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Writer, actress, director, and producer (sometimes all at the same time), Rachel Handler is a powerhouse. She has a special way of packing a punch with her narrative shorts — most of which are under six minutes long — by providing windows into experiences that are normal to some but never before thought about by others.

Whether you are watching Andy and Kaliope, a capsule into the life of one of the 30-50% of children with disabilities waiting in the adoption system in the U.S. currently, or, her latest film, DERAILED, about the unique systemic barriers and romantic challenges faced by an amputee, you’ll find that these fresh perspectives work so effectively because they simultaneously appeal to experiences or emotions relatable to any viewer. At their heart, each film is about finding love and having the tools to thrive, things most everyone strives for in their own lives.

Handler, who became an amputee from a car accident in 2012, tells Disability Belongs™ that while there have been enormous health and mobility effects following her amputation, “the biggest struggles in my life come from the way society views disability and handles accessibility.” Her scripts grapple with these challenges for catharsis, likely, but also for reinvention and change. The more these kinds of stories are told, the more those in society realize what attitudes they should model after. [continue reading…]

Thomas Wiggins was a pianist with a success story for the ages — he performed at the White House for President James Buchanan and earned the equivalent of $12 million in today’s money through cross-continental tours and sheet sales (more than any pianist at the time). Yet, as a Black, blind and (presumably) autistic man, this success was all too easily stolen from him.

Wiggins’ life is the latest subject of “American Masters: Renegades,” a documentary series showcasing the lives and cultural contributions of little-known historical figures with disabilities. Each short is 12-minutes long and shines the spotlight on one individual. The crew telling these stories come with the background of being disabled, too, adding a layer of authenticity and a palpable sense of passion for bringing justice to these forgotten icons.

Born into slavery in Georgia in 1849, Wiggins and his family were bought at auction by James Neil Bethune. Even when the Emancipation Proclamation was signed by President Lincoln in 1863, declaring the freedom of all enslaved people, Wiggins was not let go of Bethune’s hold. Wanting to continue profiting off his musical talent, Bethune had Wiggins prosecuted under an “inquisition of idiocy,” which took the form of a guardianship that remained for the rest of Wiggins’ life. It also ensured that he never saw a single penny earned from his music career. [continue reading…]

As a disabled veteran who has navigated life with a spinal cord injury, watching “Brad Lomax: Creating Communities of Care” was a deeply moving experience. This documentary, part of the American Masters series, beautifully honors the legacy of Brad Lomax, a true pioneer in the disability rights movement.

Lomax’s life is the latest subject of “American Masters: Renegades,” a documentary series showcasing the lives and cultural contributions of little-known historical figures with disabilities. Each short is 12-minutes long and shines the spotlight on one individual.

It was such an honor to learn more about Brad’s story, which is one of resilience and unwavering commitment. His involvement with the Black Panther Party and his pivotal role in the 504 sit-in at the Federal Building in San Francisco in 1977 were instrumental in the fight for disability rights. This protest was a turning point, leading to the enforcement of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, which eventually paved the way for the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. [continue reading…]

Washington, D.C. – Disability Belongs™ is the proud recipient of the 2024 Moxie Award in the nonprofit category. The Moxie Awards recognize organizations that are “innovative, fearless, and willing to embrace risks.”

“I want to congratulate all of the other nominees and winners, and give our sincere thanks to the incredible judges, sponsors, and organizers of this year’s Awards,” said Ariel Simms, President and CEO of Disability Belongs™. “This recognition is even more special to us as we start our next chapter as Disability Belongs™, following an intentional rebranding process to put disability front and center in our name.”

Disability Belongs™ is honored to be recognized for its work transforming the conversation around disability to redefine harmful and ableist narratives that have not only contributed to systemic barriers but to societal isolation and stigmatization. Disability Belongs’ work emphasizes disability not as something to overcome but another part of human diversity. Disability cuts across all demographics and identities and is the one group that anyone can join at any time in their lives. [continue reading…]

When most people think about going to the polls to vote, they aren’t thinking about accessibility. But for the 61 million Americans with disabilities, accessibility is always on their minds.

