Challenging Misconceptions: The Power of Reasonable Accommodations in the Workplace

With her guide dog Paul at her side, Maya Larson signs with her boss Darlene Zangara, executive director of the Minnesota Commission of the Deaf, Deafblind and Hard of Hearing in St. Paul, Minn. (Glen Stubbe/Star Tribune/TNS)

Today I'm reflecting heavily on the importance of reasonable accommodations in the workplace. These are not preferences or luxuries, but necessities that level the playing field for disabled employees like myself. They are equalizers, not special treatments, and they are as diverse as the individuals who require them.

The process of disclosing a disability and requesting accommodations is fraught with challenges. It's not a step taken lightly. By the time an employee discloses a disability, they've likely exhausted all other options to adapt their work environment independently. As a wheelchair user living with Cerebral Palsy, a service dog handler to Canine Companions® Pico, and someone living with a visual impairment and chronic pain, I can attest to the discomfort and apprehension that comes with this disclosure.

The latest report from the Disability:IN and the Disability Equality Index for 2023 found that only 4-6% of employees openly disclose disability in the workplace, despite 97% of employers encouraging them to do so. This discrepancy could be due to misconceptions about disability and job performance, perceived barriers to upward mobility, or a general misunderstanding about disability overall by the employer.

As highlighted in a recent article on Disability Scoop, Occupational Therapist Elizabeth Duffy put it beautifully. "Duffy said employers can adjust to accommodate different ways of learning and absorbing information. That could include scheduling flexibility and making sure meetings aren’t the only way to deliver updates and announcements to staffers." This is a prime example of how simple accommodations can make a significant difference in an employee's ability to perform their job effectively.

However, the process of requesting and receiving accommodations can often feel adversarial, leaving employees feeling beaten down and less likely to seek further accommodations in the future. This is counterproductive, as it ultimately hampers job performance.

The future of work for disabled employees is promising, with industries expected to grow over the next decade, as highlighted in a recent Forbes article by Diane Winiarski. But this growth must be accompanied by a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and access. Employers must reassess their reasonable accommodation processes and strive for a more inclusive and equitable workplace.

Reasonable accommodations are not an attempt to "gamify" the system. They are a necessity for disabled employees to perform their jobs to the best of their ability. Let's continue to challenge misconceptions, promote understanding, and advocate for a more inclusive workplace.

With More Neurodivergent Workers, Employers Add Support

Motorized Wheelchair User Sets Unofficial Speed Record in Grocery Store

Blurred picture of a wheelchair user in a grocery store.

I'm thrilled to share that my recent story has been published on The Squeaky Wheel, a satirical platform that offers a unique perspective on disability news. This time, we're diving into an amusing incident inspired by real-world experiences that unfolded in a small town grocery store.

Imagine this: you're in your motorized wheelchair, zipping down the cereal aisle of your local grocery store. You're focused, you're efficient, and you're fast. So fast, in fact, that you've unofficially set a speed record, causing a literal Kellogg Company frosted flake flurry in your wake. But not everyone is amused. A retired schoolteacher, known for his acute observations, is caught off guard. He challenges you, asking if you have a license for your wheelchair. You can't help but chuckle at the absurdity. After all, last you checked, shopping for General Mills Cheerios wasn’t a licensable activity.

Believe it or not, wheelchair users hear such commentary daily.

This story, and all of The Squeaky Wheel, serves as a reminder that disability can be, and is, funny. It's a part of our everyday lives, and humor helps us navigate the world. So, let's continue to share, laugh, and enjoy these stories, even when the national spotlight on Disability Pride Month has faded. The work continues, and so does the laughter.

Special thanks to Steven Verdile for launching this much-needed outlet for disability humor to share the lighter side of disability.

Motorized Wheelchair User Sets Unofficial Speed Record in Grocery Store

Barbie Movie: A Step Forward or a Missed Opportunity for Disability Representation?

