Tiffany Jones’ Post

🩵 Celebrating Disability Pride Month! 🩵 Every July, Disability Pride Month shines a spotlight on the identities and cultures of people with disabilities, honouring their achievements, and acknowledging their struggles. Disability Pride Month is a time dedicated to shifting perspectives on disability, embracing it as a natural aspect of human diversity. It’s about amplifying visibility, breaking down barriers, challenging stereotypes, and fostering a more inclusive environment where everyone can thrive. 🦾 If you’re wondering ‘why July?,’ it's because July holds special significance as it marks the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, a landmark civil rights law that prohibits discrimination based on disability. The ADA was a pivotal step in ensuring equal rights and opportunities for people with disabilities. Disabilities are not only physical and visible to others, but can also be mental and internal. It is important to recognize that while disabilities are an integral part of a person’s identity, it's not their only identity and it doesn't define a person. At Spare, we will be learning and celebrating Disability Pride through hosting a learning session in partnership with our event partner Wavy, called “Creating Inclusive Spaces - Disability & Mental Health Awareness,” with community practitioner and educator Maurice Wilkins. It's essential to acknowledge how transit and transportation technology significantly impact people with disabilities. By creating accessible and inclusive transportation options, we can enhance mobility, independence, and overall quality of life for individuals with disabilities. This aligns with Spare’s commitment to inclusivity and ensures that everyone has the opportunity to navigate their communities with dignity, ease and joy!  🚌 Additional resource to deepen our understanding on how transit and technology impact people with disabilities: ✨ https://lnkd.in/gzSxcpzD

We are proud to celebrate and recognize Disability Pride Month! It's a poignant reminder that valuing difference and leading with inclusion and belonging are principles that we all must reaffirm and remain committed to. And while the community in the United States has made much progress since the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), there is more work to be done. Data from the Center for Research on Disability shows that "the labor force participation rate for people with disabilities sits at 32.8%; compared to 77.1% for those without disabilities." Our businesses, communities, and society cannot afford to lose on the talent, experience, and unique perspective that people with disabilities bring. Today, and everyday, we must ensure our workplaces are accessible and inclusive. We must ensure our workplace cultures lead with belonging so people with disabilities can show up to work as their authentic selves and thrive. For those asking how I can be an ally to the community, we strongly encourage you to follow your intellectual curiosity, seek knowledge, do your own research, and build empathy. A great place to start is by following organizations like Disability:IN which is leading the way in disability inclusion in the workplace. #BusinessOfBelonging

Today marks the start of Disability Pride Month! It is celebrated in July to mark the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), landmark legislation that broke down barriers to inclusion in society. Disability Pride Month is an opportunity to honor the history, achievements, experiences, and struggles of the disability community. People with disabilities deserve to live full, self-determined lives, just like everyone else. Yet discrimination persists for the 1 in 4 U.S. adults living with a disability. That’s why Northeast Arc – and other organizations – will be using July as an opportunity to show what is possible with inclusion. Visit the The Arc of the United States blog for more information on Disability Pride Month, including ways you can celebrate in your community: https://lnkd.in/gGcrBXz3 The colors you see in this graphic represent the Disability Pride Flag, which was designed by Ann Magill, a disabled woman and artist. The color and design of the flag are symbolic: The Charcoal Gray Field: A color of mourning and rage; for those who are victims of Ableist violence, and also rebellion and protest The Five Colors (White, Red, Gold, Blue, Green): The variety of needs and experiences (Invisible and undiagnosed disabilities, physical disabilities, neurodivergence, psychiatric disabilities, sensory disabilities) The Parallel Stripes: Solidarity within the disability community and all its differences The Diagonal Band: “Cutting across” barriers that separate disabled people; creativity and light cutting through the darkness

The world needs you ❤️🤟 I don't call my hearing loss a disability; it's my 'unique-ability'. I didn't get to celebrate Disability Pride Month at a festival this time around (clinical year is busy ya know), but I celebrate my 'unique-ability' all day every day 😊 Disability Pride Month celebrates disabled persons embracing their disabilities as integral parts of who they are, reclaiming visibility in public and interacting fully with their disabilities out in the open, and rejecting shame and internalized ableism. It is a time for the disability community to come together, uplift, and amplify one another’s voices and be heard. Disability pride has been described as “accepting and honoring each person’s uniqueness and seeing it as a natural and beautiful part of human diversity.” Disability Pride Month is celebrated every July and is an opportunity to honor the history, achievements, experiences, and struggles of the disability community. Why July? It marks the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), landmark legislation that broke down barriers to inclusion in society. People with disabilities deserve to live full, self-determined lives, just like everyone else. Yet discrimination persists for the 1 in 4 U.S. adults living with a disability. 2024 Theme: "We Want a Life Like Yours" This theme comes from The Arc’s National Council of Self-Advocates. It reflects the disability community’s dreams for life experiences that they are too often denied. There are many people with disabilities thriving as students, employees, leaders, engaged members of their communities and families, and more given a chance. Links: https://lnkd.in/dy9iBhMa https://lnkd.in/dhExvrdv https://lnkd.in/dfgmpmMk https://lnkd.in/dC2Dmz4S

Extend Your Awareness: Empower People with Disabilities Beyond National Disability Month As we embrace National Disability Month every March, it's imperative to remember that awareness and inclusion shouldn't be confined to just one month of the year. People with disabilities are an integral part of our communities every day, every month, and every year. As a community, it's our responsibility to ensure their voices are heard, their needs are met, and their talents are recognized year-round. Understanding and empathy are essential in creating an inclusive environment for everyone. By fostering a culture of awareness and acceptance, we not only empower individuals with disabilities but enrich our workplaces and society as a whole. Beyond simply acknowledging the challenges faced by people with disabilities, it's crucial to actively advocate for accessibility, accommodations, and equal opportunities in all aspects of life. Whether it's ensuring physical spaces are wheelchair accessible, providing assistive technologies in the workplace, or advocating for inclusive hiring practices, every action we take contributes to a more equitable world. So, who wants to commit to extending our awareness and support beyond National Disability Month? Comment "Inclusiveness" in the comments. Let's make inclusion a priority every day. Together, we can create a world where everyone, regardless of ability, can thrive and contribute their unique talents. Join us in this mission of inclusivity. Take action today and every day to support people with disabilities in your community and workplace. Together, we can build a more accessible and equitable future for all. Let's make inclusion a daily commitment. Join TCI Works in extending awareness and support for people with disabilities beyond National Disability Month. #BeyondDisabilityMonth #InclusionMatters

Disability Pride Month is celebrated every July and is an opportunity to honor the history, achievements, experiences, and struggles of the disability community. Why July? It marks the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), landmark legislation that broke down barriers to inclusion in society. People with disabilities deserve to live full, self-determined lives, just like everyone else. Yet discrimination persists for the 1 in 4 U.S. adults living with a disability. That’s why we spotlight inspiring stories in July and beyond that show what’s possible with inclusion. Disability Pride Month happens every July to mark the ADA’s anniversary, which was passed on July 26, 1990. The first celebration was a Disability Pride Day that took place in Boston in 1990. Chicago hosted the first Disability Pride Parade in 2004. Now there are events nationwide empowering people with disabilities to take pride in who they are. Here’s more about the history of Disability Pride Month and the story behind the flag. 2024 Theme: “We Want a Life Like Yours” This theme comes from The Arc’s National Council of Self-Advocates. It reflects the disability community’s dreams for life experiences that they are too often denied. All month, we’ll share diverse stories of people with disabilities thriving as students, employees, leaders, engaged members of their communities and families, and more given a chance. Ways to celebrate: - Learn about a disability experience - Share your disability story using #disabilitypride and #DisabilityPrideMonth - Take action: Reach out to elected officials or donate to your state or local Arc chapter - Attend a disability pride month event in your area - Hire people with disabilities Disability pride has been described as “accepting and honoring each person’s uniqueness and seeing it as a natural and beautiful part of human diversity.” We hope you'll Join The ArcCO to come together, uplift, and amplify one another’s voices and be heard. https://lnkd.in/gthHnD4H

July is Disability Pride Month, which commemorates the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a landmark legislation that passed on July 26, 1990. The ADA is a federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination based on disability and ensures that people with disabilities have equal opportunities to enjoy employment, purchase goods, and services, and participate in state and local government programs. (Source: ada.gov) While celebrations in honor of Disability Pride have existed since 1990, Disability Pride Month was not officially established until 2015, coinciding with the 25th anniversary of the ADA. Cities nationwide celebrate Disability Pride Month with educational events, parades, and festivals. One of the most prominent parades occurs in Chicago. Its mission is defined in three ways: changing "the way people think about and define "disability," breaking down and ending "internalized shame among people with disabilities," and promoting the belief in society that disability is a "natural and beautiful part of human diversity." This mission exemplifies the true essence of Disability Pride Month. (Source: cbsnews.com) We encourage you to explore the following local resources to learn more about Disability Pride and the disability community. ThinkSelf Minnesota Deaf Adult Education and Advocacy Lifeworks Services, Inc. The Art of Disability Justice Now Exhibition at the Mill City Museum thru 11/3/24 Minnesota Historical Society 27 Eye-Opening Quotes From People With Disabilities: https://buff.ly/3SoVRGO

