5 Young Leaders with Disabilities Driving Change in Education and Employment

True inclusion means creating opportunities where persons with disabilities can participate fully in economic life. When barriers to employment, entrepreneurship, and skills development are removed, individuals are empowered to earn an income, make their own choices, and support their families. This independence strengthens self-confidence and restores dignity. Economic inclusion also benefits communities. Inclusive workplaces and markets tap into diverse talents, foster innovation, and reduce poverty and dependency. When persons with disabilities are economically active, communities become more resilient and equitable. read on: https://lnkd.in/dZEEUAt9

As a clinic providing services to children, teenagers and adults with disabilities we see how challenging life can be and its great to see strategies like this being developed. Here are the 3 main points from the new Framework. 1. Disabled people’s rights come first The strategy is about making sure disabled people in Ireland have the same rights, choices, and opportunities as everyone else, in line with human rights law. Decisions should be based on dignity, equality, and respect — not charity or “fixing” people. 2. Real changes across everyday life The Government commits to improving key areas that affect daily life, like education, healthcare, employment, independent living, and transport, so disabled people can fully take part in society. 3. People with Disabilities help design and monitor the system. Their organisations will be involved not just in planning services, but in shaping, delivering, and checking whether the strategy is actually working.

Modes of care in Ireland have always significantly relied on our version of NGO/Charitable Organisations. Over decades, the reliance of the top pillars reliance on pharma and psychological disorders, as a way of cordoning and coordinating service provision can elide the significance of very caring people therapeutic supports on the ground, interlocking with so many supportive services in our encounters with the everyday. For some, the loss of embodiment resilience is a signifiant issue, directly linked to both upper pillar interventions and low ratios of person centred, both of which reinforce the logics of each other.

Person first needs to apply to more than just language! I was 18 when I first came across the debate on whether people with disabilities should be addressed as such or if terms like ‘differently abled’ actually paved the way to access and dignity. After about 5 years in the system, as a person and a professional, here is one of my biggest realizations. We may have differing opinions on the right terminology, but systems working for people with disabilities would fail if they don’t become people first. Policy tables that decide accommodations need us, laws that concern us need us in the room and boardrooms that want to hire us need us to understand what we need. So, while what a person wants to be addressed by is their discretion, systems need to stop treating us passive beneficiaries and as people with agency, autonomy and dignity on the line.

New Resource Alert: Audio Visual Guide to DD Councils Across the U.S. Did you know that every U.S. state and territory has a Developmental Disabilities Council? Each DD Council works locally to create systems change for people with developmental disabilities. NACDD has put together a guide to help you find your local DD Council. Click play to watch, listen, and learn. Find contact information for your Council in our directory at this link: https://lnkd.in/gr4EasMq DD Councils: We’re Here All Year — for you. Please share this guide to help reach more people!

At Bobby Dodd Institute, we see every day how employing people with disabilities strengthens communities and supports Georgia’s workforce. Through collaboration with state partners like Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency and GATES, vocational rehabilitation services create economic value and open doors to meaningful employment. Today, we joined partner organizations, including New Ventures, Inc., Goodwill Industries International, Easterseals, Tommy Nobis Center, and Creative Enterprises, at the Georgia State Capitol for Legislative Day, to highlight the importance of expanding employment opportunities for people with disabilities across Georgia. As part of the GATES network, community-based providers are making a measurable impact statewide. -- Employing more than 1,000 Georgians with disabilities each year -- Generating nearly $34 million in wages -- Delivering more than $33 million in annual economic impact These efforts are especially critical in rural and underserved communities, where access to services and job opportunities can be limited. Legislative Day is a chance to reinforce the value of strong public-private partnerships and continue the conversation around the importance of inclusive employment across Georgia. #InclusiveHiring

As we reflect on 2025 and look ahead to 2026, one thing is clear: our mission is more than words—it's action. ❤️ In our latest video, hear directly from OOD staff as they share the moments that shaped the past year and what excites them most about the work ahead. From expanding employment supports and increasing accessibility to empowering students and strengthening communities, our focus remains on meaningful outcomes for Ohioans with disabilities.

Important changes are coming to Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Best Best & Krieger LLP (BBK) has the essential breakdown on when these changes are coming and what they mean for public agencies. More insights at #PublicCEO bit.ly/4qx0vSo

A settlement with Pegasus Senior Living will help protect the rights of older Californians with disabilities after a fair housing test found alleged discrimination. The agreement requires staff training on reasonable accommodation requests, including access to American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation, and brings policy changes to improve access for people with disabilities. This action shows how fair housing enforcement can reduce barriers and support equal opportunity in housing. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gGrVMjY9

ACCOUNTABILITY AND THE INCLUSION OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES Accountability means that leaders and public institutions are answerable to the people for their decisions, actions, and use of public resources. For persons with disabilities, accountability is essential to ensure that policies, budgets, and services meant for inclusion are actually implemented. When leaders are accountable, they ensure that schools are accessible, health facilities are disability-friendly, and development programs include persons with disabilities. Lack of accountability leads to broken promises, inaccessible infrastructure, and continued exclusion. Civic education must empower persons with disabilities and the wider community to demand transparency through lawful and peaceful means such as community dialogues, public inquiries, and participation in decision-making processes. Everyone has a role in monitoring how public resources are used. A culture of accountability strengthens democracy and guarantees that persons with disabilities are not forgotten but are recognized as equal citizens with rights, voices, and responsibilities. #CIVICEDUCATION #ACCOUNTABILITY #DISABILITYINCLUSION #GOODGOVERNANCE #EQUALRIGHTS #ACCESSFORALL #INCLUSIVEDEVELOPMENT