Ryan, Rachael, and Pico pose in front of the poster for Barbie Movie.

This past weekend, my girlfriend and I joined the throngs of Mattel, Inc. Barbie enthusiasts to watch the much-anticipated Barbie movie. As a disability advocate and a fan who may have unapologetically bought "KENough" merch, I was particularly interested in the representation of Wheelchair Barbie, a character that has been a beacon of hope for many young individuals who use wheelchairs.

The movie was entertaining, and the diversity representation was commendable. However, I couldn't help but notice that Wheelchair Barbie, despite her presence in the opening dance scenes, had no dialogue throughout the movie. This was a stark reminder of the reality that, as Madison Lawson writes in her Teen Vogue op-ed, "People with disabilities are rarely featured as the ideal beauty standard, and are often used as objects of inspiration to make non-disabled people feel better about themselves."

The lack of dialogue for Wheelchair Barbie speaks volumes about the broader perception of disability in our culture. It's as if our voices are not deemed important enough to be heard, even in a movie that prides itself on diversity and inclusion.

The struggles faced by Senator Tammy Duckworth, a disability advocate and wheelchair user, further underscore the challenges we face. As reported by POLITICO, Senator Duckworth was unable to watch the Barbie movie due to a broken elevator at the theater. This incident highlights the persistent accessibility issues that prevent full participation in society for individuals with disabilities.

On a more positive note, a resurfaced video of Margot Robbie, the star of the Barbie movie, communicating with a deaf fan at the movie premiere in Amsterdam, has been making rounds on the internet. While many outlets have praised Robbie's actions, I believe that such acts of inclusion should be normalized rather than sensationalized. Inclusion is not a favor or an act of charity; it is a basic human right.

As we wind down Disability Pride Month, let's remember that representation matters, but it's not enough. We need to ensure that our voices are heard, our experiences are acknowledged, and our rights are respected. Let's strive for a world where inclusion is the norm, not the exception.

The Barbie movie, with its appeal and lessons, transcends the gender spectrum. It's a reminder that stories of inclusion and diversity are not just for girls or boys, but for everyone.

Wheelchair Barbie Is a Lesson in the Power of Showing Up Where People Don't Think You Belong

The Unseen Battle: Chronic Pain and the Performance of Wellness

Ryan and Rachael smile in front of a Matchbox 20 Concert Poster at Jiffy Lube Live on July 27, 2023

Last night, I attended a Matchbox 20 concert at Jiffy Lube Live, an event that had been on my calendar since before the pandemic. The anticipation was high, but so was my pain. A sudden flare of chronic pain, the severity of which I hadn’t experienced in months, hit me just hours before the show. The unpredictability of disability and chronic pain is a constant reminder that it's always with us, even during our most anticipated moments.

As Brijana Prooker beautifully articulated in her POPSUGAR essay, living with an invisible illness often involves a performance of wellness. We mask our pain with smiles, energetic demeanors, and a relentless positivity that hides our suffering. We do this to make others comfortable, to fit into societal expectations of health and normalcy. But at what cost?

For years, I too performed wellness. I hid my pain behind an energetic bubbly persona, concealing my struggle from the world. But as Brijana points out, this performance can lead to further harm. "While I may have succeeded in looking healthy, it had only made me sicker," she writes. The energy we expend to appear "well" can exacerbate our conditions, leading to more pain, more fatigue, and a deeper sense of isolation.

The pressure to appear healthy extends to our social interactions. We extend visits beyond our limits, pushing through the pain to avoid disappointing others. We hide our needs, our pain, and our limitations, often at great personal cost. As Brijana explains, a casual hangout can cost us "days, possibly weeks in bed — and so many spoons, we'd have to wait until next month for them to replenish."

But it's time to break free from this cycle. It's time to prioritize our health over societal expectations and other people's comfort. It's time to make our invisible disabilities visible, to share our experiences openly and honestly. It's time to stop performing wellness and start living our truth.

As we near the end of Disability Pride Month, let's remember that our worth isn't determined by our appearance or wellness. Our worth lies in our resilience, our strength, and our ability to navigate a world that often overlooks us. Our worth lies in our authenticity, in our courage to share our stories, and in our determination to advocate for a more inclusive and understanding world.

I Spent Years Trying to Hide My Chronic Illness For Others' Comfort. No More.

Celebrating Universal Design and Inclusion at GitLab

Ryan Honick Presents to the GitLab team on the 33rd anniversary of the ADA

Today marks the 33rd anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a landmark legislation that has transformed the lives of millions of Americans. Today, I had the distinct honor of speaking at GitLab on this significant day. Our discussion revolved around the benefits of universal design and remote work in fostering more inclusive and welcoming environments for employees of all abilities.

The conversation was vibrant, engaging, and insightful. I am profoundly grateful to the team at GitLab for inviting me to speak on such crucial topics during Disability Pride Month, and particularly on the anniversary of the ADA. It is through such dialogues that we continue the legacy and vital work of the ADA, ensuring equal opportunities for everyone to thrive in the workplace and beyond.

The passion of the GitLab team was palpable. They are committed to creating an environment where all employees can thrive and succeed. They understand that true inclusion happens when conversations about diversity and disability become the norm, not the exception. When we bring these discussions out of the shadows, we dismantle the stigma and shame often associated with disability. We create a space where people feel empowered to share their stories and experiences, enriching us all.

Normalizing these conversations is a step towards a more inclusive society. It allows us to recognize and appreciate the unique perspectives we each bring to the table, and understand how disability can impact us in ways we may not realize.

I am deeply thankful to GitLab for this opportunity. Their leadership's passion for these discussions is evident, and it's a reminder that change truly starts from the top. I hope that these conversations continue not just during Disability Pride Month, but throughout the year. They are daily discussions that need to happen. They are crucial to our success as individuals, as a society, and as a workforce.

I want to express my gratitude to GitLab for today's opportunity to discuss these important topics. Let's continue to bring these conversations to the forefront, not just today, but every day of the year.

The ADA and Beyond: The Ongoing Fight for Workplace Inclusion

A wheelchair user seen from behind moves through her workplace.

Today, it's time to reflect on the challenges and triumphs of disabled individuals in the workplace. As a disability advocate, I've seen firsthand the barriers that disabled individuals face in their professional lives. But I've also witnessed the resilience, creativity, and determination that they bring to the table.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was a significant milestone, but 33 years later, we're still grappling with the complexities of 'reasonable accommodations' and the stigma associated with disclosing a disability. As my friend Emily Ladau recently told CNBC, "Even though workplaces can focus on creating a culture of inclusion, there's that internal barrier that people still struggle with, because the world is telling them that disability is shameful, that disability is wrong, that their existence is somehow a mistake."

This narrative is not only harmful but also fundamentally untrue. Disability is not a mistake or a weakness; it's a part of our identity that shapes our experiences and perspectives. It's time to shift this narrative and embrace disability as a strength.

Research shows that when employees with disabilities are given the opportunity to educate and connect with their co-workers, the number of people who disclose a disability and request accommodations increases. This is a testament to the power of open dialogue and the importance of creating safe spaces for disclosure.

Companies like PSEG have taken steps in the right direction by launching initiatives to encourage people with disabilities to bring their full selves to work. After their awareness campaign, the percentage of people who identified as disabled in their workplace tripled. This is a clear indication that when we create an environment of understanding and empathy, people feel more comfortable disclosing their disabilities.

As we move forward, let's remember Ladau's words: "When we shift that narrative and we begin to say, 'You can identify as having a disability. That is something that you can be proud of. That makes you who you are,' the number of people who identify in the workplace as disabled is going to grow."

