Western New York Independent Living

I'm sorry… As a Disabled person, why is it that “sorry” comes before we share, advocate, request, or speak up? We apologise for things we have no control over, it's as if we almost consider ourselves a burden for asking or sharing, as if we shouldn’t be asking in the first place. “Sorry, I need an adjustment…” “Sorry, I don’t understand, I’m AuDHD…” “Sorry, I’m Disabled…” But we aren’t a burden. So why are we apologising for our needs? Why are we apologising when we are being Disabled by Society? Things should be accessible. We should be able to share, ask for an adjustment, or request accessibility without guilt. We shouldn’t feel the need to apologise for being Disabled, for being who we are. Yet, it’s been ingrained in us. But I’m not going to apologise any longer, and neither should you! Instead, I’m going to say: “I need this adjustment to support me…” “As a neurodivergent person, I need this style of communication…” “I’m Disabled…” And I’m not sorry for it. Image Description: A Disabled by Society graphic featuring a stick figure meant to represent me. And before you say anything, I know I ain’t no stick figure, but they didn’t have any rhino shapes! Set on a dark background, the title reads: "Things as a Disabled person I will not apologise for". Below 12 statements with a clipart inside a colourful box, they read: ?Asking for accessibility - ?an accessibility symbol surrounded by people. 2. Asking for an adjustment - person at a desk, adjusting their computer. 3. Asking for clarity - two people, one appearing confused with question marks. 4. Challenging ableism - person shouting into a megaphone. 5. Sharing my needs - juggling symbols representing tasks and accommodations. 6. Language I use to identify - two people talking, with a speech bubble. 7. Setting boundaries - person holding a clock and documents, fending off demands. 8. Prioritising my wellbeing - person meditating with energy lines around them. 9. Saying no without guilt - person surrounded by speech bubbles, turning away. 10. Taking up space - person standing confidently with radiating energy. Advocating for myself and others - person speaking up in front of a crowd, with a "no" symbol. 12. Existing as I am - two people standing together, one with an arm around the other. #FridayFeeling #DisabilityInclusion #DisabledBySociety #Ableism

Dismantling the Administration for Community Living (ACL) threatens to undo years of progress that have improved access to services for older adults and people with disabilities. ACL’s streamlined approach has reduced administrative overhead and improved community living outcomes. NACDD urges decision-makers to reject this harmful proposal. Strengthen ACL—don’t dismantle it. Read our full statement with link in post!

? We Are Hiring! ?? Join Our Team! ?? We're expanding and looking for passionate individuals to help us grow. If you're looking for an exciting opportunity to work with a dynamic and supportive team, we want to hear from you! Position Available: Mental Health Peer Connection ?? Peer MHPC Outreach Specialist Promote Mental Health Peer Connections (MHPC) programs and services to the community and Behavioral Health providers through ongoing outreach. Develop community-based relationships with potential employers to promote MHPC vocational program. Work closely with MHPC’s vocational staff to identify community employers. What We Offer: ? Competitive salary- $39,000-$40,000 ? Company provided Health Insurance ? Opportunities for growth and advancement ? A collaborative, inclusive, and positive work environment How to Apply: Simply send your resume and a cover letter to Human Resources Dept. WNY Independent Living, Inc. 3108 Main St. Buffalo, N.Y. 14214, email to [email protected], or check on our website https://lnkd.in/evQGSSDi We can’t wait to meet you! #WeAreHiring #JoinOurTeam #NowHiring #CareerOpportunity #HiringNow #JobOpening #Teamwork #WorkWithUs #JobSearch #Employment #CareerGrowth #ApplyNow

?? CALL FOR PERFORMERS! ?? Do you have a talent to share and want to be part of something meaningful? We’re celebrating Disability Pride and are looking for performers to showcase their talents! ?? Who Can Apply? We welcome musicians, dancers, comedians, poets, or any other form of expression. Disabled performers encouraged to apply. ?? Deadline to Submit: Friday, May 23rd ?? How to Apply: Send your submissions to https://lnkd.in/earbuPcn Let’s celebrate disability pride and create an inclusive, empowering space together! ??? #DisabilityPride #CallForPerformers #InclusiveArt #DisabilityAwareness #CelebrateAbilities

