Billion Strong

Empowering people with disabilities and changing the world so that it's more inclusive and accessible is a huge undertaking. We need your help. Please donate today at https://lnkd.in/g4jXV9Tm. #pwd #crowdfunding LaMondre Pough

I got to visit the O.P. Jindal Global University (JGU) on 25th of September, thanks to the lovely Smita Tharoor, and talk about what I do the most, yes, Disability, Poverty, and so many other things as we were having a conversational session where topics were arising from one another. It was a lovely time there at the university, the energy, the vibe, their stadium, and the academic block. And the best thing was the experiences, opinions and the perspectives the students shared, I don't know about them, but I learned a lot, for sure.

Here’s something we often overlook: Accessibility isn’t just for people with disabilities—it’s for everyone. Think about this: When work environments prioritize accessibility, it’s not just disabled or neurodivergent people who benefit. Everyone stands to gain. Take these adjustments, for example: ➢ Clear and simple communication ➢ Flexible work options ➢ Transparent and straightforward processes ➢ Calm, distraction-free spaces Now, imagine who else this could help: ➣ Busy professionals juggling countless tasks ➣ Parents and caregivers managing unpredictable schedules ➣ New hires finding their feet in unfamiliar territory ➣ People dealing with life changes (moving, family shifts, etc.) ➣ Employees working remotely or across time zones ➣ Multilingual team members processing information in a non-native language ➣ Anyone facing temporary injuries or health issues Accessibility is for everyone, not just because it’s the right thing to do (although that alone is reason enough), but because it builds a work culture that respects and supports all kinds of human experiences. Creating accessible environments doesn’t just remove barriers—it creates stronger, more resilient spaces where everyone can thrive.

"Putting the I in ESG: Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities as Strategic Advantage of Sustainability Practices for Corporates and Investors" is the latest technical guide by the International Labour Organization ILO Global Business and Disability Network. The guide provides a framework for defining and reporting on corporate practices that make disability inclusion efforts more comprehensive. For each of the ten areas of this framework, between two and eight Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and existing corporate Good Practices are provided. #DisabilityInclusion #ESG #Equity #SDGs #AXSChat #WeAreBillionStrong #Accessibility

It’s simple, almost blunt, but deeply profound: “Before you assume, try this radical method called ‘asking.’” How often do we fill in the blanks about someone else’s needs, experiences, or intentions without taking a moment to ask? In the disability community, this happens far too often. People assume what accommodations we need—or worse, whether we need any at all. They assume what our lives must be like, often painting them with either pity or misplaced heroism. And in doing so, they rob us of the dignity of our own voice. Asking isn’t just about gathering information; it’s about respect. It says, “Your perspective matters more than my assumptions.” Imagine a world where “What do you need?” or “How can I support you?” became as reflexive as “How are you?” But asking takes courage, humility and vulnerability. It means admitting we don’t have all the answers. It means being ready to listen—really listen—even if the answer challenges us or makes us uncomfortable. Yet, this discomfort is the birthplace of growth, empathy, and true inclusion. For me, as someone with lived experience of disability, I’ve seen firsthand the harm assumptions can cause. Someone assuming I couldn’t do something, and so they didn’t bother offering the opportunity. Or worse, someone assuming they understood my needs better than I do. These moments can feel suffocating, like being boxed in by someone else’s limited imagination. But when someone asks—when they give me the space to express my reality—it feels liberating. It feels like being seen. Let’s not forget that assumptions are shortcuts that often lead to missteps. They close doors that could have been opened with a simple question. So, the next time you’re tempted to guess, remember this: asking isn’t intrusive, it’s the foundation of connection. Let’s start choosing curiosity over presumption, conversation over silence. Because the world doesn’t need more people who assume; it needs more people who care enough to ask. Credit: No Nonsense Neurodivergent ID: The image has a dark gray background with white text in the center that reads: "Before you assume, try this radical method called 'asking'." The text is enclosed in a thin rectangular white border, creating a minimalist design that emphasizes the message.

