National Organization on Disability

Tomorrow, July 26th, will mark 34 years since the passage of the historic #AmericansWithDisabilitiesAct (ADA), a landmark legislation that has transformed the lives of millions of Americans with disabilities. The #ADA has broken down barriers and opened up opportunities in employment, transportation, public accommodations, and more, fostering a more inclusive society for all. As we reflect on America's disability rights journey, we honor the trailblazers and milestones that paved the way for the ADA. Here are just a few: 1932: The first president with visible disabilities, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, was elected, but the public was shielded from the extent of his disabilities. 1935: President FDR signed the Social Security Act, providing cash benefits, medical, and therapeutic services for people with disabilities. 1945: The first National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week (later became National Disability Employment Awareness Month). 1948: Congress passed the Vocational Rehabilitation Act, prohibiting discrimination in federal employment for people with physical disabilities. 1963: President John F. Kennedy signed the Community Mental Health Act, moving people "warehoused" in institutions back into their communities. 1968: The Architectural Barriers Act was passed, mandating that federally constructed buildings and facilities be accessible to people with physical disabilities. 1972: The Center for Independent Living was founded in Berkeley, California and led by disabilities activist Ed Roberts. 1973: The Rehab Act was passed, establishing equal access for people with disabilities through removal of architectural, employment, and transportation barriers in federal establishments. 1975: The Education for Handicapped Children Act of 1975 (later the IDEA) guaranteed a free public education for all children with disabilities in the least restrictive environment. 1977: During the 504 Protest, San Francisco activists held a 28-day sit-in calling for federal civil rights for people with disabilities. The measure was signed that year. 1981: The United Nations commemorated the first International Year of Disabled Persons. NOD founder Alan A. Reich became the first person to address the U.N. General Assembly from a wheelchair. 1984: Voting Accessibility for the Elderly and Handicapped Act ensured equal access to the polls. 1988: The Deaf President Now protest went on for 8 days at Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C. The movement was a success.

Growing up as one of a set of triplets with Cerebral Palsy, I relied heavily on Medicaid home and community-based services for the care I needed—services that were critical for my wellbeing and dignity. I know how crucial it is for people with disabilities to understand the laws that govern us so we can advocate for ourselves—for investment in home and community-based services, Medicaid expansion, and all the supports and services we need as disabled people to thrive. But dense language in pending legislation can be a big barrier to doing this. I’ve needed to read bills fifteen times or so to fully grasp their content, and I do this work for a living. At New Disabled South, we decided to break this barrier down by developing the Plain Language Policy Dashboard. It translates pending legislation in the 14 Southern states into plain language that's easy to understand and accessible to people with disabilities and everyone. Since launching last November, our dashboard has attracted thousands of active users. It not only creates a baseline of knowledge within a state but also helps inform advocates about regional trends so they can effectively drive change. I'm excited to witness the attention it's attracting and how it's being recognized as a model for advancing equity and inclusion. Thank you to RWJF for the opportunity to highlight our dashboard! #DisabilityInclusion #DisabilityPrideMonth

Knowledge is power in #DEIB planning! Arm yourself with authentic data using NOD’s free Employee Engagement Survey. From budget planning to prioritization to better understanding your workforce, the NOD Engagement Survey will help you understand the impact of your disability inclusion policies and practices. Sign up to learn more and advocate for a more inclusive workplace with NOD. https://lnkd.in/eMiFffcJ #workplaceculture #inclusivity #disability #DEIB #workplacesurvey #accessiblity #employeeengagement #feedback

Celebrate Disability Pride Month with insights on inclusion! Did you know 1 in 4 adults in the U.S. have a disability? Discover how ERGs are making workplaces more inclusive and how we can all contribute. Read more! #DisabilityPrideMonth #InclusionMatters #DEI

