INCLUSIVE DREAMS

T he disability rights movement has made immense progress over the years, we still have a long way to go. One facet of this evolution that deserves our attention is the future of disability inclusion. It's not just a moral imperative; it's also a smart business move. Although t he future of disability inclusion is not a distant destination but a continuous journey. It requires a collective call to action from organizations, communities, and individuals. By embracing these practical strategies, we move beyond rhetoric to effect tangible change, creating workplaces and communities where diversity is not only acknowledged but actively celebrated. In this article , we will explore the trends and next steps that potentially can shap e the future of disability inclusion in professional environments and communities . Current Trends: As we stand on the cusp of transformative change, several ongoing trends are reshaping the landscape of disability inclusion, heralding a future ...

While we may rely on the support and protection of others, ultimately, it is up to us to ensure that we are safe and secure.  The statement "if your own don't protect you, the world won't" highlights the importance of taking responsibility for our own well-being and safety.  In this context, the statement "if your own don't protect you, the world won't" takes on added significance. For individuals with disabilities, this means that it is essential to advocate for their own needs and rights, while also recognizing the importance of broader social and policy-level change. While progress has been made in recent years to promote disability inclusion, there is still much work to be done. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), people with disabilities are more likely to experience poverty, social exclusion, and discrimination than those without disabilities. This can be especially true when it comes to employment, where individuals with dis...

There`s an old proverb that says “ An empty apology is like a blank piece of paper, it may hold some value, but it remains meaningless " . Looking at the daily atrocities people with disabilities face in pursuit for employment, it's important to reflect on the timeless truth of this adage. Despite the fact that approximately one billion people worldwide, accounting for around 15% of the global population, live with some form of disability, individuals with disabilities continue to receive empty promises and insubstantial apologies with regards to accessibility in the workplace and employment opportunities. It's high time for employers to recognize that accessibility is not merely a legal obligation, but a moral imperative. In this article, we will delve into the significance of accessibility in the workplace and offer practical solutions for employers seeking to make their workplaces more accessible. As employers, it is your sole responsibility to ensure that all you...

It requires ongoing attention, commitment, and effort on a day-to-day basis.  Creating an inclusive society requires a deliberate and intentional effort to identify and address the barriers that prevent people with disabilities from fully participating in all aspects of life. I recently had the privilege of attending the premier of " When You Become Me ", a Disability-Inclusive feature film that left a lasting impression on me. The film's commitment to inclusivity and representation is truly commendable, and I believe it has the power to create meaningful change in society. It's essential to create a society where people with disabilities can participate fully and equally in all aspects of life, including education, employment, and social activities. Inclusion means recognizing the diverse needs and abilities of people with disabilities and providing accommodations and support to ensure they have equal access to opportunities. It also means breaking down the barri...

In a world where CEOs and Programme managers are overcaffeinated, stressed and time-starved, many have been romanced by exclusive project charters that yield dirty and discriminative project strategy. It’s this time of the year when most CEOs and managers are designing project strategies.  One phenomenon, dubbed the "fresh start effect," suggests that the new year may be a good moment to make resolutions and changes, because it can give people a renewed commitment to goals. As we develop new year resolutions, Managers and CEOs should seek to eradicate bad discriminative habits  establish new healthier ones that promote inclusion. But the question remains, how do we move forward to disability inclusive programing? If you’re interested in making your programs and projects disability inclusive, consider this article as a guideline. At essence, a Disability Inclusive Program is a roadmap that establishes your goals and the actions or steps needed to make every cycle of your...

There is a prevailing ableist assumption that disabled people cannot contribute to the climate change conversation. As a disability inclusive development advocate, I have several concerns with the climate justice protest. Even though 15% of the world’s population has some form of disabilities. The needs and experiences of people with disabilities have been ignored within the broader climate justice discourse. According to the  UNESCAP , disabled people are two to four times more likely to die following a natural catastrophe than non-disabled people. Take the case of recent landslides in  buduuda  eastern Uganda. During the COP26 which took place in the United Kingdom, The Israeli Energy Minister, Karine Elharrar was unable to attend the conference because there was no wheelchair access, reflecting the inaccessibility of these events. I hope this year's COP27 which is taking place in Egypt has adjusted. Look at the daily journals. How many disabled people do you witne...