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#DisabilityPrideMonth may end, but the spirit of inclusion it ignites burns bright all year. It all started in 1990, a year marked by the signing of the groundbreaking Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This critical legislation laid the foundation for equal access and opportunity, paving the way for the first Disability Pride Day held in Boston that same year. Disability Pride Month 2024 wasn't just about celebration; it was a powerful springboard for progress. The global community rallied for a more inclusive world, from thought-provoking conferences to impactful social media movements. Now, let's delve deeper into some of the year's most inspiring achievements and ongoing efforts to ensure everyone can thrive. • Hannah Shewan Stevens dives into the history of disability in cinema, offering a wart-and-all look at the good, the bad, and the ugly of how disabilities have been portrayed on the big screen. The article highlights negative stereotypes like "disability spectacle" and the "angelic disabled child" but also celebrates films like "CODA" that challenged these tropes by featuring a deaf family. It concludes with a call for more correct and diverse portrayals of disability in movies. https://lnkd.in/dHjMJtBndisabled-cinema/ • Celebrating Disability Pride Month, Mattel just unveiled two exciting additions to its inclusive doll line: a blind Barbie and a Black Barbie with Down syndrome! The blind Barbie features textured clothes and a white cane, while the packaging includes Braille. Both dolls were created with the help of disability communities for an authentic and accessible experience. This is an excellent step towards inclusivity, letting kids see themselves reflected in their toys! https://lnkd.in/dvg-2Bea While July may end, the journey for a truly inclusive society continues. Let's harness the energy of #DisabilityPrideMonth and translate it into year-round action. Let's dismantle barriers, empower voices, and work together to create a future where all individuals have the chance to reach their full potential. Wen Charlton 🏳️🌈 Balaji Thiagarajan TechDigital #DisabilityPrideMonth2024 #DisabilityPride #ADA #BeyondTheMonth #Diversity #Equity #Inclusion

The #DisabilityPride Flag is a relatively new symbol, designed in 2019 by Ann Magill, who has cerebral palsy. Flags are powerful tools for raising awareness and fostering unity, pride, and acceptance. This is exactly why Ann Magill, motivated by a low-key event for the ADA anniversary, designed the Disability Pride Flag. Disappointed that the celebration was hidden away, she felt the need for a visible symbol of the disability community. History:  Originally, the flag had a black background with brightly colored zig-zag stripes. The black symbolized mourning for those lost to ableism and protest discrimination. The zigzags represented overcoming obstacles.  However, the design caused seizures in some with visual sensitivities. The community provided feedback, and in 2021, the flag was updated to its current design with muted colors and straight stripes for better accessibility. Meaning:  The background is a faded charcoal gray, still standing for mourning and protest, but in a more inclusive way.  Five horizontal stripes run across the background:   Green: Stands for sensory disabilities (blindness, deafness, etc.)  Blue: Represents emotional/psychiatric disabilities  White: Represents non-visible and undiagnosed disabilities  Gold: Represents neurodiversity (autism, ADHD, etc.)  Red: Represents physical disabilities Overall, the flag symbolizes:  The diversity of the disability community  The fight for disability rights and inclusion  Pride in being disabled    The #DisabilityPride Flag is a powerful symbol of gaining momentum within the community. As awareness spreads, it holds the potential to become a widely recognized beacon of strength, resilience, and the vibrant diversity of the disability experience.    Wen Charlton 🏳️🌈 Balaji Thiagarajan TechDigital #DisabilityPrideMonth2024 #DisabilityPride #DisabilityRights #Diversity #Equity #Inclusion    

