Disability Belongs

I'm excited to be speaking at the SIE Society Impact + Power Conference this Friday. Moderated by CNN's David Daniel, additional panelists include Kelli McNeil-Yellen, Nandi Bowe, and Nielsen's Stacie M. de Armas. We will focus on the intersection of business and inclusive storytelling for social impact. If you are in LA this week, get tickets and be part of the conversation: https://lnkd.in/eWYEZ9cb.

New data from our partners at Nielsen shows that gaps in disability representation remain stark, that disabled people feel underrepresented and misrepresented in media, and that our community expects brands to support causes aligned with our interests. As our President and CEO Ariel Simms said, “By thoughtfully integrating accessibility and representation into their business plans, disability-inclusive brands not only create a more inclusive environment but also foster stronger relationships with diverse audiences. Brands that prioritize disability inclusion from the outset position themselves to reap the benefits of a more equitable marketplace.” Read the report: https://lnkd.in/e7F3CWur

Only a few hours left!

Today, on International Day of Persons with Disabilities, the U.S. Department of Labor released a groundbreaking notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) that would phase out certificates that allow certain employers to pay disabled workers below the federal minimum wage and for some, just cents on the dollar. Many advocates, including Disability Belongs™, have been calling for equal pay for disabled workers for years. In the coming weeks, we'll be calling on our network to share public comments in support of this important advocacy milestone, helping this proposed rule become a reality for disabled workers. Please stay tuned for action alerts! Image Description: U.S. Department of Labor logo

Today is International Day of Persons with Disabilities, and it’s also Giving Tuesday! Donate now to aid in our mission to fight stigmas and advance opportunities so people with disabilities can fully participate in all aspects of community. All donors of any size will receive a small gift of appreciation from us. Additionally, all donors of $100 or more will be invited to an exclusive supporter only CEO Coffee session in January 2025. Donate at https://lnkd.in/eaREFgpV

Shocking Fact: A report by the U.S. Government Accountability Office shows that 51% of workers with disabilities employed by 14(c) employers are paid less than $3.50 per hour. This must change. Urge your legislator to support fair pay by advocating for the Transformation to Competitive Integrated Employment Act before December 13th. Get involved at https://lnkd.in/gvMaCxYW

We are thrilled to report that interest in our National Leadership Program continues to grow! We received 141 applications for our upcoming cohort in the spring of 2025 – nearly double what we received in the past two cycles. Thank you to everyone who took the time to apply for the program! Learn more about the program on our website, and stay tuned to our socials for information on the Fall 2025 application in the coming months.

Disability Inclusion Tip 6: Speak directly to a person with a disability, not to their companion or sign language interpreter. A lack of immediate response does not indicate that the person can't or won't respond. We want to work with you and your organization to create a more inclusive world for people with disabilities! Our team can review your policies and procedures, train your team on accessibility, inclusion, and belonging, and help your organization reach a better future where disabled people’s authentic experiences, innovations, and dedication can flourish. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gv9JgMPY

To all who celebrate, Disability Belongs™ wishes you a Happy Thanksgiving!

Rachel Handler, who became an amputee from a car accident in 2012, tells Disability Belongs™ that while there have been enormous health and mobility effects following her amputation, “the biggest struggles in my life come from the way society views disability and handles accessibility.” Her latest short film, DERAILED, was born out of the rage she felt when a subway station near her home base in New York City underwent major renovations while the opportunity to make it accessible went ignored. Learn more about the film: https://lnkd.in/egSBVeVH