'I never say that I lose my way. If anything, I am finding an alternative route'. 💛 This International Day of Persons with Disabilities, we are reflecting on some of the fantastic people we are lucky to meet through our work, who help us to increase our understanding, build public awareness, and drive innovative solutions for persons with disabilities. Here at Waymap, the principle of 'Nothing About Us Without Us' has long been at the core at what we do: that being, no decision should be made without the full and direct participation of members of the group(s) affected. We would love to draw your attention to one remarkable lady, Evelyn Valdez, who we met over in Washington DC. An avid traveller and adventure seeker, with a love of fashion and latin music, Evelyn epitomises the adventurous spirit. We were lucky to film a short documentary film, following Evelyn around DC, which she moved to after losing her vision at seventeen. You can find out more about her here: https://lnkd.in/eDXT6Htr #internationaldisabilityday #accessibility #inspiringpeople
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Sometimes Friday can be a less frantic working day with fewer meetings... If that is what your Friday is looking like today, why not treat yourself? Grab a coffee, and take 20 minutes out to watch Sightsavers new film ‘Equal World?’ 🍿 It's good. You won't regret it. Sightsavers new film ‘Equal World?’ brings together the next generation of #DisabilityRights leaders to stimulate discussion about how young people with disabilities should be engaged in decision-making processes. https://lnkd.in/ebhPBuMJ
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Today, on World Braille Day, we celebrate the first step towards inclusion for the blind community. Braille was more than a mode of reading and writing—it was the first assistive technology that connected blind individuals with the world and with each other. It opened doors to education, allowed meaningful contributions in the workforce, and united the blind community on a global scale. This breakthrough sparked significant initiatives at both government and corporate levels, inspiring inclusive policies that ensured greater opportunities for people with disabilities. The active participation of blind individuals in the workforce also led to the creation of screen readers (talking software), a transformative innovation that changed the game for accessibility and unlocked countless opportunities across the globe. Today, we are witnessing an incredible era of assistive technology enhanced by artificial intelligence, but all of it traces back to that first step—Braille. It was Braille that empowered the blind community to envision, achieve, and build the foundation for a more inclusive future. Let us honor this first step and continue our journey toward creating a world that truly values accessibility and inclusion for all. #WorldBrailleDay #Braille #Inclusion #Accessibility #AssistiveTechnology #ArtificialIntelligence #InclusiveWorkplace #DiversityAndInclusion #BlindCommunity #AccessibilityMatters
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Here is when I decided - This wasn't how my story would end. Growing up, I excelled in studies, theatre, elocution, sports — almost everything. But as my sight slowly deteriorated due to Retinitis Pigmentosa, I felt my world collapsing. Depression engulfed me and I felt useless for months. But I decided that this wasn't how my story would end. 📍I taught myself to use a computer with a screen reader. 📍The support of digitally accessible sites was crucial, helping me regain my independence. 📍This experience inspired me to start my business - AnklyticX - which is a consulting firm providing digital accessibility services among other services. This Disability Pride Month, I share my journey to remind everyone that even in the darkest times, there is a path to light. Let's create a world where accessibility empowers everyone. 💪🏻 #TheBlindLegend #DisabilityPrideMonth #DigitalAccessibility #OvercomingChallenges #InclusiveDesign #Accessibility #DisabledLivesMatter #AccessibilityMatters #TechForGood #BreakingBarriers
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Sima.speax: 🦯💡🐾 When it comes to talking about the lives of persons with disabilities, lived experience should always take the lead, like the main character in a movie. That’s because the person who has actually lived through these experiences knows them best. They’ve faced the challenges, navigated the barriers, and understand the emotions tied to it all. Academic expertise, on the other hand, is like the supporting cast in a movie—important, but not the star of the show. Having academic knowledge is valuable. It adds depth and insight, like how the supporting cast helps the main character shine. But without the main character (lived experience), the movie would lack the heart and the authenticity that makes it truly relatable. Lived experience brings humanity to the conversation—it’s real, raw, and personal. While academic expertise adds to our understanding, it shouldn't overshadow the lived experiences of people with disabilities. The reality is, many people with disabilities don’t have access to quality education or the same opportunities as others. That doesn’t mean our experiences are any less valid or important. We need to remember that lived experience tells the real story, while academic expertise helps fill in the background. Together, they create a fuller picture, but lived experience is where the story begins. #LivedExperience #Advocacy #AmplifyVoices #Speaker #Africa #MandelaWashingtonFellow #NothingForUsWithoutUs #Sima.Speax
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Happy White Cane Day! , Today, we celebrate White Cane Day, a day dedicated to recognizing the achievements of individuals who are visually impaired and the important symbol of independence and mobility—the white cane. , The white cane is more than just a tool; it represents empowerment, freedom, and the ability to navigate the world with confidence. For many visually impaired people, the white cane is a symbol of their ability to live independently and move freely. , The significance of the white and red colors in the cane is profound. The white symbolizes visibility and safety, making it easier for others to recognize and assist those who are visually impaired. The red at the bottom of the cane is often used to indicate that the person using it has a visual impairment, enhancing awareness and understanding among the public. , On this day, let’s take a moment to appreciate the resilience and determination of those who use the white cane and to promote greater awareness and accessibility. Together, we can create a more inclusive world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. , #WhiteCaneDay #Inclusion #Accessibility #Empowerment
