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.
In 2024, expect significant developments in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and Disability. Anticipate global policy updates benefiting disabled populations. Technology, especially AI, will advance for enhanced accessibility. Major corporations will focus on disability inclusion, recognizing the substantial consumer base. Increased awareness events, advocacy campaigns, and educational initiatives will drive progress. Accessible infrastructure projects, improved media representation, inclusive employment practices, and global conferences will contribute to the disability empowerment movement. Inclusive design trends and collaborative partnerships will further propel the shift towards universal accessibility and inclusion.
October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). The concept of NDEAM was created to raise awareness of the systemic challenges that people with disabilities face in gaining employment. The belief that people with disabilities are somehow less than, unworthy, and/or a burden on society is unfortunately a prominent one. Society’s attitudes about people with disabilities make awareness months, such as NDEAM, overtly necessary.
By Marsten Anderson The Alycia Anderson Company Staff In the Modern World Destinations around the globe are becoming ever more accessible and the need for traveling by air for many has increased in frequency and necessity. Making your way through airports, security checkpoints, terminals, to your gates and eventually on to the plane can be daunting for … read more… Challenges of Navigating Airline Travel in a Wheelchair
By Marsten Anderson The Alycia Anderson Company Staff In today’s rapidly evolving world, the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) cannot be overstated. As we strive for a more inclusive society, where everyone has opportunities to find their version of success, contentment, and purpose in life, it is crucial to recognize, acknowledge and address the unique … read more… Embracing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion through Raising Disability Awareness
By Marsten Anderson The Alycia Anderson Company Staff In celebration of the 11th Global Accessibility Awareness Day. One cannot help but to ponder, what does accessibility really mean? Why should we be aware of it, and how should we celebrate our awareness of it? The organizers who marked the official celebration of this day have intended it … read more… Global Accessibility Awareness Day 2022
