The Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts的动态

"Why Do I Have to Fight for the Basics?" Today, I spent my entire morning at an RTO office trying to apply for a driver’s license as a person with a disability. What I encountered was not just inefficiency—it was blatant discrimination. Here’s some of what I heard from the "inspector" in charge: "Why are you coming to me? Don’t waste my time." "So many people are modifying and driving without a license; why don’t you do the same?" "Why is it important for you to drive?" Imagine being asked to justify your need for independence, mobility, and basic rights. In the United States, it is illegal to discriminate against someone due to their disability and deny them the opportunity to drive. When will India catch up? If our policies and systems don’t even allow for fair testing for a license, how can we expect individuals with disabilities to achieve economic independence, confidence, or dignity? How can we claim to be an inclusive society? I refuse to stop here. I will knock on every door, explore every avenue, and fight until driving with a disability is legitimized in India. If you or someone you know can help bring change to this system—whether through legal advice, policy advocacy, or connections—please reach out to me. Together, we can create a future where millions of Indians with disabilities can live independently and confidently. This isn’t just my fight—it’s a fight for justice, equality, and empowerment. Let’s make it happen. #Inclusion #Accessibility #DisabilityRights #DrivingIndependence

On this International Disability Day, we honor the resilience and determination of individuals who have turned challenges into stepping stones for greatness. From Shekhar Naik, who led India's blind cricket team to glory, to Javed Abidi, a trailblazer advocating for disability rights, these extraordinary individuals redefine courage. They remind us that disabilities do not limit dreams but fuel the fire to achieve beyond expectations. Waves of Brilliance! Icons like Malathi Krishnamurthy Holla, who soared to gold at the World Masters Games, and Mallory Weggemann, a swimming legend breaking records and barriers alike, inspire us to persevere. Their stories showcase that with grit, hard work, and belief, anything is achievable. Let’s celebrate their boundless potential and honor every individual breaking barriers and redefining what’s possible. Follow us for more such content! #interntaionaldisabilityday #diabilityday #speciallyabled #resourceful #resources #it #informationtechnology #technology #collaboration #subcontracting #linkedin #india

Happy National Disability Independence Day! Today, we celebrate the incredible strength and resilience of individuals living with disabilities. It's a day to honour the strides made towards inclusivity and to acknowledge the work still to be done. In recent years, entrepreneurship has played a significant role in driving innovation to support disabled individuals. Start-ups like Be My Eyes, which connects blind and low-vision individuals with sighted volunteers through video calls, and Wheeliz, a peer-to-peer car rental service specifically for wheelchair users, are revolutionizing how we think about accessibility. These innovative companies are not just creating products and services that make life easier for people with disabilities; they are fostering a more inclusive world. Let's continue to support and champion these efforts as we strive for accessibility and acceptance for all. You are amazing just as you are! #DisabilityIndependenceDay #startupvisa #entrepreneurship #globalbusiness #aps #accelerationservices #SUVcanada #startupvisacanada #immigrationcanada #apsglobalpartners #canada #businessimmigration #startupvisa #canadalife #canadaimmigration #canada #canadasworld #canadagram #canadapost #canadablogger #entrepreneurship #forbescouncils

#IDEAOpines Is Budget 2024 really inclusive? The recent budget highlighted inclusion as a priority, it lacked concrete plans to address the needs of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs). The current "one-size-fits-all" approach to education and healthcare fails to address the unique needs of PwDs. Currently, less than 5% of PwDs have access to higher education, limiting their opportunities for social and economic mobility. The budget allocation for the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DePwD) remains stagnant at Rs 1,225 crore, constituting a mere 0.025% of the total budget. This meager increase of Rs 12 lakh from the previous fiscal year is insufficient to bridge the significant gap in resources needed to empower PwDs. At the Inclusive Divyangjan Entrepreneur Association (IDEA), we are committed to empowering PwDs and fostering their inclusion in all aspects of society. We urge the concerned authorities to: - Allocate a significantly increased budget towards disability inclusion initiatives. - Develop targeted programs that address the specific needs of PwDs in education, healthcare, and employment. - Foster collaboration with organizations like IDEA to bridge the gap in resources and expertise. Join us in advocating for a more inclusive India! Share this post and let's work together to create a future where marginalized people can thrive. #DisabilityInclusion #Empowerment #Budget2024 #RightToEquality #IDEA

Commentary | The media portrayals of persons with disability can overshadow their genuine achievements by framing them as extraordinary. The societal attitudes often objectify them and they are further burdened with the responsibility of conforming to a non-disabled world, shaped by an ableist gaze. The article explores the challenges faced by disability researchers in India, where issues of survival and poverty overshadow debates about identity and inclusion, as seen in Western contexts. The article calls for a shift from inspirational narratives to a more nuanced understanding of disability that respects individuals’ lived experiences and achievements. https://lnkd.in/g9wJZnTa

