As we enter July, it's time to celebrate Disability Pride Month, dedicated to honoring the history, achievements, and ongoing struggles of the disability community. We recognize the importance of this month and beyond as an opportunity to amplify voices, raise awareness, and drive meaningful change in our workplaces and communities through the principles of Belonging, Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Access, and Liberation (B-IDEAL).
The History of Disability Pride Month
Disability Pride Month occurs during July to commemorate the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), passed on July 26, 1990. The first commemoration kicked off as Disability Pride Day in Boston the same year. This month, we celebrate the visibility, inclusion, and contributions of people with disabilities, promoting positive identities and fostering pride within their communities.
Embracing Disability Pride
Disability Pride Month transcends celebration—it's a powerful call to action. It compels us to admire the unique contributions and talents of individuals with disabilities while fiercely challenging the stigmas and barriers they encounter. This month and going forward, let's commit to transforming our reflections into impactful actions and strive to build environments that are not just inclusive but also equitable and fully accessible. Let’s lean in, show up differently, and actively participate in creating a world where everyone’s abilities are recognized, valued, and celebrated.
Key Milestones
Significant national legislation, such as the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), has been instrumental in advancing disability rights. These landmark acts have paved the way for equal access to education, employment, and community resources. However, our journey toward true equality is far from over. We must actively engage in efforts to recognize and challenge our own biases and push for inclusive policies that recognize the value of diverse work styles.
Understanding that people may work differently than we do is not just acceptable—it is essential. This diversity is where true innovation and a sense of belonging flourish within organizations. Committing to continuous action and championing inclusive practices can foster meaningful and lasting change, creating environments where everyone can thrive. Let's stand together to ensure that the rights and dignity of individuals with disabilities are not just recognized but celebrated.
Barriers to Education and Employment
Only 35% of working-age people with disabilities hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to 75% of their non-disabled peers (according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics). While not everyone must acquire a degree to be successful, we cannot allow traditional systems to discourage students from learning by making them feel incapable of doing the work. Inclusive education practices and Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) are essential for supporting students with disabilities.
I am a mother to two sons who benefit from IEPs, which lay the groundwork for their success. They are testaments to the effectiveness of these inclusive programs, as they both have achieved GPAs that surpass the 2024 national average of 3.15 for college students (source: Jane Nam, "Average College GPA: Full Statistics,"). Schools and universities should provide accessible learning materials, adaptive technologies, and supportive environments that foster academic success for every student. Additionally, mentorship programs and scholarships for students with disabilities can help increase higher education attainment and retention rates. Investing in these solutions can create a more equitable educational landscape for all.
While educational support is crucial, the disproportionate challenges individuals with disabilities face extend beyond the classroom and into the workforce. The U.S. Department of Labor found the employment rate for people with disabilities was 19.3% in 2019, compared to 66.3% for people without disabilities.
These significant disparities underscore the need for action. In our communities, we must especially prioritize workplace inclusivity and sustaining reasonable accommodations to bridge this gap. Employers can actively involve team members in identifying what they need to be successful, encouraging individuals to co-create their own solutions—this collaborative approach is most effective. Initiatives like vocational training programs that equip people with disabilities with the skills needed for various careers can also be impactful. Further, inclusive hiring practices, such as partnerships with disability employment organizations and targeted recruitment efforts, play a crucial role. Moreover, upholding a supportive work culture that values diversity and offers flexibility can attract more top talent, and enhance job retention and satisfaction.
By embracing these strategies, we can build learning institutions and workforces where everyone feels seen, and heard, and has the opportunity to succeed and contribute.
Resources and Support Networks
Connecting with resources and support groups is crucial for providing assistance and advocating for people with disabilities, their families, and their caretakers. By actively supporting these networks, we can amplify their impact and advance our shared mission of equality and inclusion.
Here are some notable organizations to support and engage with:
American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD): a national cross-disability organization that tirelessly champions the rights of individuals with disabilities. By supporting AAPD, you contribute to a powerful movement pushing for legislative changes and societal inclusion.
Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund (DREDF): a leading national civil rights law and policy center directed by individuals with disabilities and parents of children with disabilities. Your commitment to DREDF helps strengthen legal advocacy and ensures that disability rights are upheld and advanced.
National Council on Independent Living (NCIL): the longest-running national cross-disability, grassroots organization run by and for people with disabilities. Supporting NCIL means empowering a grassroots movement that advocates for independent living and self-determination for all disabled individuals.
By participating in and contributing to these organizations, you are providing much-needed resources and advocacy, and joining a community dedicated to creating a more inclusive and equitable world. Let's commit to making a difference by uplifting these essential organizations and building a society that empowers everyone to reach their full potential.
My Journey with Disability:
As a neurodivergent learner with ADHD, I experience firsthand the challenges and unique perspectives that come with disability. For a long time, I hesitated to share this part of myself openly, fearing judgment and misunderstanding. As a Black woman, I was taught that failure is not an option, which made accepting my ADHD even more daunting. But recently, I've embraced my ADHD, and now I see it as my secret weapon—my superpower if you will!
