Why Disability Awareness Training is Essential for Lasting Change
“There is a tremendous need to create a counter-culture that teaches new values and beliefs, and acknowledges the dignity and worth of all human beings. Disability pride is a direct response to this need,” said Sarah Triano, co-founder of the nation’s first Disability Pride Parade in Chicago.
Making the world more accessible for disabled people benefits everyone. Broadening one’s awareness about disability issues is crucial to becoming a better ally to the disabled community. DEI and accessibility is best summed up by the acronym DEIBA, or diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging and accessibility.
Disability is simply another facet of human diversity. It isn’t something to be avoided or afraid of, it’s simply a part of who we are as people.
This Disability Pride Month, check in with yourself and your company to brainstorm ways to increase your accessibility.
8 Ways to Increase Disability Awareness and Accessibility in the Workplace
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Examine opportunities to make your website more accessible for the visually impaired
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Use high-contrast typography and large font sizes, and make sure image descriptions are easily recognized by screen readers
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Prioritize accessibility at your workplace
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Ask yourself if your employees and peers feel comfortable asking for disability accommodations and if your workplace culture is truly inclusive and open to everyone
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Institute disability-centric DEI Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) to build community and create a sense of belonging
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Seek out disabled speakers and host company lunch and learn topics about disability issues to increase awareness and education
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Find and hire disabled candidates through job boards like Chronically Capable, abilityJOBS, Diversify Tech, and Diversability
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Frequently consult disabled populations about your products and services and design them with universal accessibility in mind
July is Disability Pride Month
Disability Pride Month is celebrated in the month of July in the United States, United Kingdom, South Africa, and other communities worldwide. And in the U.S., National Disability Independence Day falls on July 26 commemorating the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990. The ADA is a federal law prohibiting discrimination against people with disabilities. While massive strides have been made in the 31 years since the ADA was first passed, there is still an immense amount of progress to be made.
Many disabled people still lack basic marriage equality and risk losing their life-altering healthcare and insurance resources due to Social Security marriage penalties.
While inaccessible businesses, public areas, transport, and workplaces deny disabled people access to the same places and opportunities as the non-disabled, they also lack training on taking care of accessibility equipment. Broken equipment is oftentimes extremely expensive to repair or replace, and the cost are unusually put on the disabled user. Accessibility equipment is crucial to a disabled person’s health and overall functioning, and can be extremely dangerous for people if it is broken or unusable.
In 2022, beloved disability activist Engracia Figueroa passed away from an illness and injury, caused by complications after her custom motorized wheelchair had been damaged during a flight with United Airlines.
“Mobility devices are an extension of our bodies. When they are damaged or destroyed, we become re-disabled. Until the airlines learn how to treat our devices with the care and respect they deserve, flying remains inaccessible,” shared Figueroa in an interview following the discovery of her damaged mobility device.
Last October, Vice News reported that airlines had damaged almost 35 wheelchairs and mobility scooters every day.
Disability Pride Month is an important call to action for individuals and communities to do more for disabled folks in our communities, to seek further education on disability and accessibility topics and how to make all spaces inclusive, accessible, and safe to folks of all abilities.
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Airlines had damaged an average of 35 #wheelchairs and #mobility scooters daily in October
The Importance of Disability Representation in Leadership
“Disability is broader than most people think, it can be physical, mental, visible, or invisible,” said Kathleen R. Bogart, Oregon State University psychology professor. Most people will experience some form of disability within their lifetime, whether from illness, injury, or the regular process of aging.
Celebrate Disability Pride Month with The Rise Journey by attending one of our insightful Lunch & Learn sessions. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to deepen your understanding of disability awareness. Explore here now!
Join our movement and help us spread the importance of disability awareness. Reach out to our team and learn how we can make a difference together!
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