With a limited number of resources to choose from, finding the right resources for small business owners with disabilities can be difficult. But thanks to a new television channel, accessing the information you need may have become a whole lot easier.In a partnership with the National Disability Institute (NDI) and Boston Media, LLC, the two companies have launched Disability Owned, a free nationwide business TV channel on Roku’s streaming platform targeted to U.S. business owners and entrepreneurs with disabilities. Through live programming and archived video content, the channel will provide business information, news and resources for aspiring entrepreneurs and the nearly two…
Author: DIVERSEability Community
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You may have heard the term ‘supplier diversity’ and the benefits it can bring to your small business and corporation alike. If you’re interested in growing your business, especially as a disability-owned business owner; here is what you should know: What is supplier diversity?Supplier diversity refers to the use of minority-owned businesses as suppliers. A supplier diversity program is a proactive business program which encourages such use within an organization’s supply chain. Supplier diversity most often refers to the partnership between larger scale businesses and businesses owned by underrepresented racial minority, women-owned, veteran-owned, disability-owned and LGBTQ+ owned businesses.How does this partnership benefit the supplier?As a small…
When you think of work accommodations for someone who has a disability, you may immediately think of people with physical disabilities, such as those with mobility issues, hearing impairments or blindness. But did you know there are many possible accommodations for employees who have a mental illness? What is a Reasonable Accommodation?A reasonable accommodation is any change in the work environment or in the way things are customarily done that enables an individual with a disability to enjoy equal employment opportunities. Equal opportunity allows a person to attain the same level of performance or to enjoy equal benefits and privileges of employment. Examples can include:A Flexible ScheduleAn accommodation might include…
By Dax Castro, Today, diversity and inclusion are on the tip of most people’s tongues. But how, exactly, can we create this inclusive work environment everyone is talking about? Most topics are centered around race and gender identity. They are not wrong. Those topics are definitely core considerations for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI). But one topic that is often left out is accessibility. An environment that includes accessible digital content like videos, PDFs, Word docs and PowerPoint files provides access for all people and fosters a sense of belonging. An accessible workplace leads to diverse ideas, higher employee retention…
People with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) need robust support and rights in order to live the lives they choose and have a good quality of life. None of that is possible without the passion and power of service professionals and advocates. In late July, The Arc brought together over 250 people in the IDD field in sunny Las Vegas for our Summer Leadership Institute (SLI). SLI is an intimate conference where leaders and rising stars can network and develop their careers, programs and organizations to serve their community better and adapt to emerging changes. It’s also an excellent opportunity…
Disability:IN, the global organization driving disability inclusion and equality in business, held its 2023 global conference this year July 10-13, 2023, at the JW Marriott Orlando in Orlando, Florida. “As we reflect on the 2023 global conference, our hearts are filled with gratitude for our community. This year’s conference was filled with impactful conversations, lifetime (re)connections made and so much #DisabilityPride! And it is all because of you,” the organization stated in a conference recap email to attendees. “Thank you to each and every one of you who helped make this year’s conference one to remember.” The Disability:IN 2023 conference…
Max Park spent about 10 seconds studying the jumbled Rubik’s Cube in front of him at the Pride in Long Beach World Cube Association competition earlier this month. Cracking it took less than a third of that time. With a deep breath, steady hands and just 3.13 seconds, the 21-year-old solved the colorful mind game with 43 quintillion possible combinations, aligning each side perfectly by color. In a video capturing the moment, capturing the moment, Park slams his hands down to stop the clock, claps and yells “Yes!” — knowing he had just broken the world record for fastest solve…
By Natalie Rodgers For the last year or so, the job market has been especially difficult. The world is adapting back to a new normal in a post-pandemic workplace and the priorities of many companies are evolving and changing. Because of this, you’ll want to make sure your job search is in pristine condition to ensure the best chance of securing employment. Here are some easy things you can do to get noticed in the job market: Proofread Your Materials One of the simplest mistakes that can turn away potential employers is a lack of proofreading in your resume or…
By Dana Kozlov, CBS News Chicago We’re spotlighting a Chicago Public Schools student with autism who we first met years ago under troubling circumstances. Now, she’s ready to tackle the world. CBS 2 Political Investigator Dana Kozlov explained how her mom’s battle with Chicago Public Schools made it possible. For Kymera Mitchel, 18, graduating high school wasn’t just a milestone. It was a triumph. “I feel accomplished,” Kymera said. “I feel stress-free.” She has autism and PTSD. CBS 2 first met her seven years ago when her mother reached out after a transit driver for Chicago Public Schools left Kymera,…
By Natalie Rodgers As the world prepares for the next chapter of space exploration, the European Space Agency (ESA) has introduced 17 new astronauts into their program, including the world’s first astronaut with a disability. Former British Paralympian John McFall has been chosen to be the first “parastronaut” in the history of space travel. His journey to the stars will be part of a feasibility project, looking for the most efficient ways for astronauts with disabilities to be included in space travel. “I thought, ‘Wow, this is a such a huge, interesting opportunity,’” McFall stated to the ESA. “I thought…