“Why does the #WeAreBillionStrong movement struggle to secure funding? Maybe the idea of over a billion people with disabilities uniting, demanding visibility, and owning their collective power feels too unsettling for some.” The #WeAreBillionStrong movement is a bold initiative. Its goal? To unite over a billion people with disabilities worldwide, foster pride in their identities, and create a space where disability is celebrated, not sidelined. But despite this profound mission, the movement has hit roadblocks in funding. Why? Let’s unpack this. First, the status quo doesn’t like disruption. A billion voices demanding recognition and respect can feel threatening to systems built to exclude us. The idea of shifting power from entrenched hierarchies to marginalized communities often meets resistance. People in charge of funding might see this movement not as a solution but as a challenge. Then there’s the bias. Let’s be real—disability is still wrapped in stigma. Too many funders still see disability initiatives as charity, not empowerment. They fail to grasp the impact of uplifting this community. They undervalue the strength, innovation, and resilience people with disabilities bring to the world. And we can’t ignore the resource issue. There’s a constant competition in the nonprofit space. When you add the complexity of explaining why this movement is critical, #WeAreBillionStrong often gets overshadowed by causes seen as more “mainstream” or “urgent.” But here’s the thing: this is urgent. Empowering over a billion people isn’t just another cause—it’s a global imperative. Finally, awareness is a gap we’re working to bridge. Many funders don’t even know what the movement stands for. They don’t see the lives it could transform or the bridges it could build between communities. Education is a vital piece of the puzzle. But these challenges aren’t insurmountable. The answer lies in sharing our stories louder, more often, and with unwavering pride. It lies in helping people see the value of an inclusive world—economically, socially, and morally. #WeAreBillionStrong isn’t about asking for handouts. It’s about demanding the investment our community deserves. It’s about showing the world that the future isn’t built by a few; it’s built by all of us. Change takes time, and resistance only proves its necessity. The movement will push forward because it’s not just about funding—it’s about justice, dignity, and belonging. And that’s a mission no obstacle can silence. ID: Debra's Quote: "A billion people with disabilities seeking recognition is a powerful call for change, shaping the future we all share. #WeAreBillionStrong is about justice, dignity, and belonging. The question isn’t why fund it—it’s how can we afford not to?"

🌟 Thrilled to Announce! 🌟 Billion Strong is partnering with Redicine Medsol to revolutionize accessibility and inclusivity in healthcare. Together, we aim to empower individuals with innovative medication management solutions for a healthier, more equitable world. Stay with us as we shape a future where healthcare truly leaves no one behind! #WeAreBillionStrong #InnovationInHealthcare #HealthcareForAll Debra Ruh, Puneet Singh Singhal, Raj Shah, Dhaumil Parmar, Eng. Nabil Eid, Richard Streitz, Jasmin Ambiong ID: Graphic announcing a partnership between Redicine and Billion Strong. The text reads: 'Redicine has PARTNERED with Billion Strong,' accompanied by the Billion Strong logo and a globe icon. A tagline at the bottom states, 'Making healthcare accessible for all!'

This post hits like a quiet punch to the gut, doesn’t it? It captures a reality many neurodivergent people know too well—that hollow ache of investing deeply in a friendship, only to realize the feeling isn’t mutual. It’s not just a passing sadness; it’s the kind of realization that makes you question your instincts, your worth, and even the way you navigate the world. For neurodivergent folks, relationships can feel like walking on a tightrope without a net. We tend to care with intensity, pouring our loyalty and trust into people. But when that energy isn’t returned in kind, it can feel like a betrayal—not because the other person is malicious, but because our expectations and theirs simply aren’t aligned. What’s worse, society often gaslights us into believing we’re “too much” or “too sensitive.” But is it too much to expect reciprocation? Is it too much to hope for someone to see us the way we see them? These are human needs, not neurodivergent quirks. It’s also a reminder of the ways ableism creeps into relationships. Neurotypical social norms often don’t leave space for the way we communicate, connect, or express friendship. So, we’re left wondering: “Did I misread this?” “Am I annoying?” or worse, “Am I unworthy of deeper bonds?” For me, its not about being “too much.” It’s about finding people who meet me where I am. People who see my value without qualifiers, who don’t think of me as a rung lower or a rung higher—just as equals climbing through life together. If you’ve felt this, you’re not alone. It’s not a flaw in you; it’s a mismatch in expectations. And while it hurts, it also teaches us to protect our energy, to invest in people who truly see us, and to build connections that don’t feel like one-sided weights to carry. Friendship is about standing shoulder to shoulder, whether the ground beneath is steady or shaky. Keep looking for those people—they’re out there. And when you find them, the connection will be worth the wait. #WeAreBillionStrong #AXSChat #SDGs #Disability #Neurodivergent #Equity #Accessibility ID: The image is a screenshot of a tweet by Gabe Netz that reads: "I wonder how many other neurodivergent people repeatedly had the thing where there was a person they considered to be their best friend while that person thought of them as maybe one rung past a pleasant acquaintance."

