Inclusion Champion Former Disability ERG Founder & Chair Billion Strong Foundation Advisor

Welcome to the first edition of the Billion Strong Global Advisor Corner, where we spotlight the extraordinary Global Advisors at the heart of our movement.

These dedicated individuals are not just advocating but the driving force behind the global push for disability inclusion. They use their expertise, experience, and passion to create a more equitable world.

Our Global Advisors bring diverse perspectives and deep commitment to the Billion Strong mission. They work across various sectors and regions to advance the rights and opportunities of persons with disabilities. This series will delve into their journeys, uncovering the motivations and challenges that shape their work. Each interview provides valuable insights into how our Global Advisors make a tangible difference in their communities and beyond.

Kicking off this series, we are honored to feature Irene Sarpato, a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Culture Expert from Italy. Irene’s advocacy for autism and her efforts to foster inclusion reflects the core values of Billion Strong.

Irene has a Degree in Philosophy, specializing in morals, psychology, and human science. Her dissertation focused on prejudice, discrimination, and social stigma surrounding mental health conditions. She also has a Master’s in Human Resources and Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace. With her philosophy and human resources background, Irene has committed herself to creating a more inclusive world, particularly for individuals with disabilities. Her journey, insights, and ongoing work are inspiring and essential to our mission.

Q1: Please tell us more about your lived experiences with disabilities. How have these experiences influenced your life?

A1: I am autistic, diagnosed in adulthood. After the diagnosis, I hoped to have a little more understanding that, finally, the system would adapt, at least in part, to my needs after years of only me adapting. But it didn't. I faced minimization and microaggressions like: "Congrats, you look normal," "Whatever, you're high functioning," and "If you're autistic, then we're all a little autistic." 

I asked myself, why does it have to be so difficult? And I stepped up my advocacy to create awareness in workplaces and society about what it means to be autistic.

In Italy, people in the autistic spectrum are about 1 in 77, and only 10% have a job. That’s why I am willing to share my experience publicly, to change the perception about autism and disability and create a positive cultural change.

Q2: Why do you believe in the Billion Strong movement? What is your hope for our global movement?

A2: When I learned that Billion Strong had been born, I said, "Wow, this is what was missing! We need unity!" Billion Strong is the place to be if you want to change the world because it is a human-centered movement made of the lived experiences of people with disabilities. I love the powerful and empowering idea behind Billion Strong, and I hope to continue to see the movement grow.

Q3: What does inclusion mean to you?

A3: In the future, we may stop using the word inclusion because it assumes that some people are part of a group and don't fit in and, therefore, need to be included. Inclusion has yet to be a natural process. It requires active engagement.

To shine a light on facts such as systemic discrimination and exclusion, privilege, lack of equal opportunity and accessibility, and the presence of barriers of all kinds: physical, digital, mental, cultural, and political. As long as these barriers exist, inclusion must be an intentional act of removing them.

Q4: What are your hopes and dreams for the future of our billion-person community living with disabilities?

A4: Success looks like a Billion-Strong Global Summit where everyone, from every single country and walk of life, can say, "I’m happy. I can do what I want. I can take part."

Q5: Tell us about your work, mission, projects, or hopes for inclusion and accessibility.

A5: I am committed to creating a positive cultural change around disabilities in multiple settings. I am happy to announce that soon, I will also be able to contribute through a book, my first novel, which will be published in Italy before Christmas by Edizioni Lavoro and Avagliano Editore.

It is the diary of a neurodivergent young woman who narrates about the work and social situations that most upset her, with an ironic and funny tone. What tired me out is the ableist narrative of autism and disability, focusing only on lack, discomfort, limitation, and tragic suffering. I liked the idea of showing the everyday accomplishments, the humorous side of life, and the humor peculiar to autistic people.

I’m happy to mention it because we discussed my book with Debra Ruh in January 2022 on the Human Potential at Work show I was a guest on, and now the project is coming to light.

This story, told by a neurodivergent author, reflects our need to own the narration because Nothing About Us Without Us.

Q6: What advice would you give to people living with disabilities around the world?

A6: I encourage them to be open and share something about themselves and their lived experience. I know it's scary initially, but breaking the ice helps to have authentic conversations and creates a safe environment for others to open up. If the first attempt doesn't go how you would like, persevere! Try again; it will go better the second or third time. Don’t wait for the courage to start; start, and the courage will follow! I promise you!

Q7: What are the possibilities for inclusion and accessibility for all humans, including those with disabilities?

A7: There’s one thing I want to say about inclusion. Including people who have been historically marginalized does not mean taking rights and opportunities away from those who already have them. Inclusion does not imply excluding anyone.

The concept of equity is often misunderstood. Equity gives everyone different things. It gives everyone what they need to participate as equals. Equity does not create an advantage for someone at the expense of someone else. It reduces the disadvantages and barriers already present in society. When this is clear, and when it is clear that privilege and merit are not the same thing, it will be easier to work together for real social progress.

Q8: We proudly use the hashtag #WeAreBillionStrong. Why is it important for our community to be discoverable and to support each other?

A8: We are stronger and must be recognized as a global community. We must become visible and join our voices and forces in driving positive change through the power of togetherness, authenticity, and kindness.

Thank you for joining us in this first edition of the Billion Strong Global Advisor Corner. Irene Sarpato's journey and insights highlight the profound impact that dedicated advocates can have in shaping a more inclusive world. As we continue to feature more of our remarkable Global Advisors, we hope their stories will inspire action and foster a deeper understanding of the importance of disability inclusion.

Stay tuned for more voices and perspectives from global leaders helping drive the change we all seek. Together, we are a Billion Strong.

The interview was conducted by Jasmin Ambiong - Chief Partnership Officer and Cofounder - of Billion Strong.

ID: Championing Change: An Interview (Q&A) on Transforming Disability Inclusion.' It features the Billion Strong logo in the top left corner.

Below, the text 'Global Advisor Corner' appears. The right side of the image displays a smiling Irene Sarpato, with the following text next to her: 'Irene Sarpato, Diversity & Inclusion Champion, Former Disability ERG Founder & Chair, Billion Strong Foundation Advisor.

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