Mobility disabilities are the most common type of disability in Kenya, affecting 42% of people with disabilities ???? That’s nearly 400,000 people who face daily challenges just getting around—and the majority are women. One team is working to change that. The e-mobility pilot in Nairobi is focused on making urban travel more accessible by introducing detachable electric ‘third wheels’ for wheelchairs. These devices could be a game-changer for improving independence and mobility. ?? The e-mobility pilot joined the FT Hub at?Kenya Innovation Week (KIW)?last week to share their story, and today, on?International Day of People with Disabilities (IDPWD), we're excited to look ahead to their next steps. ?? Over the next few months, they will test two types of third wheels from partners MATT & NeoMotion with users in Nairobi to see what works best and how this solution can be refined. Find out more on their profile page ?? https://lnkd.in/dnkiT_y3 #DisabilityInclusion #Inclusion #InternationalDayForPersonsWithDisabilities #Tech #UKDev #AT #AssistiveTech Global Disability Innovation Hub Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office - Research, Science and Innovation United Nations

?????? Adoption Leave & Family Leave in Football: Supporting Parenthood ??? Parenthood is life-changing, and FIFA recognizes the importance of supporting female players and coaches during this time. Here's a breakdown of two key policies: 1?? Adoption Leave: ?? Female players/coaches adopting a child are entitled to: 8 weeks of paid leave for children under 2 years old. 4 weeks for children aged 2–4 years. 2 weeks for children older than 4. ?? Leave must be taken within 6 months of the adoption date and cannot overlap with family leave for the same child. 2?? Family Leave: ?? Female players/coaches who are not the biological mother receive: 8 weeks of paid leave following the birth of a child. ?? This leave must also be taken within 6 months of the child’s birth and cannot overlap with adoption leave for the same child. Your Turn! ?? ?? How important are these policies in supporting work-life balance for female players and coaches? Poll Options: 1?? ?? Essential – They’re critical for gender equality in sports. 2?? ? Important – A step in the right direction. 3?? ?? Neutral – Good, but not game-changing. 4?? ? Overrated – Unnecessary in professional football. ?? Comment below and let’s discuss how football can better support parenthood! ???

International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) is celebrated annually on December 3rd. This year’s theme, “Amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future,” aligns perfectly with our commitment to fostering inclusivity. Through our New Clydesdale Colliery (NCC) in Kriel, in the Mpumalanga Province, we are empowering local entrepreneurs with disabilities. By providing essential training, financial investments and resources, we are enabling businesses like Ntsika Yethu to thrive. Led by Henson Soviti, Ntsika Yethu has grown from a small trucking operation to a thriving business with a fleet of over eight trucks and 20 employees. We invite you to watch our interview with Henson, where he shares his inspiring journey. Together, let's uplift marginalised entrepreneurs and contribute to the prosperity of our host communities. #IDPD #InclusiveDevelopment #NdalamoCares #SupportLocal #EmpowerEntrepreneurs

#YKAStories | In this 2019 video, disability rights activist Nipun Malhotra shed light on the dire state of pedestrian infrastructure for persons with disabilities. “I am thirty-one years old, and I have never independently managed to travel across roads in a city like Delhi. You would be shocked to know that tactile tiles, as some of you might be aware, are tiles for the blind to navigate through the pedestrian footpath. These tiles are dangerous because they're actually misguiding people with disabilities. We interviewed a lot of people with disabilities. You would be shocked to know that a lot of people with visual impairment said that we would find it safer to travel on the road than on the footpath because, on roads, we depend on human beings who are driving cars and might have the logic and the brains to be sensitive. Still, our infrastructure is not sensitive to us at all.” A recent poll by Youth Ki Awaaz, taken by 2281 respondents, revealed a significant gap in digital accessibility practices that parallel the physical world challenges. 39% of respondents admit they never use alt text for pictures in their posts. 34% are not even aware of what alt text is. This lack of awareness and application of basic digital accessibility features like alt text mirrors the broader neglect towards physical infrastructure for persons with disabilities. This connection highlights a broader societal oversight—both in the digital and physical realms—where essential accessibility features are underutilised or misunderstood. As we discuss making public spaces safer and more accessible, we must also champion the consistent use of digital accessibility tools to enhance inclusivity and #Vote4Accessibility this election season. Support and endorse the 'Charter of Demands for Persons with Disabilities and join us in advocating for infrastructural changes that respect and prioritise the needs of all citizens: https://lnkd.in/g43uThjt Watch Nipun’s video here and join the conversation on making everyday accessibility a reality: https://lnkd.in/g5Vh_rpH? #StepInMyShoes Young Leaders for Active Citizenship (YLAC) The Quantum Hub Nipman Foundation