JRNY Consulting’s Post

We’re back with the 6 Principles for Inclusive Community Engagement! Step 3 is about emphasizing lived experience. Lived experience refers to the firsthand knowledge gained through personal circumstances and identity. As we can never fully see the world through someone else’s lens, we prioritize including those with lived experience to shape the process of engagement. This commitment to 'nothing about us, without us' ensures that the voices of those most impacted are central to decision-making.

Together, we advocate, educate, and support. Honoring the strengths and talents of individuals with autism. Every voice, every story, every journey matters. #WorldAutismAwarenessDay #AutismDay #AutismAwareness

As we mark Autism Awareness Day on April 2nd, it's a moment to reflect deeply on the profound impact and journey of autistic children, especially within the context of Jamaica. Amidst the vibrant tapestry of our nation, autistic individuals contribute their unique perspectives, talents, and gifts, enriching our communities in immeasurable ways. While the prevalence of autism in Jamaica may not be extensively studied or reported, it is essential to recognize the challenges and opportunities these individuals face within our society. In Jamaica, resources and support for autistic individuals may vary, influenced by factors such as access to diagnostic services, cultural attitudes towards disability, and awareness about autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Despite these challenges, there is a growing recognition of the importance of fostering acceptance and inclusivity for neurodiverse individuals in Jamaican society. Differently-abled children, including those with autism, serve as beacons of inspiration, teaching us invaluable lessons in empathy, compassion, and unconditional love. Their resilience, creativity, and unwavering spirit shine brightly, illuminating our collective journey toward understanding and embracing neurodiversity. As we celebrate Autism Awareness Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to creating a more inclusive and supportive environment where autistic individuals in Jamaica are valued, empowered, and allowed to thrive. #WorldAutismAwarenessDay #CelebratingDiversity #AutismAwareness #Neurodiversity #InclusionMatters #JamaicaAutismAwareness #Acceptance #LoveWithoutLimits #DifferentNotLess #Empowerment #CommunitySupport #CelebrateDifferences #JamaicanInclusivity #AwarenessDay #UnityInDiversity #TogetherWeThrive #EmbraceNeurodiversity

Being neurodivergent is actually dope.

*An unusually personal post from me* I'm one of the lucky ones, I was formally diagnosed after acting out of frustration while at School. These days, I do well at masking most of the time, not publicly broadcasting my struggles. All of my support disappeared when I left education. I've spent the past decade denying myself the basic needs of someone on the spectrum. Nobody ever explained how I was different, or how to cope, how to navigate the world. There were lots of strategies for getting through education, I just told myself that it was a learning disability, and that the rest of my struggles were me being unproductive; I needed to 'hack' my way through to being 'neuro-typically compliant'. I haven't actively been flaunting my 'abilities' mainly due to fear of discrimination. It doesn't make me less able to do all the things, I might just do them in a different way. My recent transition to being a father of two, husband, dog dad, and homeowner is harder than I ever thought. I've lost myself, I've lost my way, I'm coming out the other side, slowly, very slowly, but also rediscovering myself. Finding new ticks, new strategies, new ways to conquer the world. All while fighting for the support and guidance I thought would be there, but turns out to be a massive gaping hole. If you're still reading, thank you. I ask of you one thing. Be kind. You never know the struggles those around you are going through. The ones who aren't diagnosed, who are still battling to be both understood, and understand the world around them. I'll go clamber down this slippery soap box, and figure out today's level of executive functioning. #worldautismawarenessday #autism #eventtech #accesibility #dei

mindfulness and quality in life count for all of us.

Some ways to celebrate today Autism Awareness Day 👍Educate yourself on autism - take time out to learn about characteristics, challenges and strengths of ASD. 👍 Embrace differences - we all are different with our mindset, intellect, behaviours, and many other characteristics. Start with recognising and appreciating the difference. 👍Listen to autistic voices - very very important that we listen to autistic people, their story, their perspectives, and their needs. It’s only when we listen we will be able to make a difference. 👍Celebrate small victories - if you know a person with autism, celebrate their achievements (small / big doesn’t matter). Appreciation and celebrations go a long way and offer encouragement. Be an ally!! Talk, spread awareness and continue learning about austism today and every day. #worldaustismday #austism #neurodiversity #autistic

Did you know that the World Health Organization estimates 1 in 100 children worldwide have autism? Yet, the average age for diagnosis falls between four and six. But here's the kicker: this statistic only scratches the surface. Because of improved medical research, the number of adults receiving late diagnoses is steadily rising, with the CDC reporting an estimated 2.21% of US adults are autistic. 💼 So, why should employers pay attention to these numbers? It tells two crucial stories: 1. The vast pool of talent being overlooked, as an estimated 85% of autistic adults are unemployed. 2. The necessity for better understanding and leadership for autistic employees. 🗓️ Fortunately, April is Autism Awareness Month, offering a prime opportunity for employers to educate themselves on autism and its impact in the workplace. 📚 This month, I'm committing to diving deep into research, from articles to panels to podcasts, to understand what the autistic community advocates for. Resources: https://lnkd.in/e5DuZ7w3 https://lnkd.in/e8VQRm9j https://lnkd.in/ehMT52VB https://lnkd.in/ea-aQCut #AutismAwareness #Neurodiversity #Inclusion #WorkplaceInclusion #DiversityandInclusion

At Connective, we are committed to facilitating social change across our BC and Yukon communities. This starts with acknowledging and dismantling systemic barriers. Every day, we see the resilience of people setting a path forward and working against a deeply flawed social and structural system. Connective continues to address the needs of all who walk through our doors, providing those with what they might need to navigate challenging obstacles on their own terms and at their own pace. Throughout all aspects of our organization, we implement out values through inclusive, person-centered, collaborative, determined, and accountable approaches • We provide compassionate services to any individual regardless of characteristics and background. • We are committed to creating a safe and welcoming organization where our staff and service users can be their authentic self. • We aim to achieve best practices in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and work together to continuously reflect, learn, and improve. Our values are the foundation of everything we do and our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusions allows us to create safe, healthy, and inclusive communities for all. Read more about Connective’s efforts to reduce systemic barriers and commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion at https://loom.ly/FpAJh3Q.

"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere." Today, on World Day of Social Justice, we take a moment to reflect on why we celebrate this crucial day. It's not just another date on the calendar; it's a call to action. To stand in solidarity with those who are marginalized and to work tirelessly towards creating a world where equity prevails over privilege. Let's use this day as a reminder of our collective responsibility to foster social justice. It’s about making sure everyone, regardless of race, gender, religion, or economic status, gets a fair shot at life's opportunities. So on this World Day of Social Justice, let’s pledge to be the voice for the voiceless and the strength for the weak. Change begins with awareness and is fueled by our actions. Share this message and let's create ripples that turn into waves of positive change. #WorldDayOfSocialJustice #EqualityForAll