The disability community often is forgotten in inclusion and diversity conversations. With one-in-five people (one-in-four adults) having a disability, the lack of representation – just 2.8% of onscreen characters and less than one percent in children’s television – means that millions of people are unable to see themselves in popular media today. Furthermore, when representation does exist, it is often white, cisgender males with apparent disabilities. [continue reading…]
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Leading on Jobs for People with Disabilities
Our nation was founded on the principle that anyone who works hard should be able to get ahead in life. People with disabilities deserve the opportunity to earn an income and achieve independence, just like anyone else.
There are 22 million working-age people with disabilities and only one-in-three have work. Americans with disabilities are twice as likely to be employed in some states as opposed to others. In fact, in some states and counties that are using best practices, people with disabilities have 50 percent employment. [continue reading…]
Enabling People with Disabilities to Achieve Jobs and a Better Future
Fully 1-in-5 people have a learning, mental health, physical, sensory or other disability that is a barrier to everyday living. People can be born with a disability, or acquire one due to an accident, aging, gun violence or in military service to our nation. It is time for people with disabilities to be seen for their tremendous human potential — and what they CAN do. [continue reading…]
Inclusive Philanthropy
Opportunity, Equity, and Inclusion
Philanthropy and nonprofits are at their best when they represent the people they serve including the one-in-five people who has a disability. RespectAbility offers free tools, resources, and customized advice and training to help philanthropists and nonprofits learn how to welcome, include, serve, and benefit from the talents of people with physical, learning, sensory, intellectual, mental health, and other disabilities who often are left out of the diversity discussion.
Washington, Nov. 11 – As the nation celebrates Veterans Day, it is important to truly remember our veterans and ensure we are taking care of their needs.
One of their top priorities is employment. Government policies that help veterans with disabilities get and keep jobs are a win-win because they allow veterans the dignity and financial benefits of work and also grow our economy and save taxpayer money.
One year ago, President Elect Donald Trump said, “I will” when asked if he is committed to getting more veterans and people with disabilities employed.
“You gotta give them hope, build their spirit,” Trump said during a town hall in Newton, IA. “The unemployment numbers don’t tell the whole story.”
Trump has provided some specifics on how he would help veterans and people with disabilities who are not employed. According to his campaign website, Trump’s plan to reform the Veterans Administration includes increasing funding for job training and placement services (including incentives for companies hiring veterans), educational support and business loans.
Washington, Nov. 9 – RespectAbility congratulates Mr. Donald Trump on his win of the presidency. We look forward to working with his new administration in the future and sincerely hopes he will work with diverse parts of America in every sense of the word.
Looking down ballot, several senate and gubernatorial candidates who support opportunities for people with disabilities (PwDs) won big Tuesday night – confirming the results from a new poll released last week. The poll showed that voters were more likely to support candidates who prioritize ensuring that children with disabilities get the education and training they need to succeed as well expanding job and career opportunities for people with disabilities. The poll also showed that voters with disabilities overwhelmingly thought that America was on the wrong track.
There are 56 million people with disabilities (one in five Americans), more than 35 million of whom are eligible voters (one-sixth of the electorate). The poll showed that half of voters either have a disability or a loved one with a disability.
Washington, Oct. 14 – Given the news cycle, talk about sexual assault and rape has increased.
It’s important to note that children with disabilities are three times more likely to be victims of rape or sexual assault than children without disabilities. Victims of assault are more likely to commit crimes. Every nine minutes an adult with a disability is sexually assaulted or raped.
As part of the #PwDsVote Disability Questionnaire,the nonpartisan nonprofit disability organization RespectAbility asked candidates running for Senate or Governor about their plans to address these issues. While many had plans regarding rape and sexual assault, several had specific plans for rape and sexual assault of people with disabilities. Every candidate was given an equal opportunity to address these issues and if they are not listed, it is because they declined to answer.
Alfred Olango
Alfred Olango, a Ugandan refugee, had mental health disability
Washington, Sept. 29 – It’s happened before and unfortunately will most likely happen again soon if nothing is done. The increasing number of people of color with disabilities being killed by police is unacceptable.
In the latest case, Alfred Olango, an African American man with mental health differences, was shot and killed by a police officer in San Diego, CA.
“Why couldn’t you tase him? I told you he is sick – and you guys shot him!” Olango’s sister is heard in a video recorded by a bystander who posted the video on Facebook. “I called police to help him, not to kill him.”
His sister called police saying he was acting strangely and not himself, informing them of his disability.