Are you requesting a reasonable accommodation for a job interview or in your workplace? "Undue hardship" is a term frequently used in discussions about the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Undue hardship is defined as an "action requiring significant difficulty or expense" when considering several factors. Find out about these factors and how undue hardship is determined here: https://lnkd.in/ddeCtyDV #ADA #Legal #Disability

“People presume my disability has to do with being an amputee, but that’s not the case; our insecurities are our disabilities, and I struggle with those as does everyone.” - Aimee Mullins, an athlete, actress, and public speaker amputee. #WednesdayWisdom #Disability #Amputee

thanks for representing, kayla! dare to be visible. #DareForDDAM #DisabilityPride

https://lnkd.in/e3UMZNHz

Workplace adjustments/ accommodations do not create an unfair advantage. They provide an equitable experience for colleagues who otherwise would have faced barriers. I like to view them as tools. Tools that can help us navigate the workplace, interact with systems, and succeed. When they are provided and when the process to request them is actually accessible and managers aware on how to support. Image Description: Alt Text: A Disabled by Society graphic titled "12 things you need to know about adjustments/accommodations:". Below, twelve square icons with illustrations and short phrases, they read:1. Be flexible – A person bending into a yoga pose. 2. There is no one-size-fits-all – A height measurement ruler beside a person a person. 3. Listen to individual needs – Two people communicating. 4. Communication is key – Two people shaking hands. 5. Small changes, big differences – A blind person getting support. 6. Needs change over time – A person holding a clock and calendar. 7. We don’t have all the answers – A wheelchair user receiving assistance. 8. They create equity – A person holding scales and a megaphone. 9. Be proactive, not reactive – A person examining something with a magnifying glass. 10. Process should be accessible – A person at a desk looking confused. 11. Have a timeline in place – A person checking their watch. 12. ?Legal compliance is one aspect – A judge's podium. #WednesdayWisdom #DisabledBySociety #DisabilityInclusion #DiversityAndInclusion

We will not stay silent. Right now, the world is a terrifying place to be Disabled. Welfare reforms, abolishments of protective legislation, false narratives and attacks on our fundamental human rights, the list seems never ending, with each new day bringing new turmoil, uncertainty and anguish. The decisions that are being taken are going to leave a mark on the history of our community, marks that are going to reverse so much of the progress that our predecessors in our fight worked so hard to secure. To the champions who came before us, who gave their lives to securing a better life for future generations of Disabled people, we will do everything we can to ensure that we are not trampled out again. These decisions which seek to harm our community will only strengthen the collectiveness of our community. Together we are louder. We will continue to fight for what we know to be right. We will continue to advocate for our fundamental human freedoms. We will not be forgotten or hidden. We will not be silenced. We know that uncertainty, turmoil and internalised ableism are high right now, so please: - Find safety, friendship and support in your community. - Seek support from charities and organisations to stay informed and aware. - Lend your voice to the cause. - Stay close to your loved ones. - Seek professional mental health support when you need to. - And where you feel able, comfortable and safe, speak up and advocate. No matter what they try to do, we will not be going anywhere. Our fire is burning hotter than ever. We will always be friends, advocates and a safe space for Disabled people to come together to challenge this Disabling Society. All our love and safety, Jamie and Celia. Image Description: A Disabled by Society quote graphic with a dark background and curved pink and white accents at the top. A large pink quotation mark is placed at the beginning of the text, which reads: "Our fire is burning hotter than ever, we will always be friends, advocates and a safe space for Disabled people to come together to challenge this Disabling Society."The words "Disabled people" are highlighted in bold pink. At the bottom, the logo for "Disabled By Society". #ThursdayThoughts #DisabledBySociety #DisabilityInclusion #DiversityAndInclusion