#DisabilityPrideMonth is a time to celebrate the incredible contributions of people with disabilities and advocate for a more inclusive world. We can’t talk about #DisabilityPride without talking about #Albeism. But what exactly is ableism? Ableism is discrimination and prejudice against people with disabilities. It assumes that typical abilities are superior and reinforces the idea that disabled people need to be "fixed." This can show up in countless ways, from inaccessible buildings to insensitive language. Here's why recognizing ableism is crucial: Equality: It's about ensuring everyone has equal opportunity and can participate fully in society.  Empowerment: It allows us to see disability as a natural part of human diversity, not something to be ashamed of.  Inclusion: It fosters a world where everyone feels valued and has the resources they need to thrive. How can you be a disability ally? Educate yourself: Learn about different disabilities and the challenges people face.  Use inclusive language: Ditch phrases like "confined to a wheelchair" and focus on the person, not their disability.  Advocate for accessibility: Support policies and practices that ensure everyone can access buildings, events, and information.    Source: https://lnkd.in/dEdwWkiJ Let's break down barriers and celebrate the strength and diversity of the disability community! Wen Charlton 🏳️🌈 Balaji Thiagarajan TechDigital #DisabilityPrideMonth #DisabilityPride #Diveristy #Equity#Inclusion #Accessibility #DisabilityAlly  

Celebrating #DisabilityPrideMonth: A Time to Recognize Achievements and Advocate for Inclusion July is Disability Pride Month, a time to honor the rich history, contributions, and experiences of people with disabilities. It also serves as a critical reminder that the fight for equal opportunity and inclusion continues. This month coincides with the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) signed in 1990, a landmark piece of legislation that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities    [Source: The Arc, https://lnkd.in/gGcrBXz3] Why Does #DisabilityPride Matter?  People with disabilities make up a huge portion of the global population – 1 in 4 adults in the US alone identify as having a disability   [Source: Carers Solutions, https://lnkd.in/dRhwHhfr]  Disability Pride Month is an opportunity to:  Celebrate achievements: Recognize the many talented, successful individuals with disabilities across all fields.  Raise awareness: Educate the public about the diverse experiences of people with disabilities and challenge misconceptions.  Advocate for change: Continue to push for a more inclusive world that removes physical and social barriers. Let's celebrate the incredible contributions of the disability community and work together to create a world where everyone can thrive! Wen Charlton 🏳️🌈Balaji Thiagarajan TechDigital #DisabilityPrideMonth2024 #DisabilityPrideMonth #DisabilityPride #ADA #Diversity #Equity #Inclusion

#PrideMonth may have ended, but the fight for an inclusive workplace continues. Recent years have seen a massive shift in workplace culture, with factors like remote work, the Great Resignation, and a growing emphasis on diversity and inclusion challenging traditional models. While employees increasingly call for more inclusive environments, many stay unconvinced of existing efforts. A recent Global Culture report by O.C. Tanner found only 44% of employees believe their company's D&I initiatives are sincere, and just 34% feel included in their company culture.   We have compiled a helpful list to guide you in building a more inclusive workplace: How to Build a More Inclusive Workplace Culture How to Build a More Inclusive Workplace Culture  https://lnkd.in/dvxbbFrp This article highlights the importance of creating an inclusive workplace culture. It differentiates inclusion from diversity, emphasizing that inclusion goes beyond having a diverse workforce. It is about fostering an environment where everyone feels valued and respected.    Strategies for Building a Diverse and Inclusive Workplace  https://lnkd.in/dDjBfJPT This article argues that diversity and inclusion are not just ethical but also smart business practices. It outlines a multi-pronged approach to building a diverse and inclusive workplace, including cultivating an inclusive culture, diverse hiring practices, training, employee resource groups, policy review, and fostering inclusive leadership. By following these steps, organizations can create a work environment where everyone feels valued and contributes to the company's success.    Incredibly Powerful Ways to Nurture Inclusion at the Workplace  https://lnkd.in/dmkX5Gq9 This article explains the difference between diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Diversity is just having a variety of people from diverse backgrounds, but inclusion is about creating a welcoming environment where everyone feels valued and respected. The article offers steps to build an inclusive workplace culture, including educating managers, creating inclusive policies, celebrating differences, and using gender-neutral language.    #PrideMonth2024 #PrideMonth #PrideBeyondJune #PrideIsAnEverydayThing #InclusiveWorkplace #WorkplaceCulture #Diversity #Equity #Inclusion                    

