We are thrilled to announce the U.S. Department of State is the first Federal Agency Headquarters to launch the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program. It was brought to the Department by Alex Barrasso, Chair of Department’s Disability Action Group (DAG), an employee organization that works toward inclusion of individuals with disabilities at the Department.
We hope that many more federal agencies will join this effort to identify and remove barriers and better support employees and the public at large with chronic medical conditions and disabilities that are not apparent.
https://lnkd.in/gSbyDwBZ
Sr. Director Innovation, Business & Product Development- Driving Strategic Change with Innovative Solutions | Collaborative Leader Transforming Visions into Reality
Did you know that around 25% of Americans have a disability, making it the largest minority group in the country? Many disabilities are invisible, meaning you likely have colleagues or friends with disabilities you may not even be aware of. Regardless of your personal connection to disability, it's crucial to understand its rich history and current impact.
Explore our latest blog by Taylor Anderson, one of our therapists in Bismarck, to delve into the significance of Disability Pride Month and learn how to celebrate and advocate effectively. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/gW--UDNZ
Did you know that July is #DisabilityPrideMonth? Disability Pride Day was first held in 1990 following the passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (#ADA). 2015 marked the first year that Disability Pride Month was officially celebrated! The Americans with Disabilities Act includes individuals with #addiction and people in #recovery from substances.
It's important to remember that not all disabilities are inherently "visual". Practice being more inclusive to people with disabilities by:
🧠 Accept people with disabilities AS THEY ARE: They don't need you to "fix" or change them.
🧠 Educate yourself: Do research or read books on how to best support the disabled community.
🧠 Amplify disabled voices: Share content directly from the disabled community. Start thought-provoking conversations with people from the disabled community; learning directly from the source will give you better empathy and understanding than anywhere else.
There are so many ways to flex your ally muscles during Disability Pride Month! 🔗 below is the source for this post. Read through to learn about more ways to become a stronger #ally 💚
#ElevateRecoveryCenters#recoverycenter#glenburnie#maryland#info
Self-advocacy is an important part of being a leader. We suggest starting with listening to Maria Town on Disability Matters to learn more about what is happening in the disability community today. Listen on-demand at https://lnkd.in/e3epX7Vh. #DisabilityMatters#AAPD#LeadOn
Today on Disability Matters Joyce welcomes back to the show, Maria Town, President & CEO of the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD). As we continue commemorating the 34th anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act on July 26, 2024, Ms. Town will review the ways in which the AAPD works to uphold the ADA and fights for the rights of all people with disabilities. Be sure to tune into Disability Matters with Joyce Bender, every Tuesday, 2 PM to 3 PM Eastern Time, 11 AM Pacific https://lnkd.in/e3epX7Vh.
The 2024 Sonoma County Mayors’ Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities will once again be honoring businesses in our community which help to demonstrate the value inclusion of people with disabilities bring, not only to the community, but also the businesses themselves.
During National Disability Employment Awareness Month, or NDEAM, we celebrate the value and talent workers with disabilities add to America’s workplaces and economy. NDEAM takes place annually each October, but its purpose is to confirm our commitment to ensuring disabled workers have access to good jobs, every month of every year. That’s the spirit behind this year’s official theme: “Access to Good Jobs for All.”
We will be honoring businesses which have made efforts to engage individuals with disabilities through partnerships with local non-profits and government programs, and Community Advocates who make training and reentering the workforce easier. We also honor the individuals with disabilities themselves, who show the value of being inclusive to the diversity that is Sonoma County.
https://lnkd.in/gXK6SpEK
Disability Pride Month
Celebrated in July to mark the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) that was passed on July 26, 1990.
The goal of Disability Pride Month is to promote inclusion (equal opportunities for those with disabilities), change views (challenge stereotypes about disabilities), and empower (help those with disabilities feel proud and advocate for their rights).
Ways to celebrate:
-Learn more about disability experiences and history - see our book recommendations in this post.
-Encourage inclusive practices.
-Support disability-owned businesses.
-Advocate for better accessibility.
-Encourage inclusive practices.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law 34 years ago today, July 26. This historic civil rights law protects the rights of people with disabilities.
