Lisa Cox’s Post

As we celebrate Disability Pride Month, it’s important to reflect on the strides we’ve made & the many doors that remain closed. Since my article with the the Valuable 500, some doors have indeed opened, offering a glimpse of the progress we can achieve. However, too many doors remain firmly shut. This month, I dare you to reach out to me & challenge me on why disability representation matters. Brands, media, & businesses need to integrate people with disabilities into their narratives—not just as a one-off, but as an ongoing commitment to diversity & inclusion. We often hear about the importance of mental health, but what about the mental health of those with disabilities? The unseen & unheard individuals who face daily discrimination & exclusion. Society preaches self-care & mental wellness, yet it comes with an unspoken criterion: you must fit a certain mold. This hypocrisy must end. Growing up, the only depictions of people with Achondroplasia were derogatory and humorous—characters like the Oompa Loompas or the dwarves in Snow White. These limited, often mocking portrayals were hurtful & isolating. At school, I faced relentless bullying & exclusion. Being called names like ‘Midget’ & being openly ridiculed was a daily occurrence. These experiences left deep scars and influenced my decision never to have children, fearing they would face the same cruelty. Despite the discrimination, I have always been determined to change the world’s perception of people with disabilities. At 13, I underwent extended limb lengthening surgeries, the first in Ireland to do so, gaining 6.5 inches in height and a new level of independence. However, even 30 years later, the fight for true inclusion continues. I am judged daily because I don’t fit the ‘norm.’ Representation is not just about visibility; it’s about validation. When people with disabilities are seen in media, advertising, and leadership roles, it challenges stereotypes & fosters a more inclusive society. Brands and companies must go beyond tokenism and integrate people with disabilities into their core narratives. The spending power of people with disabilities and their families is enormous. Yet, brands continue to overlook this market. This Disability Pride Month, I challenge CEOs, marketers, & media professionals to reach out to me. Let’s discuss how we can work together to create genuine, lasting change. We need to ensure that people with disabilities don’t grow up feeling invisible or inferior. Our ideas need to be heard, our bodies seen, and our contributions valued. Inclusion should be the norm, not the exception. #DisabilityPrideMonth #RepresentationMatters #Inclusion #Diversity #Valuable500 #Achondroplasia #DisabilityAdvocacy #Marketing #Media Please engage with this article and share your thoughts on how we can push for better representation of people with disabilities in all aspects of society. Your support & participation are crucial in driving this change. Let’s make our voices heard!

Check out “Disability equity must be fundamental to international engagement” in the Mandarin today: https://lnkd.in/gpspWMxh What this article is talking about is not just the right thing or the smart thing, it is now the expected thing. The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the new paradigm requires “nothing about us without us” and full, equal and resourced participation at the top table from design, in implementation and with monitoring. the Mandarin article reads in part:  --- Over recent years the conversation around disability has changed enormously and for the better. The disability movement now talks about equity and rights, not mere inclusion. We say people with disabilities should not only be at the table, but the shape of the table must change so that they can fully and meaningfully participate and lead on an equal basis…. The 2009 Development for All strategy was the first disability-inclusive development strategy to guide Australian international aid. In fact, it was the first distinct strategy on disability for any international donor country. It was truly trailblazing. The strategic intent, framework and resourcing provided by that strategy directly supported people with disabilities and their representative organisations to participate more fully in their community. It enabled collaboration and convening of governments to bring focus and direct action to support people with disabilities across the Pacific and beyond. … Programs must be designed based on analysis of the barriers facing people with disabilities, and program delivery must include both specific projects working with people with disabilities and consideration of the ‘preconditions to inclusion’ for people with disabilities. Failing to examine the preconditions for inclusion too often means leaving barriers, and can be the reasons why people with disabilities are left behind. We must address things like accessibility, assistive technology and social stigma, to truly promote inclusion. … We have come a long way, and there is much to be proud of. But we want to be able to look back on the next 17 years and be proud of the next round of achievements. To make that a reality, Australia will need to be brave and bold in committing to shift the dial towards disability equity. ---