Federal officials have introduced a new tool aimed at helping both individuals with disabilities and employers better understand the extensive range of accommodations available to make employment more accessible. The U.S. Department of Labor has unveiled the “Situations and Solutions Finder,” a resource that showcases numerous examples of how businesses are supporting employees with disabilities. This tool, launched in conjunction with National Disability Employment Awareness Month in October, gathers ideas from a diverse array of companies across various industries and sectors. Users can explore over 700 accommodation ideas, filtering them by disability, limitation, or occupation. According to the Americans with Disabilities Act, employers must provide reasonable accommodations for applicants or employees with disabilities upon request, unless doing so would cause undue hardship. These accommodations are designed to ensure equal opportunities for people with disabilities. While not every accommodation will suit every individual or workplace, the Labor Department notes that common themes among the examples can help identify suitable options. “Accommodations are central to the Americans with Disabilities Act, focusing on maximizing productivity for workers with disabilities,” said Assistant Secretary for Disability Employment Policy Taryn M. Williams. “This new resource allows employers, as well as employees or job applicants, to learn from what has worked in similar situations, ensuring that disabled workers have the tools they need to excel in their roles.” https://lnkd.in/gpkuq5xJ

Here at EFS, we are celebrating Disability Pride Month. At EFS, we work with families caring for children with special needs, design a plan for their own retirement and for the future care and quality of life of their loved one. Here is a photo circa 2001, with special needs planner Joanna Craney and her sister Estella and best friend Devin Sweeney (O'Brien). This month is a time to reflect upon the history, the accomplishments, the challenges and the experiences in the disability community. We celebrate in July to mark the anniversary of the ADA that was passed on July 26, 1990. This year, ARC's theme of "We Want A Life Like Yours" takes a closer look at the fact that people with disabilities are often denied life experiences, yet they can thrive as students, employees, leaders and engaged community members. Joanna shares that while Stella was denied experiences such as a fair learning experience in school, her sister did become a loyal employee, the comedian of her family and a great dancer. Be an advocate. Learn about the disability experience. 1) Meet people with disabilities and learn about their experiences, their wishes and dreams, their struggles and challenges. 2) Learn about disability history. 3) Share your story. Use #DisabilityPride #DisabilityPrideMonth 4) Teach your children to acknowledge and include people with disabilities. 5) Take action! Reach out to local officials to educate them on what policies can harm or strengthen the quality of life of people with disabilities. 6) Hire people with disabilities. 7) Attend a Disability Pride Event Check out The Arc's page on Why & How To Celebrate Disability Pride Month https://lnkd.in/evgW668X #DisabilityPride #DisabilityPrideMonth #SpecialNeedsPlanning #ListenToLearn #EducateToEmpower #EmpoweredFinancialStrategies

🌈♿️ July is Disability Pride Month! It's a time to celebrate the diversity of human experiences and honor the contributions of people with disabilities. 🎉 Here are some tips on creating a more inclusive workplace: - Use person-first language (e.g. "person with a disability") or identity-first language (e.g. "disabled person") based on individual preferences 🗣️.  It’s important to respect how people choose to identify themselves. Some prefer "person with autism," others prefer "autistic person." - Avoid ableist terms and euphemisms 🚫. Don't use disability-related words as insults or terms like "differently abled." Disability isn't a bad word! - Make events and spaces accessible for all 🏢. Consider physical accessibility, provide captions/interpreters, and offer sensory-friendly options. - Listen to and amplify disabled voices 🎤. Follow disabled creators, read disability literature, and share content from the disability community. - Challenge your assumptions about disability 🤔. Recognize that disabilities can be visible or invisible, and every disabled person's experience is unique. Celebrating Disability Pride is crucial because it promotes acceptance, challenges stigma, and reminds us that disability rights are human rights. Together, we can build a more equitable and accessible future for all! 🌟 #DisabilityPrideMonth #Inclusion #Accessibility