The Center for Disability Inclusion (CDI), a CMF partner organization, shares several resources to help advance disability inclusion in the workplace, mental health and support business strategies. Explore the Resources: https://lnkd.in/gWbktr_2
Several CMF members and CMF have signed the Disability Inclusion Pledge, which was developed by the Presidents’ Council of the Disability & Philanthropy Forum to advance disability inclusion across the philanthropic sector. The Disability Inclusion Pledge recognizes that ableism is a barrier to equity and inclusion. Foundations and philanthropy-serving organizations that have signed the pledge will commit to advancing systemic change within their organizations regarding disability inclusion. Learn More: https://lnkd.in/gi6PMpxT
You likely interact with people with disabilities every day. People with disabilities are your friends, family members and neighbors. Perhaps you have a disability, too. About 22 million (11%) working-age people in the United States have a disability (2022 American Community Survey). Did you know, disability has a specific definition in the context of policy and employment? We explain that and more in our new toolkit, available at https://lnkd.in/edWr2WUk
As we observe National Disability Employment Awareness Month this October, it's important to recognize that professionals with disabilities face not only physical and digital accessibility barriers but also the weight of negative perceptions. These combined challenges often contribute to the underrepresentation of individuals with disabilities in leadership roles. Let’s take the time to examine our unconscious biases and fully appreciate not only the obstacles these professionals overcome but also their remarkable abilities to lead. Together, we can foster more inclusive and equitable workplaces at all levels.
🌟#CSGJC is proud to support the Americans with Disabilities Act's (ADA) 34th anniversary. This landmark legislation has been instrumental in advancing the rights and inclusion of people with disabilities. Join us as we shine a spotlight on resources focused on improving outcomes for people with disabilities in the justice system.
✅ The Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Program (JMHCP) funds innovative programs between justice entities and partnering behavioral health agencies. Watch our webinar to learn more on how they safely divert people away from the justice system while increasing access to behavioral health treatment. https://bit.ly/3SllzvO
✅ This brief highlights efforts across the country for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in the criminal justice system to gain equal access and support. From screening tools to specialized court programs, learn how communities are striving for fairness and inclusivity. https://bit.ly/4cXe3j7
Together, we can build a system that supports every person's right to justice and dignity. #ADA34#ADAAnniversary#InclusiveJustice
Clinical Researcher at the Department of Justice and Project Officer - Administrator at Valued Lives / Sessional Academic at Curtain University and ECU.
Diversity Empowerment for Businesses
"What impact does advocating for improved access and inclusion have?"
Advocating for improved access and inclusion can have profound and wide-ranging impacts on individuals, communities, and society as a whole. Here are some key ways it can make a difference:
1. **Social Justice**: Improved access and inclusion help address systemic inequalities and discrimination, promoting fairness and justice for marginalized groups such as people with disabilities, ethnic minorities, LGBTQ+ individuals, and others. It fosters a more equitable society where everyone has the opportunity to participate fully and equally.
2. **Economic Benefits**: By removing barriers to participation in education, employment, and public life, improved access and inclusion can boost economic productivity and growth. It allows for the talents and contributions of a diverse range of people to be fully utilized, leading to innovation and prosperity.
3. **Health and Well-being**: Accessible environments and inclusive practices contribute to better physical and mental health outcomes for individuals. For instance, making public spaces wheelchair accessible not only benefits people with mobility impairments but also parents with strollers, travelers with luggage, and elderly individuals.
4. **Education**: Inclusive education ensures that all students, regardless of their backgrounds or abilities, have the opportunity to learn and succeed. It promotes empathy, understanding, and respect among students, preparing them to live and work in a diverse world.
5. **Innovation and Creativity**: Diversity drives innovation by bringing together different perspectives, experiences, and talents. When organizations prioritize inclusion, they create environments where diverse ideas can flourish, leading to breakthroughs and advancements in various fields.
6. **Legal Compliance and Reputation**: Advocating for improved access and inclusion helps organizations comply with legal requirements related to accessibility and anti-discrimination laws. Moreover, it enhances their reputation as socially responsible entities that value diversity and inclusion, which can attract customers, investors, and top talent.
7. **Social Cohesion**: Building inclusive communities fosters a sense of belonging and cohesion among individuals from diverse backgrounds. It strengthens social bonds and reduces social isolation, ultimately contributing to a more cohesive and resilient society.
Overall, advocating for improved access and inclusion is not only the right thing to do morally but also brings about numerous benefits for individuals, organizations, and society as a whole.
IT Training Specialist and HCD Enthusiast
3moDOS is where I first learned about this program…kudos to them for taking this initiative and hopefully other gov agencies will follow suit!