Introducing the ten things employers like you need to know about Disability Pride Month! Read on to learn about the symbolic design of the Disability Pride Flag, being an ally to your disabled colleagues and ways to participate in Pride Month. ·   What does the Disability Pride flag symbolise? The charcoal background represents protest and those in the disability community who have been subject to ableist violence. The diagonal straight band of colours is representative of the barriers people with disabilities face in their daily lives and their need to navigate them. It alludes to the idea of light cutting through the darkness. The five differently coloured stripes signify diversity and differing lived experiences within the disability community. Green for sensory disabilities, blue for mental health and cognitive disabilities, white for invisible or undiagnosed disabilities, gold for neurodiversity and red for physical disabilities. ·   Is Disability Pride linked to LGBTQIA+ Pride? The two observances have some shared aims: celebrating differences, visibly being our joyful authentic selves and challenging preconceptions for example, but they are not linked in any official way. ·   Can you be an ally to your disabled employees during Pride Month? The first thing you need to know is, you can be an ally to your disabled employees, and the wider community all year round. Being an ally goes much further than passive acceptance of disabled people and their needs. It involves active listening, learning about the issues that impact the community, using accurate language when talking about disabilities, promoting the voices of people with disabilities and most of all, challenging your belief systems and misconceptions. ·   How can you get involved in Disability Pride Month? Start with open and honest conversations about how your work environment can be more inclusive of, and accessible to people with disabilities. This might mean tackling the uncomfortable subjects of ableist behaviour and the lack of understanding around accommodations in your organisation, but trust us, the benefits of taking such a head-on approach will be felt company-wide for a long time to come. Remember, your disabled employees must be central to these conversations. Other ways you might participate include educating yourself on different disabilities and people’s lived experiences by engaging with disabled content creators on social media or asking disabled employees to play a central role in organising celebration events. ·   What is the theme for Disability Pride Month 2024? “We Want a Life Like Yours” is this year’s theme. It reflects on the disability community’s dreams for life experiences that physical access and attitudinal barriers all too often deny them. Contact Passion4Social today to learn more about being an inclusive supportive employer throughout Disability Pride Month and beyond. #DisabilityPride #WeWantALifeLikeYours #InclusiveEmployers

All month long, I've been reflecting a lot on how disability is so often misunderstood. The Americans with Disabilities Act was a groundbreaking achievement for disability rights. But let's be real—it should be seen as the floor, not the ceiling, for what we aim to achieve. A major misconception about disability is viewing it as a monolithic experience. It's not. Disability is vast, varied, and beautiful. Just like NPR readers pointed out, “Disabilities aren't one size fits all” and “not all disabilities are visible or immediately recognizable.” This diversity within our community needs more acknowledgment and understanding. We must break free from narrow definitions of what’s considered a “legitimate” disability. The ADA definition of disability is broad, in large part due to the recognition that disability affects everyone differently. The ADA has indeed been instrumental in advancing the rights of people with disabilities. It opened doors and provided legal protection against discrimination. Yet, as Andrew Pulrang emphasizes, the ADA is often seen as “toothless” because of inconsistent enforcement and the persistent barriers—both physical and societal—that we encounter daily. Accessibility should be a basic right, not an inconvenience that gets ignored when it’s costly or challenging. People’s ideas of what disability looks like are often so limited. They have these fixed notions that lead to gatekeeping and judgment. I remember when I got matched with Canine Companions® Pico, in 2014. Moving through the world with him opened my eyes to many nuances of disability access. Even though I’ve been disabled my whole life, being a new service dog handler was an entirely new experience. Pico and I faced challenges, but we also created positive change by challenging perceptions of what we could accomplish as a team. True inclusion begins with empathy and a willingness to understand the varied experiences of those of us with disabilities. It means challenging preconceived notions and really listening to the voices within our community. As one NPR reader aptly put it, “Disability is not a fate worse than death. You can adapt, and you would if you suddenly became disabled.” “Our disabilities are not flaws to be fixed, but integral parts of our identities that shape our unique perspectives and strengths,” Kim Chua told NPR. “We’re not defined solely by our disabilities. We’re whole, complex individuals with dreams, talents, and contributions to make.” By fostering a culture of empathy and understanding, we can work toward a society that truly values and includes everyone. The ADA was just the starting point, but our journey toward full equity and inclusion is ongoing. Let’s keep moving forward together. As we close out Disability Pride, remember to lead with empathy and curiosity. #DisabilityAdvocacy #InclusionMatters #ADANextSteps #ServiceDogs #DiversityInDisability #EmpathyInclusion #AccessibilityForAll #DisabilityRights #DisabilityPride #ADA34

Title: Celebrating Disability Pride Month: Embracing Inclusivity Everywhere https://lnkd.in/gdeJ_aQE July is Disability Pride Month—a time to celebrate the diversity and contributions of people with disabilities worldwide. It’s more than just a month; it’s a call for continuous inclusivity in our workplaces and educational settings. Why Disability Pride Month Matters Originating alongside the ADA in 1990, Disability Pride Month promotes awareness and fights against ableism. It’s a reminder to embrace everyone’s talents and ensure equal opportunities for all. Advancing Inclusivity Through Technology Digital accessibility, like UserWay’s innovations, plays a crucial role in creating inclusive environments. It empowers individuals with disabilities to navigate online platforms seamlessly, fostering equal participation in today’s digital world. Embracing Symbolism: The Disability Pride Flag The Disability Pride flag, with its distinctive stripes representing various disabilities—from physical to neurodivergent and sensory—symbolizes unity and advocacy for a barrier-free society. What does the disability pride flag look like today? Charcoal gray background: In memory of the victims of ableist abuse and violence, including children or those killed, suicides, or individuals who suffered from negligence. Diagonal band: Cutting across the barriers blocking people with disabilities from full participation, integration, and inclusion in society Red stripe: Physical disabilities (chronic pain/fatigue, mobility impairment, loss of limbs) Gold stripe: Neurodivergence (autism, ADHD, dyslexia) White stripe: Undiagnosed and invisible disabilities Blue stripe: Psychiatric disabilities (depression, PTSD, anxiety, etc.) Green stripe: Sensory disabilities (hearing loss, visual impairments, etc.) Action Beyond July Let’s make inclusivity a year-round commitment. From local events to workplace accommodations and educational reforms, every step we take builds a more accessible and accepting society. Join the Conversation Celebrate Disability Pride Month with us and advocate for inclusivity in every aspect of life. Together, we can create a world where diversity thrives. #DisabilityPride #InclusionMatters

In honor of Disability Pride Month, I want to raise awareness about the importance of fostering environments where everyone’s unique strengths are recognized and valued. First, let’s acknowledge the vast, untapped pool of talent among people with disabilities. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the labor force participation rate for people with disabilities was 24.2% in 2023, the highest since 2008. However, they are still less likely to be in the labor force than those without disabilities. To address this disparity and reflecting on my advocacy for underrepresented communities, I recall sharing remarks at the 2019 U.S. release of “A New World of Work: Report and Recommendations” by the ILO’s Global Commission on the Future of Work at my alma mater, the ILR School of Cornell University in NYC. During a breakout session, I emphasized the untapped talent pool of people with disabilities. I was asked to reiterate my comments in the closing session, highlighting the importance of raising awareness for the community in the future of work. This brings me to another crucial aspect of ongoing diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts: equity. The word “equity” has recently been a focal point in the DEI landscape. It’s important to acknowledge how essential equity is in disability inclusion. Let’s look at some statistics.  According to the U.S. Department of Labor: ➡️Unemployment rates are much higher for people with disabilities than for those without, across all educational attainment groups. ➡️Workers with disabilities are nearly twice as likely to work part-time as those without disabilities. ➡️Workers with disabilities are more likely to be self-employed. Given these alarming statistics, there will be missed opportunities if we don’t foster an inclusive workforce that values and utilizes the skills of all individuals. With the right support and opportunities, organizations that prioritize equity can help increase employment rates for people with disabilities. In recognizing impactful efforts, I want to acknowledge Andrea J., a tireless advocate for disability equity and inclusion. Also, check out the The Divas With Disabilities Project - I came across this resource that is committed to increasing the participation and representation of Black and Brown women and girls with disabilities.   Thank you, • Ruth Rathblott, MSW for the call to action to be part of the changemaker challenge. It’s crucial that we work together to celebrate diversity, with equity being at the forefront of these efforts, to foster an inclusive workforce that values and utilizes the skills of all individuals. #DisabilityPride2024 #FutureofWork #Equity

