LaVant Consulting, Inc.

For us, this time doesn't feel like "business as usual." As we process the realities of the world around us, our founder's words from her part in "Wake Up America: Black Women on the Future of Democracy" ring true more than ever: "A truly inclusive democracy would realize, for all Americans, true liberation from all forms of oppression, including systemic, institutional, interpersonal, and even internalized oppressive constructs. While describing a picture of this ideal world would be delightful, today’s societal climate suggests it would seem an 'impossible dream.'" - Andraéa LaVant, "Wake Up America"

15% of the global population is disabled. Ableism tells us that disability is ‘over there,’ when in reality, disability is all around us. Understanding ableism as a social justice issue helps build power and understanding to fight back against it. Image Description: Infographic. White heading text on a black background with a grey border reads "Ableism is a Social Justice Issue." The LCI logo is in the bottom right corner. #Ableism #AbleismExists #AbleismIsTrash #DisabilityCommunity

Today marks the 6th anniversary of LaVant Consulting. When I started this journey, my goal was to create a space where people, especially disabled people and people of color, could bring their whole selves to work, do what they love, and make a difference without sacrificing their humanity. The results of the recent election have left me feeling both exhausted and afraid. As a Black, disabled, queer woman founder and leader, I've deeply experienced the challenges we face in fighting for our value and impact. DEI initiatives are being cut, and the needs of marginalized communities, particularly disabled individuals, are continually overlooked. But we won't stop. This dedicated team of queer, Black, Brown, and/or disabled individuals remains committed to building a future where ALL disabled people, especially multiply marginalized individuals, are seen, valued, and fully engaged in society. We will continue to cultivate a space of our dreams: a place where we can laugh, cry, rest, and build together as our whole selves. So be it. See to it.

During stressful times, it's even more critical to acknowledge our needs and allow space for self-care. To support our well-being during this critical week, our team is prioritizing rest.

October is #NationalDisabilityEmploymentAwarenessMonth, but action is necessary year-round. As conversations about employment and disability fade in November, employers should ensure their workplaces are accessible and inclusive. #DisabilityInclusion #Disability #DisabilityAdvocate #DisabilityCommunity #NDEAM

Image descriptions describe elements within an image and are used by many disabled people. Follow these simple tips to ensure the important messages in your content can reach more people! #ImageDescription #AltText #Accessibility #AccessibilityMatters #AccessibilityForAll

Disabled workers are nearly twice as likely to work part-time as non-disabled workers, in addition to higher rates of unemployment and far fewer holding management roles. Increased accessibility within the workplace can support those who are looking for full-time positions to expand their hours — so as #NDEAM comes to a close, employers should review the accessibility of their hiring processes and workplaces to ensure disabled people are invited in. #a11y #DisabilityInclusion

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that in 2023, only 37.4% of disabled workers were in management, professional, and related occupations compared to 43.9% of non-disabled workers. The 2024 #NDEAM theme is “Access to Good Jobs for All," and it is clear that disabled employees face inequities in the workforce. Employers should value disabled employees and strive to create diverse and equitable workplaces. Let #NationalDisabilityEmploymentAwarenessMonth serve as a reminder to evaluate ways you can increase accessibility and inclusion within your company. #NDEAM2024

In honor of #NDEAM, we are highlighting disability & employment statistics this week. The number of employed disabled people hit a record high last year, at 22.5%, since it was first tracked in 2008 — but it is still far below the 65.8% of employed non-disabled people. To combat this, employers can ensure their workplaces are accessible, understanding, and inviting for disabled people. Check out our recent post about workplace ableism to learn more! #NationalDisabilityEmploymentAwarenessMonth #Ableism

Disabled employees are innovative and talented, and their inclusion in the workplace is valuable. During #NDEAM, it is important to highlight not only the inequity that disabled employees face, but the strength that they add to any work environment. #NationalDisabilityEmploymentAwarenessMonth #DisabilityInclusion