How Can Juneteenth be Celebrated? #Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day, Emancipation Day, Black Fourth of July or Second Independence Day is a celebration cherished by Black communities for over 150 years, it marks the belated freedom news for enslaved people in Galveston, Texas in 1865. Now a federal holiday, Juneteenth is a chance to learn and celebrate with parades, music, and reflection. Juneteenth’s newfound popularity sparks a question for those joining in the festivities: is there an etiquette to celebrating? A Solemn Day of Remembrance or More of a Carnival? Juneteenth isn’t a one-size-fits-all celebration. For many, it’s a joyous explosion of freedom, marked by smoky barbeques, vibrant music, and reunions long overdue. The day’s origins lie in these exciting gatherings, a chance for Black communities to finally celebrate without the ‘Black Codes’ imposed by the confederacy. Yet, Juneteenth also carries the weight of a long struggle. Some choose to honor that sacrifice through reflection, volunteering, or educational events. The beauty of Juneteenth lies in its flexibility. It’s a day to celebrate, learn, or simply acknowledge the significance of freedom, allowing everyone to take part in their way. Wen Charlton 🏳️🌈 Balaji Thiagarajan TechDigital #Juneteenth2024 #Juneteenth #JuneteenthCelebration #JuneteenthFreedom #BlackHistory #Diversity #Equity #Inclusion

This #PrideMonth let’s turn the spotlight on the true superheroes of the movement: the LGBTQ+ rights organizations fighting for equality every single day. These tireless advocates are the backbones of the movement, pushing for a world where everyone can live authentically. It’s time to shower them with the recognition they deserve. Here are a handful of the organizations making waves: 1. The Trevor Project: It is a non-profit organization that was founded in 1998, it offers crisis intervention and suicide prevention specifically for LGBTQ+ youth. 2. National Center for Transgender Equality: It is a non-profit social equality organization founded in 2003 by transgender activist Mara Keisling in Washington, D.C. It advocates for policies that guarantee trans rights and dismantling discrimination. 3. GLAAD: GLAAD is an American non-governmental media monitoring organization. GLAAD’s story began as a response to unfair and inaccurate portrayals of LGBTQ+ people on media. They rose to the challenge, holding the media accountable and demanding fair representation. But GLAAD’s mission has grown ever since. Today, they’re a powerful force advocating for the rights and equality of LGBTQ+ people across the board. 4. Human Rights Campaign (HRC): A powerhouse organization lobbying for LGBTQ+ equality on a national level. They’re at the forefront of pushing for legal protection and fighting for LGBTQ+ rights. 5. National Black Justice Coalition: Championing the needs of LGBTQ+ people of color, a community often overlooked. Let us move beyond the spectacle and celebrate their unwavering dedication. Let their initiatives and stories inspire us to join the cause, amplifying their voices and ensuring a more inclusive world for all. Together we can turn the promise of Pride into a permanent reality. Wen Charlton 🏳️🌈 Balaji Thiagarajan TechDigital #PrideMonth #PrideMonth2024 #Diversity #Equity #Inclusion #EqualityForAll

Unveiling the Vulnerability of Men’s Mental Health Beneath the often-stoic exterior lies a complex world of emotions for men. Society conditions them to be pillars of strength, but that very strength can become heavy armor, hiding the vulnerability within. This emotional suppression can have devastating consequences. These statistics show a troubling reality underneath: • Over 40% of men will experience depression or anxiety in their lifetime. • Despite these numbers, less than half of men will seek treatment. • The suicide rate of men is four times higher than for women. It’s time to peek within the armor and acknowledge the cracks. Are we reinforcing a culture of silence around men’s mental health by praising only outward strength? What if true strength lies in acknowledging vulnerability and seeking support? This isn’t just about men’s health; it’s about creating a healthier, more supportive world for everyone. When men are empowered to address their mental health, the ripple effects are far-reaching. Imagine a world where: • Sons grow up with healthy examples of emotional expression • Men in leadership role prioritize mental well-being, creating a more supportive work environment for all. • Open communication becomes the norm, fostering stronger connections in all relationships. This is the future we can create by dismantling the stigma surrounding men’s mental health. Let’s break down the walls, redefine strength, and build a world where everyone feels empowered to prioritize their emotional well-being. Wen Charlton 🏳️🌈 Balaji Thiagarajan TechDigital #MensMentalHealth #VulnerabilityIsStrength #EndTheStigma #Diversity #Equity #Inclusion #MensHealthWeek2024