While ADHD impacts the way I work, it also fuels my creativity and gives me the courage to dive fearlessly into new projects. This shift in perspective has been transformative and liberating, allowing me to leverage my unique strengths rather than be defined by my struggles.
My journey has deepened my appreciation for the diverse abilities and remarkable strengths within the disability community and through my experiences, I’ve come to understand that what sets us apart can also be our greatest asset. ADHD has taught me to think outside the box, approach problems with innovative solutions, and embrace a level of creativity that others might not see.
This personal revelation illuminates the immense value and potential that lies within the disability community, and I urge us all to recognize and celebrate these differences as powerful catalysts of innovation and progress.
Taking Action: Your Role in Disability Inclusion
Awareness and Education: Understanding the diverse experiences of people with disabilities is crucial. We must educate ourselves and others about the challenges faced by this community and how we can be supportive allies.
Listen and Learn: Educate yourself by attending webinars, reading articles, and engaging with content created by people with disabilities. The more we immerse ourselves in these perspectives, the more we can understand and give support.
Accessibility: True inclusion means ensuring that our communities, workplaces, events, and digital spaces are accessible to all. This includes everything from physical accommodations to accessible technology and communication in all critical areas of life.
Evaluate and Take Action: Assess your organization's practices and spaces to ensure they are accessible and inclusive. If your organization is not actively partnering with team members from this community, consider creating Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) or initiating discussions about necessary changes.
Representation: Representation matters. By actively recruiting and promoting individuals with disabilities, we can ensure diverse perspectives are included in decision-making processes, leading to more innovative and inclusive solutions.
Celebrate and Support: Recognize and celebrate the achievements of individuals with disabilities in your networks and communities. Confirm how they want to be celebrated, ensuring your recognition is respectful and meaningful.
Advocacy: We must advocate for policies and practices that support the rights and dignity of individuals with disabilities. This includes pushing for comprehensive anti-discrimination policies and supporting organizations championing disability rights.
Use Your Voice and Become Involved: Use your platform to amplify voices from the disability community and support inclusive policies. The more we discuss these topics, the easier it becomes for everyone to engage and learn.
Moving Forward Together: Empowering All Abilities
Disability Pride Month reminds us of our work to achieve true accessibility, inclusion, and equity. Let's use this month to educate ourselves, advocate for change, and celebrate the incredible contributions of the disability community.
Together, we can create a world where everyone has the freedom and opportunity to excel and flourish.
Happy Disability Pride Month!
Yours in the Struggle,
Events & News Roundup
2024 ForbesBLK Summit
Reflecting on an Inspiring Experience at ForbesBlk!
From June 23-25, 2024, I had the incredible opportunity to attend the 2024 ForbesBlk Summit, an annual gathering that champions a global community of Black entrepreneurs, professionals, leaders, and creators driving systemic change in business culture and society. My cup is overflowing with inspiration and gratitude for the time spent among such phenomenal individuals.
I was particularly moved by the powerful words of Stacy Abrams, one of my favorites, who shared profound insights on DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion). She highlighted that DEI initiatives are being challenged precisely because they are effective and make a real difference. This resonated deeply with me and reinforced my commitment to fostering inclusive and equitable spaces.
The event also featured amazing speakers like Fantasia, Erica Bolden, Tina Davis, Denise Young, Rajah Caruth, Kitty Black Perkins, Russell Westbrook, Kirk Franklin, and Jermaine Dupri, among others. Each brought unique perspectives and wisdom that enriched the experience.
The opportunities to learn, grow, and form new partnerships were endless. It's events like these that remind me of the importance of community and collaboration in driving meaningful change. I am more motivated than ever to continue pushing for progress and making a difference in our communities.
Thank you to everyone who made this event possible and to all the inspiring voices who shared their stories. Let's continue championing each other and working towards a more equitable and inclusive future.
Black National Speakers Association (BNSA) Certification
I am honored to have been recognized as an official member of the BlackNSA (National Speakers Association) as of July 17.
The BlackNSA is a global alliance and movement transforming the speaking industry by empowering professional speakers of color to thrive and influence others through their messages. The BNSA empowers its members to build successful businesses and foster a culture of excellence by providing resources and a network of like-minded professionals who share expertise, fellowship, and uplift each other.
Chief Workshop NYC: Navigating Talent Acquisition & Retention Challenges in the Nonprofit Sector
On July 11th, I had the privilege of taking part in a nonprofit workshop hosted by Peilin Corbanese at the Chief offices in New York City.
As with all Chief gatherings, I wholeheartedly enjoyed the fellowship, fun, and support of all the participating leaders.
Chief NYC Professional Chapter: Executive Management, Operations, & Strategy Executives
On July 9th, I had the pleasure of attending the NYC Professional Chapter’s Executive Management, Operations & Strategy Executives session. It provided valuable time for us to meet incredible impactful leaders. Thank you Chief NY for hosting another fabulous event!
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