Mark X. Cronin’s Post

Here’s to July - Disability Pride Month! 🎉 As a quadriplegic fashion designer of adaptive clothing and a dedicated disability advocate, this month holds profound significance for me. In 2001, I sustained an injury that completely severed my spinal cord and left me paralysed from the chest down with completely paralysed hands/fingers. Despite these challenges, I have pursued my passions and career, proving that disability is not a barrier to success, although in terms of societal attitudes and accessibility, a lot more could have been done to have made the journey easier. It's so easy for those with privilege to underestimate the power and ability of a person with disability. They often overlook the willpower that drives us, the steadfast resolve at our core. They fail to recognise the sheer force of will that propels us forward, the unwavering resolve that fuels our every endeavour. Underestimating us is their Achilles' heel - it blinds them to our determination and boundless resilience. We are warriors, we are fighters, masters of our own destinies. Together, we'll overcome the injustices and misconceptions that try to restrain us. Our strength lies in our unity, our resilience is our shield and our determination is our sword! Disability Pride Month is a time to celebrate the achievements and contributions of people with disability, whilst also raising awareness about the barriers we still face. Disability pride, to me, means embracing my identity, challenging societal norms, and advocating for a world where everyone is valued and included, regardless of their abilities. Here are a few calls to action and considerations for this important month: ▶ Accessibility: Top of the list, tourism and the travel industry to take note that accessibility is not just a nice charitable thing to do, it’s good business! (Thank you Lisa Cox for the quote 😉). Ensure that workplaces, events and digital platforms are accessible to everyone. This includes physical accessibility, as well as digital accessibility for websites and online content. ▶ Inclusion: Foster an inclusive environment where people with disability feel valued and included. This can be through hiring practices, inclusive policies, and promoting a culture of acceptance and understanding. ▶ Representation: Advocate for better representation of people with disabilities in media, fashion, politics, and all areas of society. You can’t be what you can’t see! Representation matters and helps to break down stereotypes and misconceptions. ▶ Advocacy: Support policies and initiatives that promote the rights and well-being of people with disabilities. Use your voice to advocate for change and challenge ableism in all its forms. “Helping one person might not change the world, but it could change the world for one person” - Anonymous. Let’s use this month to CELEBRATE, EDUCATE, and ADVOCATE. Together, we can create a more inclusive and equitable world for all.

July is Disability Pride Month. Here's what you should know. This month marks 34 years since the Americans with Disabilities Act was signed into law, and Disability Pride Month was officially established nearly a decade ago. As one blind author and illustrator recently pointed out, disability exists on a spectrum. And the fight for community, inclusion and acceptance is still going strong today. In the U.S. in 2021, nearly 42.5 million people — or 13% of the population — had a disability, according to the American Community Survey, conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau. An estimated 1.3 billion people have a significant disability worldwide, according to the World Health Organization, which is 16% of the global population, or 1 in 6 people. When is Disability Pride Month? Disability Pride Month occurs annually in July, coinciding with the anniversary of the Americans with Disability Act (ADA) being signed into law. The ADA was signed into law on July 26, 1990, by President George H.W. Bush and protects the rights of people with disabilities against employment discrimination, while fostering inclusion in society. The goal was also to expand access to all levels of government, public establishments, transportation and communication — building on the protections afforded by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The 1973 law was the first legislation that addressed the rights of people with disabilities, but its protections only extended to employers who received federal funding. Disability pride is also celebrated worldwide — sometimes at different months — including in the United Kingdom, South Africa and elsewhere. What is Disability Pride Month? Disability Pride Month was officially established in 2015 during the 25th anniversary of the ADA, with New York City hosting its first Disability Pride Month parade that year. Celebrations honoring the landmark law began much earlier. The first disability pride events were held in Boston in 1990, the same year the civil rights law was signed. In 2004, Chicago held its first disability pride parade. The idea of disability pride is rooted in the issue of visibility, much like the LGBTQ and Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) pride. Chicago's Disability Pride Parade defines its mission in three ways: change "the way people think about and define 'disability'"; break down and end the "internalized shame among people with disabilities"; and promote the belief in society that disability is a "natural and beautiful part of human diversity."

