The Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund (DREDF) hosted its largest-ever gathering to protect and defend Section 504. This landmark event united advocates nationwide, reinforcing the critical importance of disability rights and accessibility. As we push forward, amplifying our voices and standing firm against challenges, this movement strengthens the future of inclusion. Join the fight for equity and accessibility!
Celebrate Black History Month by honoring Black disabled leaders who shaped both racial and disability rights movements. Learn about Brad Lomax, a key figure connecting the Black Panthers to the 504 Sit-In, and Johnnie Lacy, a trailblazer for disability advocacy in education. Discover how their resilience continues to inspire today’s activists, pushing for intersectional inclusion and justice. Their stories deserve the spotlight in shaping our collective history.
The new administration’s inaugural address signals shifts that threaten progress for people with disabilities, including DEI rollbacks, restrictive gender policies, in-person work mandates, aviation accessibility challenges, and withdrawal from the WHO. These actions risk eroding hard-fought disability rights and equity. The disability community must unite, remain vigilant, and advocate for inclusion and accessibility to preserve and advance progress under this administration.
Disability remains the overlooked cornerstone of DEI, despite its unifying potential across identities. Alycia Anderson emphasizes centering disability to build inclusive cultures, confronting corporate rebranding and political headwinds. Progress requires prioritizing disability inclusion as a key pillar of equity and accessibility.
The key to authentic disability inclusion lies in four interconnected principles: intersectionality, accessibility, representation, and self-identity (self-ID). Each element reinforces the others, creating a powerful feedback loop that drives progress. Intersectionality builds community solidarity by acknowledging overlapping identities. Accessibility fosters inclusive environments. Representation empowers through visibility, and self-ID encourages individuals to embrace their identities. Together, these principles advance disability inclusion, pushing society toward a more equitable and inclusive future for all.
The workplace has been pivotal in my life & career, helping me uncover my strengths, push forward limits, challenge the status quo, and break down barriers. It’s where I’ve discovered my purpose, developed as a leader, and experienced the true impact of inclusion. National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), celebrated each October, recognizing the contributions … read more… National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM)
“Disabled employees can do any type of job. Even the jobs we have been historically counted out for.” Alycia Anderson Waitress from my wheelchair, this was my first job out of high school. And I did it well. I could carry 15 margaritas on my lap and zip through that restaurant weaving through tables faster … read more… NDEAM – Advancing Inclusive Employment
PBS NewsHour reports a nationwide DEI backlash with 25 states enacting 71 related laws, sparking debate on tolerance and academic freedom. Critics claim high costs and indoctrination, while advocates emphasize DEI’s importance in addressing inequities. Disability advocate Marty Anderson shares his perspective on DEI, highlighting the significance of inclusion and empathy derived from personal experience with disability. DEI aims to create a more just and inclusive society.
Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD), observed annually on the third Thursday of May, promotes digital accessibility and inclusion for people with disabilities. It aims to raise awareness, promote inclusive design, provide education, and build community. Activities include workshops, webinars, and challenges. Recent advancements include WCAG 3.0, improved mobile accessibility, AI integration, updated legislation, corporate initiatives, and accessible VR/AR technologies. GAAD highlights the importance of accessibility and fosters a more inclusive digital world.
Inclusive hiring, crucial for high-volume recruitment, aims to attract diverse candidates. Strategies include reviewing biases, inclusive job postings, accommodation provision, accessible processes, diverse sourcing, bias training, and fostering an inclusive workplace. Alycia Anderson emphasizes the need for intentional inclusivity and ongoing evaluation of hiring success.