Today starts Disability Pride Month: Take time to read and understand how your actions affect others!   Why do we need Disability Pride? It is important for people to feel pride? Disabled people of all ages are exposed on a regular basis to ableism, which can take the form of condescending, rude, or abusive attitudes towards people with disabilities, leading to lack of accessible and inclusive services and communities. A common form of ableism is inspiration indecency; as stated by an author, "It is one way to objectify one group of people for the benefit of another group of people.” Inspiration indecency is meant to “inspire you, to motivate you and make you think, ‘well, however bad my life is, it could always be worse. I could be THAT person’.” Disability pride is a tool to fight against ableism by affirming one’s self-worth as a disabled person in an ableist society. Other types of ableism include audism, which is described as the attitude in society where hearing people are superior to Deaf people.               What is Intersectionality? It is the idea that people have multiple three-dimensional identities that combine together to form a unique individual, such as being disabled, LGBTQ+, or of a certain race, religion, or ethnic background, are not mutually exclusive; one identity is not primary or dominant over the others. For example, someone’s disabled identity is just one part of who they are as a person. They are just as likely to be proud of being disabled as they are of their other identities. Encouraging young people to not only accept their disabled identity, but incorporate it into their other identities, can be a healthy way to foster disability pride. What does disability pride mean to you? “In one word: Confidence. Being confident in who you are and understanding that whatever body, brain or barriers you live and hopefully thrive with, in the end- it’s part of your own story of being you.” –Elizabeth Campbell Do you feel a sense of disability pride? “So, I feel like the way that I think about pride… I would probably say no on instinct, because I don’t see the aspect of having an identity as something to be proud of. But for me pride is fighting against shame, and that is something that myself and other autistic people have to do a lot of, because there are so many messages out there about how there is an inherent lack of value in being autistic and we have to fight against those stereotypes every day … but I’m proud we try to do that, I’m proud that even in these circumstances we’ve made a community and I’m proud that I’m a part of that community.” –Reid Caplan, 25 “Absolutely. I am proud of having a disability because it hit me at a crucial point in my life, helping create a catalyst that helped shape who I am today. Without my disability, I would likely not have my current job, know the people that I do now, or be the passionate activist striving for equity for marginalized identities that I am now.” –Effy Francis, 25

Advocating for Fair Representation: Ensuring Disability Inclusion in Media Becoming disabled has made me reflect, numerous times, on my life about how visible people with disabilities were in my life. Growing up, my experience of disability was all from people in my real life (like family and friends) and not from places like advertising, media or anywhere else in popular culture - Unless the Paralympics were on telly or there was an ad for something like car insurance which included a person in a wheelchair who always looked miserable. While I'll never dispute that very tragic stories of disability exist, I wish there had been more realistic and diverse representations that showed me that the disabled experience didn't have to be a stereotype. Although we have started to see disability becoming more visible in mainstream media, there's still a long way to go, as highlighted by the data. Rebecca Speare-Cole’s article ‘Fair representation of disabled people lacking in media and advertising’ dives into The Business Disability Forums survey that reports on disability representation in the media. The results showed that 32% of participants expressed that they hadn't encountered disability representation in media content over the past six months. While 17% of respondents indicated they didn’t know if they had seen disability represented at all. The most disheartened result was that 23% agreed that the current representation used in the media did not reflect their own experience. The research also showed that wheelchairs and mobility scooters were by far the most common way of representing disability. While I applaud visibility of disability (when done well) and have written here before about, as an agency creative, how and why these sorts of visible disabilities are used, it's important to remember that, only 1 in 7 Australians need mobility aid, and with 4.4 million Australians with disability, it still leaves the majority of the community underrepresented as most people neglect to realise disability is so much more than physical issues. Because of this constant misconception, The Business Disability Forum has partnered with Kadeena Cox, Kelly Knox and Sinéad Burke to launch the campaign “Changing the image of disability”. The campaign provides free guidance on representing disability and provides 50 disability-smart images for the media. Consider this... We don't cast ONLY brunettes to represent ALL women. So let's think about the problem when we only cast wheelchair users to represent the entire disability community (about 20% of the global population). Content creators need to remember that, like every other person in the world, disability can’t be represented by one image or person alone. We are diverse and unique - just like everyone without disabilities. #DisabilityRepresentation #InclusionMatters #ChangingPerceptions #VisibilityOfDisability #RepresentationMatters #DisabledWriter #DisabledSpeaker #InclusiveAdvertising #InclusiveMedia