This July, join us in celebrating Disability Pride Month! It's time to learn, embrace differences, and create a more inclusive world for everyone. #DisabilityPride #BeyondTheLabel Sources: World Health Organization (2022). Disability, Arc, T. (2024). Why and How to Celebrate Disability Pride Month. [ID1: Graphic with a pink and purple gradient background. Text reads "#DisabilityPride" at the top and "July is Disability Pride Month" in bold white letters. A rainbow-colored ribbon curves across the image. Lable logo is in the top right corner.] [ID2: The image features a text block on a dark background with the following message: "Originating in the US to commemorate the Americans with Disabilities Act, Disability Pride Month is now celebrated globally. It's a time to celebrate the diverse disability community, break down barriers, and champion inclusivity worldwide." In the bottom right corner, there is a "Swipe" prompt with a right arrow icon] [ID3: The image features a dark background with the text "GLOBAL VIEW" at the top. Below it, a large, gradient-colored number "1.3" is prominently displayed in the center, followed by the word "BILLION" in bold, gradient colors. Underneath, the smaller text reads "worldwide live with a disability." In the bottom right corner, there is a "Swipe" prompt with a right arrow icon.] [ID4:The image features a dark background with the text "GLOBAL VIEW" at the top. Below it, is a large, gradient-colored number "16%" prominently displayed in the center. Above the number, the smaller text reads "According to WHO, that's approximately," and below the number, it continues with "of the global population experiencing some form of disability!" In the bottom right corner, there is a "Swipe" prompt with a right arrow icon.] [ID5:A dark background with crumpled texture featuring bold text in gradient shades of purple and pink. The main heading reads 'Celebrate Disability Pride Month the Right Way'. Below are six action points: 'Learn about disability history, culture, and issues', 'Challenge stereotypes and use respectful language', 'Follow disability advocates and organizations', 'Support businesses and initiatives that empower people with disabilities', and 'Promote accessibility and inclusivity'.]

#TheMorningInclusive: Celebrating Disability Pride Month July is Disability Pride Month, a significant time to honor the history, celebrate the achievements, and acknowledge the contributions of the disability community. It’s a month dedicated to promoting visibility and mainstream awareness of the positive pride felt by people with disabilities. As we celebrate, it’s crucial to reflect on the importance of accessibility in creating an inclusive society. Disability Pride Month, a testament to the progress made in the journey towards inclusivity, originated in the United States to commemorate the passing of the landmark Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) on July 26, 1990. This groundbreaking legislation prohibited discrimination against people with disabilities and ensured their rights in all areas of public life. The first Disability Pride Day was held in Boston in 1990, and the concept has since evolved into a month-long celebration. In 2015, New York City officially declared July as Disability Pride Month to mark the 25th anniversary of the ADA. Accessibility is more than just a legal requirement; it’s a fundamental human right. It ensures everyone has equal access to opportunities, services, and environments regardless of their abilities. When we prioritize accessibility, we not only break down barriers that prevent people with disabilities from fully participating in society, but we also foster a more diverse and innovative community. This can lead to better problem-solving, increased productivity, and a more inclusive society. In the workplace, accessibility means providing the necessary tools and accommodations to enable employees to perform their best. This could include adaptive technologies like screen readers for visually impaired employees, flexible work arrangements such as remote work options for those with mobility issues, and accessible office spaces with ramps and wide doorways. In our communities, accessibility can take many forms, from accessible public transportation and buildings to inclusive recreational activities and digital content. When we design with accessibility in mind, we create welcoming and usable spaces for everyone. In our communities, accessibility can take many forms, from accessible public transportation and buildings to inclusive recreational activities and digital content. When we design with accessibility in mind, we create welcoming and usable spaces for everyone. As we celebrate Disability Pride Month, let’s reinforce our commitment to advocating for accessibility in all areas of life. By doing so, we can build a society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Let’s embrace diversity, promote inclusion, and ensure that accessibility is at the forefront of our efforts. #DisabilityPrideMonth #Belonging #Inclusion #Diversity #Equity #Accessibility NOTE: This image was created with Copilot to Summarize this text. 

Are you ready for Disability Pride Month in July? Time is flying and it's already just around the corner! Although I can't emphasize enough how essential it is to recognize disability year-round and not just once a year, I'm also always excited for a month of celebrating disability history, culture, identity, and community. Honoring Disability Pride Month is such a valuable way to learn and make progress toward fostering an inclusive culture. Whether your organization is just getting started in the learning process or already well on your way, I'd love to support that effort. Speaking, educating, storytelling about disability are at the heart of what I do, so if you're planning an event, it would be a joy to join! But what's most important to me is that you find a speaker who is the right fit for your organization. Penguin Random House Speakers Bureau (which I'm so lucky to be represented by) put together a great list of speakers to consider for Disability Pride Month (including Lachi ♫, Sara Hendren, John Hendrickson, Tara Rae Moss, and Maya-Camille Broussard). Here's the list. Check it out, and if you'd like to work together, please reach out and let's make it happen! https://lnkd.in/eTzVbYts (Image description: Headshot of me, a white woman with curly brown shoulder-length hair wearing glasses and a purple sweater dress, sitting in a wheelchair. To the side is a quote from me, "If the disability community wants a world that's accessible to us, then we must make ideas and experiences of disability accessible to the world.") #DisabilityPride #DisabilityPrideMonth #DisabilityInclusion #DisabilityRights #DisabilityAdvocacy #DEI #DEIA #DiversityEquityInclusion #Accessibility #A11y #LinkedInTopVoices

🌟 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

Celebrating Disability Pride Month 2024! Check out our Executive Director’s Thoughts for Disability Pride Month! CalABLE friends and family, On behalf of CalABLE and the rest of the California State Treasurer's Office, happy Disability Pride Month! As an adult with autism spectrum disorder, I see Disability Pride Month as a great opportunity to celebrate the disability community and to reflect on how we, individually and collectively, can take steps to support inclusivity. Everyone, with and without disabilities, deserves an opportunity to be independent and to self-advocate. We all have a fundamental right to decide for ourselves how to best live our lives as part of – and while contributing to – a loving, caring community. Historically, this has not been true for the disability community. Individuals with disabilities have been stigmatized and marginalized on the basis that they can’t contribute to society, or that they can’t decide for themselves what is best. I came to CalABLE because I reject this concept. As a proud member of Treasurer Fiona Ma's team, I have the opportunity to provide people with disabilities an amazing tool to help them thrive, grow, and contribute to their communities. CalABLE’s mission is to meet individuals where they are and help them maximize their independence and their self-determination. This can mean different things for different people; many account holders manage their own accounts, while others are supported by a loved one. In all cases, though, our goal is to help people with disabilities meet their potential and truly be a part of society. Today, July 26, marks 34 years since the Americans with Disabilities Act. This was a major turning point in shifting society’s approach away from marginalization and toward inclusivity. However, there is still more work to be done. So what can we do? The Arc of the United States has information about Disability Pride Month and tips for how workplaces, schools, and communities can be supportive. You can learn more about the Disability Pride Flag and how it came to represent a broad range of life experiences. You can support organizations that serve the disability community, or spread the word about great programs (like CalABLE!). And you can be mindful of how you interact with persons with disabilities, whether or not you have a disability yourself; that means respecting boundaries, supporting self-determination whenever possible, and being compassionate, just as you would want for yourself. This month and throughout the year, I and the rest of Treasurer Fiona Ma’s team urge you to think about Disability Pride and what we can do to create a more inclusive and supportive society. You can help recognize Disability Pride right now by commenting with your own story below, writing a new post, or sharing this post to your own networks (and don’t forget the #disabilitypride hashtag!). Happy Disability Pride Month! #DisabilityPride #DisablityPrideMonth #WeareCalABLE

Shifting the Narrative: Celebrating Authentic Disability Representation There's an undoubtedly strong link between the lack of authentic disability representation in the media, advertising and more; with exclusion, isolation and poor social outcomes (like employment, education and healthcare) for disabled people. If we're not a part of everyday popular culture, that sends the message that we don’t belong in society. But just because we don’t fit the social norms of society doesn’t mean we don’t contribute to it, just like everyone else. People forget that so many of us lead relatively 'normal' and often ordinary lives, just like everyone else without a disability. In fact, let’s be honest, who said anyone lives a normal life? No person lives the same way, regardless if they have a disability or not! So, with that in mind, why is it so hard to find media or advertising that reflects us in the same light as everyone else? KR Liu's article, ‘Google’s KR Liu on advocating for disability innovation marketing to drive cultural change’, highlights how important it is for people with disabilities to be represented not just morally but also economically. The article notes that there are 1.5 billion people globally identifying as disabled, wielding a collective spending power of $8 trillion, so why do their stories, their desires, and their complexities remain largely absent from the narratives woven by brands? Why, because we are so often reduced to symbols of struggle, defined by limitations rather than our diverse strengths and aspirations. This isn’t just an oversight; it’s a complete gap in understanding, that perpetuates harmful stereotypes and fosters exclusion. But the tide is turning. Disability marketing isn’t just about highlighting accessible products, though that remains crucial. It’s about challenging the underlying cultural lens through which we view disability. At Google, KR Liu has worked to incorporate this through campaigns like “A CODA Story,” which showcases the multigenerational journey of Tony Lee, Jr., an Asian American Googler and a child of deaf adults (CODA) that aired during the Oscars in 2022, as well as “Javier in Frame,” our 2024 Super Bowl spot, which tells the story of Javier, a man who is blind, capturing important life moments with Google Pixel’s “Guided Frame” feature. We need to dismantle the “disability narrative” built on tropes of pity and limitation and instead, we need to weave authentic stories that celebrate the richness and diversity of our lived experiences. By embedding disability innovation marketing as a foundational practice, we can begin to highlight how technology isn’t only helping people who need it most but also representing disabled people in their everyday lives. #DisabilityRepresentation #InclusionMatters #AuthenticRepresentation

Celebrating Disability Pride Month 2024! Check out our Executive Director’s Thoughts for Disability Pride Month! CalABLE friends and family,   On behalf of CalABLE and the rest of the California State Treasurer's Office, happy Disability Pride Month! As an adult with autism spectrum disorder, I see Disability Pride Month as a great opportunity to celebrate the disability community and to reflect on how we, individually and collectively, can take steps to support inclusivity.   Everyone, with and without disabilities, deserves an opportunity to be independent and to self-advocate. We all have a fundamental right to decide for ourselves how to best live our lives as part of – and while contributing to – a loving, caring community.   Historically, this has not been true for the disability community. Individuals with disabilities have been stigmatized and marginalized on the basis that they can’t contribute to society, or that they can’t decide for themselves what is best.   I came to CalABLE because I reject this concept. As a proud member of Treasurer's Fiona Ma team, I have the opportunity to provide people with disabilities an amazing tool to help them thrive, grow, and contribute to their communities. CalABLE’s mission is to meet individuals where they are and help them maximize their independence and their self-determination. This can mean different things for different people; many account holders manage their own accounts, while others are supported by a loved one. In all cases, though, our goal is to help people with disabilities meet their potential and truly be a part of society. Today, July 26, marks 34 years since the Americans with Disabilities Act. This was a major turning point in shifting society’s approach away from marginalization and toward inclusivity. However, there is still more work to be done. So what can we do? The Arc has information about Disability Pride Month and tips for how workplaces, schools, and communities can be supportive. You can learn more about the Disability Pride Flag and how it came to represent a broad range of life experiences. You can support organizations that serve the disability community, or spread the word about great programs (like CalABLE!). And you can be mindful of how you interact with persons with disabilities, whether or not you have a disability yourself; that means respecting boundaries, supporting self-determination whenever possible, and being compassionate, just as you would want for yourself. This month and throughout the year, I and the rest of [TFM tag]’s team urge you to think about Disability Pride and what we can do to create a more inclusive and supportive society. You can help recognize Disability Pride right now by commenting with your own story below, writing a new post, or sharing this post to your own networks (and don’t forget the #disabilitypride hashtag!). Happy Disability Pride Month! #DisabilityPride #DisablityPrideMonth #WeareCalABLE

Do you know someone with a disability? With 22% of Ireland's population identifying as having a disability, the answer is likely yes. Yet as Niamh Ni Hoireabhaird poignantly notes in her recent The Guardian article (https://shorturl.at/drcbK), “More representation in the public realm, stronger legislation, and increased awareness about disability have helped, but there is still a long way to go until all societal barriers are dismantled and disabled people are valued and equal.” So, what can we do change this? We’re starting with learning more. Today, we’ve our spotlight focused on Disability Pride. A snapshot history of Disability Pride: 🕰 The first Disability Pride Day took place in 1990 in Boston, MA, the same year the Americans with Disabilities Act was passed. 🕰The first Disability Pride Parade was in 2004 in Chicago, IL. 🕰In 2015, NYC declared July as Disability Pride Month. Today, Disability Pride parades are celebrated worldwide. In Ireland, disability activist Maryam Madani founded Disability Pride Ireland in 2022, with the inaugural Disability Pride and Power Parade in 2023. This year’s theme is ‘Power in Unity’, funded by the The Arts Council / An Chomhairle Ealaíon. “Disability pride and power is NOT about sugar-coating the challenges of being disabled in a world not built for us. It does not frame disabled people as inspirational or frame disability as something to be overcome. It acknowledges that coming to terms with being disabled is a complicated and uniquely individual process, often involving loss, grief, and constant adjustment. Being proud of being disabled means being proud of our community’s resilience and creativity in navigating obstacles and social barriers. While we encourage disabled people to have high expectations, we see how social barriers and stigma make it harder for disabled people to achieve their goals. We seek to bolster the disability rights movement in removing these barriers to inclusion.” Want to know more? Here are some resources to dive into: Read: Websites & Resources: http://disabilitypride.ie/ https://lnkd.in/eTnhC7G https://lnkd.in/eiTAeCCp News & Articles: https://lnkd.in/eWWDCC7K https://lnkd.in/ehswJczE https://lnkd.in/eEpqb-u7 Listen: Radio: https://lnkd.in/e82eFnNY Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/eN92qtUv https://lnkd.in/eWWFsnQ7 Watch: https://lnkd.in/ebMPT64a https://lnkd.in/eh-Md4cc https://lnkd.in/g9iVPzcX https://lnkd.in/e6ZkbykU https://lnkd.in/d5SVXkf #DisabilityPride #Equity #SeeMe