#PrideMonth is a time to celebrate diversity and inclusion, but allyship is a year-round commitment. In today’s workplace, fostering a diverse and inclusive environment where everyone feels valued is not just an ideal, it’s essential. Here’s how you can take concrete steps to be a strong LGBTQ+ ally for your colleagues:  Become an Informed Ally  Familiarize yourselves with the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in the workplace.    Embrace Inclusive Languages  You could normalize pronoun usage by asking new colleagues for theirs during introductions.   Be an Upstander   Don’t be a bystander to microaggressions or biased remarks. Speak up respectfully but firmly to challenge them.  If you witness discrimination, please escalate it to the right channels.    Advocate for Change  Lend your voice to support LGBTQ+ initiatives within your company. This could involve participating in LGBTQ+ employee resource groups (ERGs) or advocating for inclusive policies like parental leave benefits for same-sex couples.    Practice Active Listening   Take the time to listen to and learn from the experiences of your LGBTQ+ colleagues. Be open to feedback and strive to be a safe space where they can be authentic.    LGBTQ+ individuals have endured prejudice and pain for far too long; being a strong ally goes beyond just words, it’s about standing up alongside them, using our strength to amplify their voices, and actively dismantling the systems that perpetuate inequality. It’s about creating a world for everyone, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, to feel safe, valued and empowered to be their authentic selves. Wen Charlton 🏳️🌈 Balaji Thiagarajan TechDigital #PrideMonth2024 #PrideMonth #LGBTQ+#Diversity #Equity #Inclusion #Allyship #Equality #StandUp #BeTheChange   

🌟 AAPI Community: Making waves for a better tomorrow. 🌟 The AAPI community is a vibrant force for positive change across various sectors. Today, we're celebrating their remarkable contributions in three key areas: Champions for Sustainability  The AAPI community is at the forefront of the fight for a greener future. Here are some inspiring examples: RecycleNation (Los Angeles): Founded by Vietnamese-American entrepreneur Anh Thu Nguyen, RecycleNation empowers immigrants to recycle effectively through multilingual education and culturally sensitive programs.  The Asian American Farmers Association (AAFA): This national organization promotes sustainable farming practices like crop rotation and water conservation among AAPI agricultural producers.  The Pacific Islanders in Renewable Energy (PIRE): PIRE advocates for clean energy solutions in Pacific Islander communities, working on projects like solar installations and energy efficiency upgrades. #StopAAPIHate Movement  The #StopAAPIHate movement is a powerful force for good. Here's how it's driving change: Raising Awareness: Social media campaigns and community events have shone a light on anti-Asian racism and violence.  Policy Advocacy: The movement is pushing for stricter laws against AAPI hate crimes and better reporting mechanisms.  Community Building: Support groups and bystander intervention training are empowering the AAPI community to stand together.  Corporate Accountability: Businesses are being held accountable for perpetuating stereotypes or remaining silent on anti-Asian racism.  Cross-Cultural Alliances: The #StopAAPIHate movement is building bridges with other communities facing discrimination, strengthening the fight for racial justice as a whole. Advocating Educational Equity  The AAPI community is fiercely dedicated to ensuring all students have access to quality education. Initiatives like the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) Education Foundation provide scholarships and mentorship programs, empowering future generations of AAPI leaders. Let's celebrate the AAPI community's incredible contributions and their positive impact on our world! But remember, their achievements and struggles deserve recognition daily, not just during AAPI Heritage Month. Let's continue to amplify their voices, advocate for their causes, and work together to create a more inclusive and equitable future for all.  Wen Charlton 🏳️🌈 Balaji Thiagarajan TechDigital #AAPIHM #Sustainability #StopAAPIHate #EducationForAll #Diversity #Equity #Inclusion