Strength in Unity: Thanks to the Global Community of People with Disabilities As we approach Thanksgiving and the International Day for Persons with Disabilities, I want to express my deepest gratitude to the incredible global advisors, volunteers, partners, and individual contributors who have supported Billion Strong from 114 countries around the world. Together, we’ve been building a movement—a global identity for people with disabilities—and yet, none of us have been compensated because we haven’t secured the funding this cause deserves. Why? Perhaps empowering over a billion people with disabilities to gather, convene, and become discoverable feels too powerful. Maybe that’s why some funders have ignored #BillionStrong and other #NothingAboutUsWithoutUs movements. Especially global ones. Or maybe we haven’t yet found the perfect way to frame our message for every stakeholder. Whatever the reason, one thing is certain: we are not giving up. Ruh Global IMPACT will continue to fund Billion Strong, and I believe 2025 will be a transformative year for both our think tank and this movement. We’ll use our profits to keep building Billion Strong and creating tools like the accessible communication system for our volunteers. Every email, every effort, and every moment you’ve given to this cause has been noted, remembered, and deeply appreciated. This is how change happens: one post, one comment, one conversation at a time. I am so grateful and thankful for every one of you who believes in this mission. Together, we will make the world see that disability inclusion is not just a cause—it’s a movement of power, identity, and global transformation. Image description: Debra Ruh with gray and purple hair stands with her friend Amber Watson. Amber has short blondish hair and a big smile and was born with CP. #WeAreBillionStrong #BillionStrong #RuhGlobal #Disability #Inclusion #Accessibility #InternationalDayForPersonsWithDisabilities #Thanksgiving #DisabilityDay #IDPD #IDPD24 #IDPD2024 #DisabilityPride #DisabilityIdentity #PeopleOfDetermination #NothingAboutUsWithoutUs #IDPWD #IDPWD2024 #HappyThanksgiving #HappyThanksgiving2024 #DisabilityConfident #PWD #AXSChat #GreenDisability Puneet Singh Singhal Eng. Nabil Eid Richard Streitz Steve Tyler Jasmin Ambiong

Sometimes, I find myself brimming with frustration when people treat accessibility and disability inclusion as nothing more than a checklist. It’s exhausting. We have the knowledge. We have the tools. We know how to create accessible systems, spaces, and technologies. So why do we keep falling short? Accessibility isn’t a luxury or a favor. It’s a fundamental human right. It’s about honoring dignity, recognizing contributions, and ensuring equal opportunities. Yet, too often, it’s shoved to the sidelines, labeled as “extra work” or “nice to have.” This isn’t just about meeting legal requirements or ticking off compliance boxes. It’s about building a world where everyone belongs. A world where no one is left behind. We have the ability to do better, so why are we still making excuses? I’ll be honest—I’m impatient. I’m tired of waiting for progress that should already be here. But that impatience fuels me. It pushes me to speak up, to keep the conversations alive, and to challenge complacency wherever I see it. This frustration isn’t just mine. It’s shared by millions of disabled people who feel like they’re always asking for the bare minimum. But here’s the thing: frustration is also a call to action. It’s proof that we care enough to demand better. Progress may feel slow, but change starts with impatience. It starts with challenging the status quo and asking, “Why not now?” So let’s take this frustration and channel it into something meaningful. Let’s stop settling for “good enough” and commit to making accessibility a priority, not an afterthought. It’s not just about systems or policies. It’s about people. It’s about all of us. And the time to act is now. #WeAreBillionStrong #AXSChat #Accessibility #a11y #DisabilityInclusion ID: Debra's Quote: "Accessibility is a reflection of respect and equality, not an optional extra. We have the tools to include everyone—what’s missing is the will to act. Progress starts with impatience. Let’s demand better, now."