Breaking Down Barriers: My Recent Advocacy Journey for Disability Rights in Healthcare As someone living with Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophy, I face numerous challenges daily that extend beyond the visible aspects of disability. Recently, I’ve encountered yet another barrier in a system that should be accessible to everyone but often falls short. This time, it was a battle for something as basic as an echocardiogram. When I scheduled my appointment, I didn't expect to be told that the facility couldn't accommodate my needs simply because I use a wheelchair. The hospital staff informed me that they were not trained to use a Hoyer lift, a device many of us in the disability community rely on for safe transfers. As if that wasn’t enough, one of the elevators had been out of service for over two years! Imagine the frustration of arriving at a healthcare facility and being unable to receive the care you need because the system isn’t built to support you. Inaccessible healthcare is a form of discrimination, and it’s something we cannot ignore. This experience, unfortunately, isn't isolated. After further communication with the hospital about their inability to accommodate my disability, I began thinking about how we can effect real change. I believe healthcare systems should include more disability-inclusive practices, and I am now advocating for the creation of a **Girls Chronically Rock Disability Clinic** at the hospital. This clinic would not only educate staff on ADA compliance and proper patient care for individuals with disabilities, but it would also help ensure that these situations stop happening to others. My goal with this clinic is to help hospitals be better prepared for all patients, including those with mobility impairments. Everyone deserves equal access to healthcare, and it's time we build a system that reflects that. I’m also asking for compensation from the hospital for the inconvenience and harm caused by these experiences because it’s important that institutions take accountability and use those funds to improve their accessibility practices. This is not just my story, it’s our story. I know so many in our community have faced similar struggles, and it’s time we amplify our voices. We shouldn’t have to fight for basic dignity, but until the system changes, I’ll continue to push for progress. And I’ll do it not just for myself but for everyone who faces barriers in healthcare due to their disability. If you’ve had similar experiences, I’d love to hear your stories. Together, we can advocate for the change we need to see in our healthcare systems. #GirlsChronicallyRock #DisabilityAdvocacy #HealthcareAccessibility #BreakBarriers #ADACompliance #HealthcareJustice #DisabilityRights

🌟 July is Disability Pride Month! 🌟   Disability Pride Month is a time to recognise the achievements, strength, and contributions of the disability community and to acknowledge the ongoing fight for equal rights and inclusion. Although many countries already have laws in place which prohibit all forms of discrimination based on protected characteristics, such as disability, people with disabilities still face significant obstacles in their daily lives.   Here are some examples of these barriers and what you can do to help:
  🌐 Accessibility Barriers: Advocate for regulations, educate about accessibility, support inclusive practices.   💡 Attitudinal Barriers: Challenge biases, promote positive portrayals, listen and learn from disabled individuals. 🤝 Employment Opportunities: Promote inclusive hiring, advocate for accommodations, challenge discrimination.   ❤️ Support Services: Advocate for funding, support organisations, raise awareness.   🌈 Social Inclusion: Promote accessibility, establish inclusive programs, engage disabled individuals.   Visitors to my page may have read that in 2022, due to a neurological condition called Functional Neurological Disorder, I lost my mobility and became a full-time wheelchair-user over just a few months. Adjusting to this new chapter was a very scary time, not only because of the medical challenges and uncertainties, but because of my own general lack of knowledge around how to navigate life with a wheelchair — including how to get one in the first place! I am forever grateful for the support and compassion extended by those around me who had the answers to my many questions and experiences to share. However, I was struck by the number of things to 'watch out for' as a person with accessible needs: insufficient special assistance procedures at certain airports and airlines, unreliable 'accessible' train routes where lifts are out of use or services cancelled, disabled parking bays being used improperly by those without a need, inappropriate comments from members of the public regarding my own disability/mobility aid... The list goes on. Unfortunately, these are all issues I have since experienced first-hand; I will ashamedly admit my prior assumption, ‘it cannot be that bad', was quickly thrown well out of the window. And this is in the UK, a country thought to be ahead of so many others when it comes to equality and inclusion. It is clear there is still much to do.   However, none of this negates the progress made up until now. We can choose to view those imperfections as opportunities for growth, as catalysts to continue our collective efforts, and as a sobering reminder that the journey towards full equality and inclusion is an ongoing one. The truth is that disability can touch our lives at any time. Let's work together to ensure that no one has to face the challenges of an inaccessible world when it does. #DisabilityPrideMonth #Inclusion #Accessibility #CelebrateDiversity #DisabilityRights