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Jungler – Lavency Renaud | The Association for the Social and Professional Integration of People with Disabilities In this poignant campaign for L’ADAPT, Emma, a young woman with a physical disability, courageously navigates the judgmental stares of her coworkers. These stares, representing societal bias, are a central theme, reflecting a stark reality: 61% of employees report challenges in integrating colleagues with disabilities. Created for the European Week for the Employment of People with Disabilities, this film blends poetic animation with a dreamlike narrative, offering an empathetic lens into Emma's daily battles. Born with congenital transverse agenesis, Emma's story was carefully adapted to showcase her experiences, with every detail thoughtfully represented in collaboration with L’ADAPT and BETC. This campaign is not just about representation—it’s a call for change, urging workplaces to break down barriers and embrace inclusion. Watch the full version via the link in comments! 🔗 #jungler #disabilityinclusion #ladapt #animationforchange #motiondesign #mtngrphr #motionographerpro
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Today, May 7th is National Barrier Awareness Day ♿ I'm so proud that I incorporated cards within the Company Culture Board Game® that address supporting persons with disabilities! These cards give players the opportunity to talk about what is being done to recognize, assist, include and promote persons with disabilities in the workplace. A main factor that can be a true detriment for persons with disabilities to being independent and self-sufficient is gaining higher education and opportunities for employment. Everything that we do to support them helps our entire community. There are also things that you can be aware of to be more considerate. I'll just name two that come from pet peeves of mine. One is when individuals who have access to wheelchair accessible parking spaces because they have the placard. which belongs to somebody else, and they use it anyway. I find really disturbing and a terrible example when young children are present. Second is when people park or otherwise barricade wheelchairs accessible ramps on sidewalks and driveways. My neighborhood is full of this, and I find it really annoying. I remember a neighbor who used a wheelchair and how frustrated he would be because he couldn't get around these vehicles. When I was in my early 20s we had a group of friends that hung out together a lot. One of them, Tim, was paralyzed from the waist down because when he was three years old his five year old brother was playing with a gun and had shot him. We had a mutual friend who was a police officer who would make it a point to drive through parking lots looking for people who were using the wheelchair accessible spots when they didn't actually need them. He would ticket those people with a note that said, “This is for Tim.” 🚗 OK. OK. I've vented. What will you do to help persons with disabilities have a better future? Is it in your policies? Your Technology? Your Culture? I’d love the opportunity to help you with that. #BarrierAwarenessDay #builttothrive #companyculture #companycultureboardgame #ethiture #jointheculturalmovement
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Today is all about YOU. 💙 International Day of Persons with Disabilities is a reminder of your strength, resilience, and everything you bring to the world. Life isn’t always easy—especially when you’re navigating new spaces or cultures—but your journey, your voice, and your presence matter more than you know. You’re not defined by your challenges, but by the courage you show every day. Take a moment to celebrate yourself today. Your story is powerful, and you inspire others just by being YOU. Let’s keep pushing for a world where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued—because you deserve that and so much more. Tag someone who inspires you or share your story below. Let’s lift each other up! #IDPD2024 #YouAreEnough #KeepShining #DisabilityPride #TwinOcean #TogetherWeThrive
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At PACTICS, we believe in creating opportunities for everyone. We’re proud to be certified for completing the Quota System of Employment of Persons with Disabilities, a recognition of our ongoing commitment to accessibility and equal opportunities in the workplace. On this International Day of Persons with Disabilities, we celebrate the resilience, talent, and contributions of people with disabilities in our team and beyond. This video features Miss Phallek, whose journey with PACTICS began over 10 years ago. The interview was filmed two years ago, and she continues to be an integral part of our team. Watch her inspiring story and learn more about our efforts toward inclusion and accessibility here: https://lnkd.in/gmfeFuaN Together, we can build a more inclusive and equitable future. #InternationalDayOfPeopleWithDisabilities #AccessibilityMatters #PACTICS #EqualOpportunities
Empowering through accessibility
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🌟 Empowering Abilities, Celebrating Inclusion 🌟 On this International Day of Persons with Disabilities, we at Aintiram Web Tech stand committed to creating a more inclusive and accessible world for everyone. 💡 Let’s celebrate the incredible achievements of people with disabilities and recognize the value of diversity in shaping a stronger, united future. Together, we can break barriers, foster understanding, and build a world where everyone has equal opportunities to thrive. 🌍 Inclusion is not an option; it’s a necessity. #InternationalDayofPersonswithDisabilities #IDPD2024 #AintiramWebTech #EmpoweringAbilities #awtwishes #BreakingBarriers
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