News
As you know, RespectAbility works to empower people with disabilities to achieve the American dream. We have learned that a barrier to civil rights is that elite private schools – places where children of current leaders and influential people go to train to be leaders themselves – do not frequently welcome children with disabilities. We took at look at more than 90 elite schools that are considered “Ivy League Feeder Schools.” We know that their graduates go on to Harvard, Yale and other top schools – and then to policy and corporate leadership positions.
September 10, 2013
1/5 of Jews with disabilities in sample have “been turned away or unable to participate in a Jewish event or activity because of the disability”
Bethesda, MD. In a new poll of 2607 Jews done for RespectAbility.org and JerusalemU.org, data shows that the Jews polled, including young Jews, felt very strongly about inclusion of Jews with disabilities. Indeed, they feel even more strongly about inclusion of people with disabilities in Jewish life than they feel about being connecting to Israel, marrying Jewish or having Jewish children, although they were strong on these issues as well. The sample is more likely to be of Jews who are somehow engaged in the community than in a random sample. However, because the sample size is so large, the differences between age groups and other key demographics are valid and pronounced.
Bethesda, MD – Governors around the country are expanding their efforts to enable people with disabilities to achieve the American dream. More than one in five Americans have a disability. Currently 70% of working age (18-64) Americans with disabilities are outside of the work force and more than nine million working of them are living on government benefits. Polls show that the majority want to work. Millions nationally have been trapped in poverty and isolation for decades. Now, thanks to Governors, things are starting to get better. [continue reading…]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 15, 2014
MEDIA CONTACT: Max Samis, Rabinowitz Communications, Max@rabinowitz.com, 202-265-3000
Disability Rights Group Stands with Couple Accusing Private School of Discrimination
Group notes that Washington Market School would not be the first to fail ADA compliance
BETHESDA – Disability rights activists are standing with a New York couple who filed suit in Manhattan Federal Court alleging that a private school in New York rescinded their son’s acceptance after learning that he was recently diagnosed with autism. The couple claims that administrators at the Washington Market School are in violation of the American with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Listen to our CEO’s birthday wish!
Fully fifty years ago today, my wonderful parents welcomed me into life in Durham, N.C. Since then I’ve been to 33 countries (mostly for work) and shared amazing friendships and adventures with terrific people. Where did the time go?
In looking back on fifty years, the most cherished things in my life are the people I love (family, friends, colleagues) and the positive difference we have been able to make together on this planet.
So, as I start my next fifty years (yes, I plan to live until I am 100), I pledge to do everything I can to enable people with disabilities to be seen for the abilities, values and talents they have.
Tomorrow I turn 50!!! I am so blessed in what I experienced these first 50 years. Amazing. I plan to live until 100, so tomorrow I start the next half of my life.In the future I want to be a better family member and friend to the people I love, and to continue to fight for people with disabilities. In lieu of gifts, if you want to give me something, then please join me by donating to www.RespectAbilityUSA.org!
Jonah Selber
Philadelphia, PA – Jonah Selber, who was born with a developmental disability, is a longtime, successful employee of Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals where he serves as an office assistant in the Information Systems Department. He loves his job and never takes it for granted. Unlike 70% of working age Americans with disabilities who are out of the workforce, Jonah has been working for 17 years delivering important business documents and greeting customers in the Information Systems service center at one of the nation’s top hospitals. [continue reading…]
New Toolkit for Policy Makers/Leaders Released Along with Poll/Focus Group Research Report:
America at Risk: Job Crisis for People with Disabilities – Views on Solutions from 3839 People on the Front Lines
Washington, DC. RespectAbilityUSA, a non-profit organization working to empower people with disabilities to achieve the American dream, is proud to release a new toolkit for policy makers, leaders and activists along with a formal report, “America at Risk: Job Crisis for People with Disabilities — Views on Solutions from 3839 People on the Front Lines.” The toolkit and report are designed those who want to expand job opportunities for people with disabilities based on the real-life experiences and opinions of those most impacted by the crisis of lack of jobs for people with disabilities in America. This issue is important because:
