disability pride

Honoring Robin Williams: Shedding Light on Invisible Disabilities During Disability Pride Month

A photorealistic image of Robin Williams, dressed in a white robe with golden details, holding a microphone. He is laughing joyfully, with a radiant smile on his face. The background features a dramatic sky with golden clouds and a bright sun shining behind him, creating a heavenly glow around his figure.

Reflecting on Robin Williams’ birthday this past week has brought back a flood of memories and emotions. As a kid who spent countless hours in hospitals recovering from various surgeries, I found immense joy and solace in watching Robin’s comedic genius. His off-the-wall humor in movies like Aladdin, Hook, and Mrs. Doubtfire provided a much-needed escape and a dose of laughter that was as healing (and necessary) as any medicine.

As an adult, my admiration for Robin Williams only grew. I reveled in his masterful performances in a series of now-iconic HBO specials. One of my most cherished memories is attending his final special, Weapons of Self Destruction, at DAR Constitution Hall in 2009. Watching his comic mind at work was nothing short of magical. Robin Williams was more than just a comedian to me; he was, and remains, an inspiration during some of my darkest times.

Robin’s untimely death by suicide in 2014 was a stark reminder of the silent battles many face daily. His struggle with mental health was a poignant example of an invisible disability. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), nearly one in five U.S. adults lives with a mental illness, highlighting the prevalence of these unseen struggles. Yet, societal stigma often makes it harder for them to seek help and support.

We, as a society, have a responsibility to create environments that support those with mental health conditions. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention reports that nearly 50,000 deaths occurred by suicide in 2022, making it the 11th leading cause of death in the United States.

Personal stories, like that of Robin Williams, have the power to drive change. By sharing our narratives, we humanize the statistics and inspire empathy and understanding. Let’s use these stories to spark conversations and promote a more inclusive society.

The workplace is a critical arena for mental health inclusion. A 2023 report from the American Psychological Association reveals that nearly 60% of employees experience negative impacts on their mental health due to work-related stress. Employers must adopt strategies to accommodate and support employees with mental health conditions. Flexible work schedules, mental health days, and accessible resources are steps toward a more supportive workplace.

Robin Williams’ legacy is a poignant reminder of the importance of addressing invisible disabilities. As we honor his memory, and celebrate Disability Pride Month, let’s commit to discussing mental health openly and honestly without shame. Share your stories, challenge the stigma, and advocate for inclusive policies. You never know whose life you'll change by sharing your story.

The ADA Under Siege? What the Supreme Court’s Latest Ruling Means for Disability Rights

A pull quote from Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, “it would be deeply unfortunate if the Equal Protection Clause actually demanded this perverse, ahistorical, and counterproductive outcome.”

The recent U.S. Supreme Court decision to overturn race-conscious admissions in colleges has left me, as a disability advocate, deeply concerned. The ruling, which challenges affirmative action, makes me wonder: What does this mean for other minority groups, especially the disabled community?

With this ruling, the Supreme Court continues its historic march backward on civil rights; seemingly hellbent on taking them all back piece by piece.

Will Hild of Consumers'​ Research told The Washington Post the ruling “will put the wind in the sails of groups like ours, who want to get the woke, racially based hiring and promotion schemes out of corporate America.” This statement raises alarm bells. If the court is willing to challenge affirmative action, is the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) next?

Furthermore, Hild mentions that legal precedents allowing race-conscious admissions have been a “fig leaf” for private sector diversity initiatives. With this ruling, he predicts a “free-for-all on pushing back against that.” This suggests that the ruling could embolden challenges to diversity initiatives across the board, including those aimed at disability inclusion.

In a scorching dissent, Justice Sonia Sotomayor stated that “the devastating impact of this decision cannot be overstated.” She added that the decision “cements a superficial rule of colorblindness as a constitutional principle in an endemically segregated society where race has always mattered and continues to matter.”

Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, wrote in her dissent that “it would be deeply unfortunate if the Equal Protection Clause actually demanded this perverse, ahistorical, and counterproductive outcome.”

The ADA has been a cornerstone for disability rights, ensuring equal opportunities for people like me. I am one of the 61 million disabled adults in the United States. As a wheelchair user and service dog handler to Canine Companions® Pico, the ADA has been instrumental in my life. But this ruling might embolden groups to challenge not just racial diversity but diversity as a whole.

We must remain vigilant and proactive. The progress we’ve made in disability rights is monumental, but it’s also fragile. We must ensure that this ruling does not become a precedent for eroding the protections that the ADA provides.

As we enter Disability Pride Month, as we celebrate Independence Day, we must not become complacent. I urge you all to stay informed, engage in discussions, and stand up for the rights of all minority groups. Our diversity is our strength. Let’s protect it.

#DisabilityRights #SupremeCourt #ADA #ProtectDiversity #AffirmativeAction #SCOTUS #CivilRights #StayInformed #EngageInChange #DEI #DEIA #DisabilityPride

Our Stories, Our Images: The Quest for Authentic Disability Representation

The CPSC commissioned new stock photos showing Americans with disabilities using a variety of home safety devices, including portable generators.

As a disabled person, I’m often searching for my reflection in brand messaging. Companies like SKIMS, Gap, Mattel, Inc. and Apple have set benchmarks. Now, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission joins this move toward inclusivity—a cue for all brands to follow.

As The American Association of People with Disabilities President and CEO Maria Town told NPR, the move “brings us closer to embracing that disabled people are everywhere."

"There was a real sense of helping right a wrong and delivering something important for a community that's too often left out of many important conversations." added CPSC Social Media Specialist Joseph Galbo.

And we are.

In our visual-centric world, images mold our perceptions and beliefs. With AI-generated photography, we can portray even more diversity. However, we must avoid compromising authenticity, especially when representing diverse groups, including disabled people. Authentic representation also leads to brand connection and creates job opportunities for disabled models.

Tokenism isn’t the answer. It's not about sporadically featuring a disabled person but about consistently recognizing our existence and contributions. Our lives are a tapestry of unique experiences deserving visibility.

Brands, when you incorporate authentic representation, you're not merely acknowledging us—you're validating us. You're sending a strong message—we matter, we’re a part of society, and our experiences and perspectives are valuable.

This inclusivity encourages other businesses to follow suit. It might inspire a young disabled individual to dream bigger and see limitless possibilities. It could spark conversations about accessibility and inclusivity, nudging society toward equal representation.

So, let's challenge the status quo. Brands, mirror CPSC’s initiative. Show us in your advertisements, not as charity, but as an acknowledgement of our existence and value. Use AI responsibly to assist and amplify authentic representation, not to replace it.

Ultimately, we don’t want special treatment; we want equal treatment. We crave representation that mirrors our diverse experiences authentically. We are more than a checkbox on the diversity and inclusion agenda—we are threads in the intricate fabric of humanity, and it's time our representation reflected that.

It's not just about seeing disabled people in advertising. It's about seeing us as we are. This is our call to action for brands everywhere. Are you listening?

People with disabilities aren't often seen in stock photos. The CPSC is changing that

STEPtember 2022 Kickoff

Can you believe it’s been a year since last #STEPtember? That’s right! I’m back at it with my team “Shoes Your Own Adventure” stepping up and raising money for the Cerebral Palsy Alliance Research Foundation USA.

Watch the kickoff video and learn how you can make an impact for the 18 million people like me living with CP.

Or if you like Canine Companions® Pico better, do it for him.

Get your donation matched today by clicking here.

Thanks for sharing, reposting, and helping make a difference.

Let’s step it up!

Cerebral Palsy Alliance Research Foundation 2022 Kickoff Video.

Disability Pride PSA

In our final few days of Disability Pride, a quick PSA to my non-disabled followers and disability allies.

Notice what July is not.

🚫Handi-capable month
🚫 Differently-abled month
🚫 Special Needs month
🚫 dis-ABLE month
🚫 Physically Challenged month

✅ It’s DISABILITY Pride.

If that feels wrong to say, spend some time this weekend interrogating why.

This month is focused on embracing an identity that is integral to who we are. Honor that.

#saytheword
#disabilitypridemonth

Celebrating The ADA at 32

Yesterday, with the help of StoryCorps, I had the privilege of a lifetime sitting down with my friend, Business RadioX® “Fearless Formula” podcast host, and Professional Voice-over Artist Sharon Cline. We discussed the challenges and triumphs of disability advocacy, the role of allyship, and the importance of the ADA on its 32nd birthday.