The Current Landscape

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires state and local governments and elected officials to ensure that people with disabilities have a full and equal opportunity to vote in all elections. However, a study by the Election Assistance Commission (EAC) during and after the 2022 elections found that 14% of voters with disabilities – approximately 2.2 million people – experienced difficulties voting. The EAC study concluded that if people with disabilities voted at the same rate as those without, there would be around two million more voters. [continue reading…]

In today’s job market, assembling a diverse and inclusive workforce is more crucial than ever. One effective way for employers to achieve this is by teaming up with Community Based Organizations (CBOs) that assist job seekers with disabilities. These partnerships not only improve hiring processes but also uplift local communities by creating better job opportunities for underrepresented groups, as people with disabilities often have trouble finding and keeping meaningful employment.

What is a Talent Partner?

A talent partner is an organization that works alongside employers to help identify, develop, and place job seekers in various roles. Talent partners can include nonprofits, educational institutions, and government agencies dedicated to making a difference through employment. By collaborating with these organizations, businesses can access a broader range of candidates, which ultimately leads to a more inclusive work environment. [continue reading…]

The theme of this year’s National Disability Employment Awareness Month is “Access to Good Jobs For All.” A central part of creating this access lies in implementing effective workplace accommodations. For people with disabilities, accommodations represent more than just adjustments; they are essential measures needed to ensure equal employment opportunities.

The reality is that many workplaces – physical office space, virtual environments, established practices, and/or cultures – were not designed with the needs of disabled individuals in mind. This fundamental oversight often makes these spaces inaccessible, either partially or entirely, to those with disabilities. As a result, the changes made to workplaces to accommodate disabilities should not be seen as extra or unnecessary additions. Instead, they should be recognized as immediate actions that address historical exclusion.

Workplace accommodations are not luxuries; they are necessities that create environments where everyone has the same chance to thrive. They are an investment that employers should value when considering employee retention and a positive workplace culture. When employers fail to make these adjustments, it can be considered an act of discrimination, whether intentional or not. This is why the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) mandates that employers with 15 or more employees must provide reasonable accommodations for qualified employees, provided it doesn’t impose an undue burden on the organization. [continue reading…]

Brooklyn in “Jurassic World: Chaos Theory.” Season 2 is streaming now on Netflix.

DreamWorks Animation, Universal Pictures, and Amblin Entertainment’s “Jurassic World: Chaos Theory” picks up season two right where it left off, continuing its core themes of looking out for one another – whether it be a friend or a dinosaur – at any cost, and fighting for a version of the world you believe in. Airing on Netflix beginning October 17, the season is full of action, suspense and tender moments, as well as some laughs.

Strikingly, the last episode of season one had revealed that Brooklyn – the sixth member of “The Nublar Six,” a group of friends who survived Camp Cretaceous’ dinosaur-filled island together – was not dead like her friends and family had presumed. Brooklynn had been trying to investigate an underground dinosaur selling operation when things went awry. A dinosaur trained to attack came at her, biting off part of her arm. But luckily, a former DPW officer named Ronnie came to her rescue before anything further could happen.

Brooklynn’s journey as a new amputee following the attack, then, is central to the plot of the new season. And the Jurassic World: Chaos Theory team took care when weaving disability into the storyline.

Peter Lee, an amputee who first worked as a consultant and then transitioned to a permanent seat in the writers’ room, played a crucial role in getting it right. [continue reading…]

According to Forbes, more than 50% of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) applicants would like to work again, but they fear losing their important financial and healthcare benefits, such as Medicare. This is a very valid fear, as it can often take a long time to navigate the SSDI system. According to USAFacts, the national average wait time for the first decision is 7 months, 15 days. The national approval rate for the initial application is around 38% which means most people get denied on their first try and need to appeal the decision. And the entire process can take three years or more.

Fortunately, there is a program available that acts as a safety net to help people on SSDI ease their way into the workforce without a fear of losing their benefits: the Ticket to Work program. The Ticket to Work program is a U.S. Social Security Administration initiative that helps people with disabilities find and keep employment while maintaining their Social Security benefits. The free, voluntary program is available in all 50 states.

Eligible individuals can use a “ticket” to access various employment services from approved providers. The program offers support such as job training and career counseling, along with work incentives that allow participants to test their ability to work without immediately losing their benefits. The goal is to promote financial independence and self-sufficiency for people with disabilities. [continue reading…]