Spotlight on: Franklin D. Roosevelt As one of the most influential presidents in American history, FDR is a powerful example of resilience and leadership. He led the nation through some of its darkest times, including the Great Depression and World War II. Though hidden throughout his presidency to project an image of strength and vitality, it was revealed after his death that President FDR used a wheelchair. Today however, we recognize that having a #disability does not diminish a person's ability to lead, innovate, or make impactful decisions. His quote, "The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today," is a reminder that our mindset can shape our future. The Economist #TheEconomist #Leadership #FDR

NOD is thrilled to co-host "Identity and the Disability Experience" with EY at One Manhattan West on September 26th! Join us to celebrate diverse identities that make up the workforce, network with #HR and #DEI leaders, and honor champions in #disability inclusion. Enjoy a panel discussion, awards ceremony, and inspiring entertainment. We're profoundly grateful to EY for opening their doors. Not only does their space serve as a stunning backdrop, it embodies their commitment to disability inclusion by allowing friends and colleagues to gather and make meaningful strides towards equitable opportunity in the workplace. Learn more about the event at nod.org/identity.

Exciting News: The U.S. Department of Labor is reconsidering the subminimum wage program for workers with disabilities. A new proposal on Section 14(c) of the Fair Labor Standards Act is expected soon, following a comprehensive review. NOD calls for phasing out #SubminimumWage thoughtfully, ensuring a smooth transition for affected individuals into competitive, integrated employment with comparable wages to their non-disabled co-workers. We believe that the elimination of sub-minimum wage must be accomplished based on the following principles and concepts: ⏳ Phase Out Over Time: Gradually eliminate sub-minimum wage with a focus on "Employment First" principles, prioritizing community employment for service recipients. ✅ Improve Community Employment Quality: Enhance community employment outcomes, emphasizing better wages, hours, and job diversity, as well as system efficiency and effectiveness. 🚫 Avoid Non-Work Day Habilitation: Ensure individuals move into community employment rather than non-work day habilitation facilities. 🎓 Focus on Students: End sub-minimum wage use for students, including stopping the use of 14(c) certificates for current students and avoiding such placements as post-secondary outcomes. 🛑 Halt New Certificates: Immediately cease the issuance of new sub-minimum wage 14(c) certificates by the US Department of Labor. Read more at the link below.

On July 6th, the cover of The Economist showed a walker with the Presidential Seal affixed to the front beside the headline "No Way to Run a Country". This kind of imagery is blatantly #Ableist and sends a harmful message that people with disabilities are unfit to lead. Having a #disability does not diminish a person's ability to lead, innovate, or make impactful decisions. See NOD's full response below in a message from our President and CEO, Beth Sirull. #TheEconomist Zanny Minton Beddoes #NothingAboutUsWithoutUs

On September 26th, NOD will host Identity and the Disability Experience, a fundraiser featuring live entertainment, a provocative panel discussion on the intersections of diverse identities within the disability community, and awards for excellence in the space.    The event offers a unique opportunity to publicly commit to disability inclusion, connect with leaders in HR, DEI, and advocacy, and build genuine connections with the nation’s leading employers.    Your contribution is more than a philanthropic gift; it is an investment in professional opportunities, spaces, and futures for the United States’ largest marginalized community.  Learn more at nod.org/identity. To get involved contact John Stegner at [email protected].

Happy #DisabilityPrideMonth! Disability Pride Month commemorates the passing of the #ADA on July 26th, 1990. #DisabilityPride celebrates the diversity within the disability community and promotes visibility while fighting stigma. This celebration began on October 6th in Boston in 1990, but has grown nationally with parades and events throughout July highlighting the contributions of people with disabilities. The first-ever Disability Pride Parade was held in Chicago 20 years ago, on July 18th, 2004. This month encourages acceptance and fosters a sense of identity and pride within the disability community. Similar to the LGBTQ Pride flag, the Disability Pride flag has various colors representing different types of disabilities. The five colors represent the different types of disabilities within the community: Red = physical  Gold = neurodivergence White = invisible and undiagnosed disabilities Blue = psychiatric  Green = sensory