Disability Advocate Ryan Honick and “Fearless Formula” podcast host, and Professional Voiceover Artist Sharon Cline discuss disability advocacy and the importance of the ADA on its 32nd birthday, July 26, 2022.

The Power of Representation

Disability-related workplace complaints were the second most-common discrimination complaint filed to the EEOC in 2020, and according to data published by the National Bureau of Economic Research, job candidates who disclose their disability are less likely to receive interest from employers.

Kristen Parisi, Morning Brew

Disability advocates talk a lot about representation. We talk about it so much we get tired of banging that particular drum. However, the underwhelming truth is, we remain underrepresented at work, in media, in advertising, and in society. As we enter the last week of Disability Pride, where the megaphone for us is a tad louder than normal, I want to talk about why that matters.

Representation is the foundation of inclusiveness. If we can’t be seen or acknowledged, if our perspectives are devalued or ignored, we are powerless to affect change. For this reason, representation in the C-Suite is particularly pivotal.

Yet, despite accounting for 20 percent of the global population, only four percent are openly out as disabled in the workplace according to the latest Disability Equity Index from Disability:IN. Not surprising given the added fears and anxieties that accompany workplace disclosure; concerns around equitable treatment, reasonable accommodations, changes in perceived abilities, and lower wages.

When it comes to media, a 2021 GLAAD report found only three and a half percent of characters in broadcast television shows during the 2020-2021 season had a disability. Of those, only 12 percent were portrayed by disabled actors according to a 2018 White Paper by the Ruderman Family Foundation.

The last example of underrepresentation, (which is being generous), is Pottery Barn, who last week unveiled their new Accessible Home furniture line—150 of their best-selling pieces redesigned with inclusivity in mind. Putting aside the company’s own admission that its high prices are likely to create a barrier to entry for their target market—one look at the models used in their campaign highlights one seemingly glaring omission—actual disabled people. It appears nobody within their marketing team could locate any of the roughly 1.5 billion disabled people worldwide to showcase their new furniture and opted instead for non-disabled models in hospital style wheelchairs. They want our money, just not our representation. Thankfully, Keely Cat-Wells, Tiffany A. Yu, MSc and the team at C Talent have put them on notice for future campaigns.

With these few examples, we remind you that the mere act of representation is not enough. Optics are not enough. Awareness is not enough. Being made aware is quite literally the first step, not the end goal. Awareness must be followed by inclusive action, without it, you’ve slipped into indifference.

Representation matters. Representation gives us a seat at the table. To all of the executives and C-Suite leaders, I ask you: What are you doing with it?

Disability Pride And The Meaning of Independence

As part of Disability Pride Month, Momentum Wheels for Humanity highlighted what independence meant to some of their friends and supporters in the disability community.

Here is an expanded edition of what I shared with them.

As we mark 32 years this July since the passage of the ADA, I’m encouraged by the progress we’ve made toward diversity, equity, inclusion and access. While the landmark legislation has certainly opened doors and transformed lives, the fight for full independence, freedom, and movement remains.

Since being matched with Canine Companions® Pico and becoming a service dog handler in 2014, I’ve seen my own independence increase tenfold, and I’ve watched my life transform in unimaginable ways.

For the last eight years, Pico and I have worked together to affect change on both the local and national stage. We’ve spearheaded policy shifts with Petco, Uber, Lyft, and Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) (to name a few) ensuring greater access and a safer experience for service dog teams. In addition, every public outing is an opportunity to educate the public on the important work done by Canine Companions and the vital role service dogs play in the lives of their handlers. I am so proud of the work we’ve done together for the disability community.

In the workplace we fight for the freedom to be seen as fully capable. We fight for accommodations, upward mobility and recognition beyond tokenism. Our independence is threatened by an increasing wage gap, and the practice of sub minimum wage remaining legal in 36 states. Our movements are limited when we can’t save for our future, or marry who we love without fear of losing the social safety net provided by Social Security Administration and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

We advocate for our right to move through the world unencumbered by obstacles; physical or idealogical. Some shifts are easier, others less so. We push forward knowing progress is not always linear.

As with every fight for equality, we celebrate our progress; we recognize our wins both large and small that have brought us to this moment and remain committed toward the day when full independence, freedom, and movement is possible for the entire disability community.

What does independence mean to you?