Brainstorm Productions’ Post

Today is International Day of People with Disability. This year’s theme is 'Amplifying the Leadership of Persons with Disabilities for an Inclusive and Sustainable Future.' Imagine a world where the insights and experiences of people with disability lead our conversations. For too long, they have been left out of decision-making processes. This year, let’s flip the script. By elevating their voices, we can unlock innovative ideas that help everyone in the community thrive. Learn more about how you can get involved here: https://lnkd.in/gqGnZpj #InternationalDayOfPeopleWithDisability #IDPwD #TeamPossible #CommunitySolutions

Celebrating the Strength and Resilience of People with Disabilities. Today, on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, we honor the strength, resilience, and incredible potential of individuals with disabilities. At Assistiveq, we are committed to empowering people with innovative assistive technologies that improve lives, promote independence, and foster inclusion. Disability is not an obstacle, but an opportunity to build a more inclusive society where everyone can thrive. We believe in a world where everyone has access to the tools and support they need to live with dignity and achieve their dreams. Let's continue to work together to break down barriers, challenge stereotypes, and create a world where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. #IDPD2024 #AssistiveTechnology #InclusionMatters #Empowerment #Accessibility #Assistiveq #DisabilityRights

Today marks the 34th anniversary of the signing of the #AmericanswithDisabilitiesAct. We invite you to explore our Disability Inclusion Toolkit, the DRC's innovative resource designed to help companies assess and maximize their inclusion of people living and working with disabilities. Dive into the data, resources, and best practices here: https://lnkd.in/gU-ctSmj

Today marks the 34th Anniversary of the Americas with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA). The ADA, signed into law on July 26, 1990, was a landmark piece of legislation that broke down barriers to inclusion, but people in the disability community still experience discrimination, social stigma, and marginalization. Lifeworks recognizes the important role the ADA continues to play in ensuring greater access and opportunities for people with disabilities – but we know there is still more work to be done. That is why Lifeworks is committed to partnering with people with disabilities so that we can continue to identify barriers, address challenges, and build inclusive communities and workplaces. #LifeworksMN #ADA34 #ADAAnniversary #DisabilityInclusion

Ding ding! Kelley nails it again. I get this question when I do presentations, and I explain that I don't see disability as a negative word. And it's a really important one. From the introduction to my book on preparing students with disabilities for successful college transition - "This book uses the word 'disability' because this is the word used in the laws. Use of the word is not meant to offend those who see students as having differences." Students have to have a *disability* to be eligible for accommodations. There are ways to explain to students that you are using the word "disability" because of the law while also emphasizing their strengths. Refusing to use the word can deprive students of crucial knowledge they need to self-advocate. Also from my book (Step 6) - in a research study on why students registered in their first, second, or third term in college, one student said, 'No one ever used the term ‘learning disability’ to me, ever, in high school, so I certainly never discussed how my learning disability would affect me in college.'”* In this study, the later they registered, the lower their GPA and the number of credits they had earned. Unfortunately, there will be students who feel stigmatized no matter what. But if we don't explain to them why they're receiving accommodations (which is that they have a weakness that affects them substantially), how can we expect them to advocate for what they need as they move through life? *Lightner, K. l., Kipps-Vaughan, D., Schulte, T., & Trice, A. D. (2012). Reasons university students with a learning disability wait to seek disability services. Journal of Postsecondary Education, 25(2), 159–177. https://lnkd.in/e25Bxcj5

Celebrate International Day of Persons with Disabilities!   Today, December 3rd, is a day to amplify the leadership of disabled people for an inclusive and sustainable future. This day underscores a critical message - disability inclusion is not just about social justice – it enriches our entire society!   To truly celebrate and support, consider taking active steps to amplify and work for positive change in physical and organizational structures, policies, and education. Here are a few examples: 1. Improve Customer Service: Employees who recognize different conditions will better serve your customers, who may have such disorders. 2. Learn the Legal Requirements: Reduce the risk of unfair treatment or legal implications by learning about the Equality Act 2010.  3. Encourage Open Communication: Disabled people live with their conditions every day, so building psychological safety can support engagement and wellbeing through open communication.  4. Transform Perceptions: Reduce unconscious bias and misinformation through an informative training session, which helps your able-bodied staff shift assumptions and mental models. 5. Validate Disabled Staff: A training session shows disabled employees that their feelings, experiences, and struggles are valid. #DisabilityAwareness #DiversityInclusion #SocialJustice