Let's continue to challenge the status quo, advocate for reasonable accommodations, and celebrate the diverse experiences and perspectives that disabled individuals bring to the workplace.

Ableism: The Unseen Challenge in the Life of Disabled Individuals

Wheelchair user in front of staircase barrier

Today I want to talk about ableism, a societal bias that favors able-bodied individuals and often results in discrimination against disabled people.

Ableism is pervasive and often subtle, making it a difficult challenge to overcome. As Andrew Pulrang writes in Forbes, "Most disabled people...know that they can run into ableism any day, any time, in any situation." This includes "awkward or insulting encounters" that can ruin an otherwise accessible event or outing.

From my personal experience, I can attest to the truth of Pulrang's words. As a wheelchair user with a visual impairment and an awesome service dog, (thanks, Canine Companions® Pico!), I've faced my share of ableist comments and attitudes. These experiences are not isolated incidents but part of a broader societal issue that needs addressing.

In academia, where I first learned to advocate for myself, I encountered resistance to providing accommodations that would level the playing field. The argument was that these accommodations provided an "unfair advantage." But this perspective is rooted in ableism, failing to recognize that these accommodations merely provide equal access to education.

Data from the Pew Research Center shows that 7.3 million disabled students in the U.S. are served under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). This act guarantees the right to free public education and appropriate special education services. Yet, despite these protections, disabled students often have to fight for their rights to be upheld.

The fight against ableism extends beyond the classroom into every aspect of daily life. From navigating physical spaces to dealing with bureaucratic hurdles, people with disabilities must constantly strategize and plan for obstacles that others may not even consider.

This Disability Pride Month, let's commit to fostering a more inclusive and understanding society. Let's challenge ableist attitudes and work toward creating environments where people of all abilities can thrive without having to fight for their rights continually.

Remember, disability rights are human rights. Let's end ableism, promote inclusion, and celebrate diversity. Together, we can create a world that truly values and respects all of its citizens.

#DisabilityPrideMonth #AccessibilityIsARight #EndAbleism #PromoteInclusion #CelebrateDiversity

A Salute to Advocacy: Celebrating LinkedIn's Top Voices in Disability Advocacy

A picture of Ryan with a blue background and a Linkedin Top Voices graphic that reads: "Ryan Honick: Disability Advocate, Speaker, Professional Persuader."

This week, I was humbled to be featured as a Top Voice in Disability Advocacy by LinkedIn for the second straight year. Advocacy work is its own reward, but this recognition and the platform it provides to amplify our message is deeply appreciated.

Amidst all the chatter about various social media platforms and their impacts on social good, I firmly believe that LinkedIn stands out as the most beneficial and inclusive.

The honor has connected me with fellow advocates and allies, helping to magnify our collective message about the importance of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging for disabled people in our society. I am honored to be a Top Voice alongside so many inspiring advocates.

A heartfelt congratulations to Marisa Hamamoto, Lachi ♫, Donna Cruz Jones, Margaux Joffe, CPACC Jeremy Andrew Davis, Keely Cat-Wells, Meryl Evans, CPACC (deaf) Brandon Farbstein, Haben Girma, Julie Harris, Emily Ladau, Becca Lory Hector, Catarina Rivera, MSEd, MPH, CPACC, Natalie Trevonne, and Tiffany A. Yu, MSc. Your tireless efforts to create an equitable world do not go unnoticed.

Each of these advocates brings a unique perspective and voice to the table, and I encourage you to follow their work. Their stories, their struggles, and their victories are a testament to the power of advocacy.

As we celebrate this recognition, let's remember that our work is far from over. Every day, we strive to create a world where disability advocacy is no longer needed, where disability discourse is normalized, and where people with disabilities are treated as equals.

Special thanks to Marisa Hamamoto for the awesome graphic.

Advocacy Burnout: The Untold Story of Disability Activists

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A black candle with a wild flame burns surrounded by smoke and a dark desolate background.

As we near the end of Disability Pride Month, I find myself reflecting on the journey we've embarked on together. Nearly every day, I've shared stories, raised awareness, and spotlighted the diverse aspects of disability life. The response has been overwhelming, and I'm deeply grateful for each one of you who has engaged with my posts, learned something new, or found solace in shared experiences.

But today, I want to shed light on a seldom-discussed aspect of disability advocacy: the exhaustion. The reality is, advocacy doesn't pause when the calendar flips or the spotlight dims. We advocate every day, not because we crave attention or conflict, but because we must. We strive to live in a world where our advocacy is no longer necessary, where disability discourse is so normalized that it doesn't require amplification.

There are days when the weight of this work feels unbearable. Days when I wish I could "just live my life," as some well-meaning yet misguided individuals have suggested. But here's the thing: I advocate so that I can do exactly that. So that we all can.

We yearn for a future where months like Disability Pride or National Disability Employment Awareness Month are no longer needed because people with disabilities are treated as equals. We yearn for a future where we don't have to justify our existence or fight for our rights. We yearn for a future where we can just live our lives.

Today, I'm not spotlighting a specific issue or cause. Instead, I'm offering a behind-the-scenes look at the toll advocacy takes. It's rewarding, yes, but it's also physically, mentally, and emotionally draining. And I promise you, your disabled friends are feeling it too.

We can't wait for the day when our advocacy puts itself out of business, as my entrepreneurial father Craig Honick once said. But until then, we need you. We need our allies to step up, to share the load, to amplify our voices. We are tired, but we are not defeated. And with your help, we can build a world where disability advocacy is a chapter in history books, not a daily fight.

Thank you for being part of this journey. Let's keep the conversation going, not just this month, but every day.

Breaking Stereotypes: The Unspoken Truth About Sexuality and Disability

Disabled young woman and her boyfriend holding hands. Unrecognizable Caucasian people.

So, here we are, celebrating Disability Pride Month. And you know what that means, right? No, not just the extra wheelchair-friendly ramps (though those are nice). It's time to talk about something that makes people more jittery than a squirrel on espresso: the sexual lives of people with disabilities.

As a person with disabilities myself, I've experienced firsthand the assumptions and stereotypes that can cloud this discussion.

In a powerful op-ed for Teen Vogue, Shatika Turner, a member of Planned Parenthood of Greater New York Advisory Council on Accessible Sex Education, eloquently stated, "The most harmful misconceptions when it comes to people with disabilities are that we don’t have sexual lives, our disabilities define our identities, or that we don’t experience a spectrum of sexual orientations or gender identities."

I couldn't agree more. From my dating life to interactions with medical professionals, I've faced surprise and disbelief when inquiring about reproductive healthcare or expressing my sexual desires. It's as if my wheelchair and service dog automatically desexualize me in the eyes of others. But let me be clear: my disability does not erase my sexuality.

In 2019, I was featured in Dan Savage's Savage Love Column, where I discussed the importance of recognizing and celebrating the sexual agency of people with disabilities. As I told Savage, "It's estimated that one in five people have a disability... So I would encourage [people] to use some of the mainstream apps—like Tinder, OkCupid, Bumble Inc., or Match—and put what they're after front and center."

So, this Disability Pride Month, let's break down these misconceptions. Let's talk about sex and disability. Let's make it as normal as discussing the weather or the latest episode of whatever reality TV show is popular these days.

Let's ensure that our sexual education curriculums are inclusive, affirming, and safe for our community. Let's normalize these discussions instead of hiding them in the shadows because of ignorance and discomfort.

Because guess what? People with disabilities have sex. We date. We fall in love. We break up. We swipe right and left. And it's high time we acknowledged that.

We are individuals with our own desires, needs, and identities. We deserve to be seen, heard, and understood in all aspects of our lives, including our sexual lives.

People With Disabilities Deserve Comprehensive Sex Education