International Day of Persons with Disabilities Happy International Day of Persons with Disabilities! 💪🏾❤️ As a 19-year-old brain injury survivor, I am proud to stand up and share my journey on this important day. Living with a disability has its challenges, but it has also taught me resilience, strength, and the power of community. This year's theme resonates deeply with me: it's a reminder that every person, regardless of their abilities, has the right to live fully and contribute to society. We are more than our diagnoses; we are individuals with dreams, aspirations, and unique perspectives. Today, I want to celebrate the incredible diversity of abilities that exist in our world and emphasize the importance of inclusion. Let’s work together to break down barriers, raise awareness, and create a society that values each person’s contributions. To everyone who has faced challenges due to a disability: your voice matters, your story matters, and you are not alone. Let’s continue to support each other and advocate for a world that embraces all of us. #IDPD2024 #DisabilityAwareness #InclusionMatters #BrainInjurySurvivor19

The International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD), Established in 1992 by the United Nations General Assembly (Resolution 47/3) and observed annually on December 3rd, Is a vital opportunity to raise awareness and foster understanding of disability issues 🌍. This day highlights the dignity, rights, and well-being of individuals with disabilities while calling on communities, organizations, and governments to promote inclusion, raise awareness, and support empowerment 🤝✨. By advocating for equal integration into all aspects of life such as civil, social, economic, political, and cultural and addressing the challenges faced by persons with disabilities, IDPD inspires a commitment to an inclusive future where everyone can participate fully and equally 🙌. #IDPD #InclusionMatters #DisabilityRights #Empowerment #AccessibilityForAll #DignityAndRights #GlobalUnity #December3 #EqualOpportunities #AwarenessMatters #StichtingMissionLanka

"Use the word disability and don't see it as a bad thing." This is such an important action step that we can take as parents and professionals supporting youth with disabilities. I recently gave a presentation for parents of students on #IEPs focused on promoting #selfawareness and #selfadvocacy in youth with social cognitive disabilities. I used the word "disability" a lot as part of the presentation, sharing what we know from research about the importance of disability awareness, understanding disability-related needs, knowing disability rights related to laws such as ADA, IDEA, and Section 504, and disability disclosure. When I got to the Q&A section of the presentation, a parent asked, "Do we need to use the term 'disability'? What do you think about neurodivergent as a term instead?" Neurodivergent is a great term. And neurodiversity is incredibly important. But, the term disability and neurodivergent are not "apples to apples." When students transition to adulthood, obtaining accommodations on a college campus, or in a work setting, often depend on acknowledging disability and disability-related needs. When we don't talk about "disability" or we try to minimize use of the term, we might be implying that there is something negative or shameful. We are buying into, rather than breaking down, stigma. I am not at all saying that I love the current language or terminology. But, it is what we have, and we need to be able to use the legal language, and to empower youth to use the language in order to get their needs met. Thank you Catarina for posting these 5 action steps we can take to support disability inclusion and especially for pointing out the need to "use the word disability and not see it as a bad thing." #disabilities #disabilityadvocacy #inclusion #specialeducation #transitionplanning #transitionservices

What is ableism? The belief that people with disabilities are inferior to those without disabilities – and that being nondisabled is the standard of "normal living". These beliefs have real world consequences: discrimination, social stigma, and marginalization. We all need to take step to challenge ableism in our communities, workplaces, and within ourselves, so that full inclusion becomes the norm – and not the exception. In honor of Disability Pride Month, here are five ways that you can challenge ableism and be a better ally to the disability community: https://bit.ly/3RVXwnk #LifeworksMN #DisabilityPride #DisabilityPrideMonth