Day in the Life
Edited on March 30th, 2025:
Welcome lovelies and beau’s! After watching a thought-provoking video recently, I found myself reflecting on the importance of raising awareness for certain causes that often go unnoticed. The video focused on a topic that I believe deserves more attention, especially during this time of year when we are encouraged to reflect on issues of accessibility and inclusivity.
With October being a significant month for both Breast Cancer Awareness and National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), it seemed like the perfect opportunity to share some insights on the importance of disability awareness and the need to foster more inclusive environments for everyone.
Did you know that around 1.3 billion people worldwide experience a significant disability? That’s approximately 16% of the global population, or 1 in 6 people, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). In the United States, about 42.5 million people, or 13% of the population, live with disabilities, as reported by the Pew Research Center. Disabilities can be categorized in many ways, including physical, intellectual, cognitive, and psychiatric.
To provide some examples: Physical disabilities might involve impairments like loss of vision, memory loss, or mobility issues. Intellectual disabilities are often present from birth or early childhood and may include conditions like genetic disorders or birth defects. Cognitive disabilities, such as learning disabilities, affect the ability to process or retain information. Finally, psychiatric disabilities can include emotional, cognitive, or behavioral challenges like mental health conditions or substance abuse.
October serves as a reminder of the significant contributions of workers with disabilities, both past and present, and underscores the importance of inclusive employment policies that benefit everyone. The theme for this year's NDEAM, “Advancing Access and Equity,” highlights the need to focus on underserved communities, foster inclusive workplaces, and promote accessible technology and mental health-friendly environments.
If you or your organization would like to contribute to awareness this month, here are a few suggestions from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability:
Review policies to ensure commitment to inclusivity.
Establish employee resource groups for mutual support.
Create displays or materials that promote disability inclusion.
Provide training for supervisors on fostering inclusive workplace cultures.
Educate employees regularly about the importance of disability inclusion.
Share NDEAM-related content on social media using hashtags like #NDEAM.
Issue press releases to highlight involvement in NDEAM.
Participate in Disability Mentoring Day to support youth with disabilities in their career development.
Ultimately, disability awareness involves understanding and acknowledging the experiences of people living with disabilities. To illustrate this, let me share a story that stands out for many who’ve faced similar challenges. During college, a student received accommodations through the Office of Disability Services (ODS) to help manage a learning disability. These accommodations included extra time on exams, a quiet testing environment, and note-taking support.
However, one particular interaction with a professor in a required class highlighted an important point: when a disability isn’t visible, it can be difficult for others to fully understand or accept the need for accommodations. The student requested additional time for pop quizzes, but the professor declined. As a result, the class became more challenging, and the student was reminded that individuals with invisible disabilities often face skepticism from others.
While this was a tough experience, it reinforced the need for empathy and understanding toward those with unseen conditions. For many, these challenges can be disheartening, but moments like this emphasize the importance of fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for everyone.
I hope this post sparks reflection on disability awareness and encourages ongoing dialogue. As we celebrate the achievements of individuals with disabilities, it’s essential to support one another, actively listen, and recognize the value of diverse perspectives. As the National Library of Medicine puts it: “Persons with disabilities should be seen as different but equal… their contributions enrich the richness of thought, views, narratives, and perspectives.”
In conclusion, October serves as a reminder not only to raise awareness about disabilities but also to celebrate the diversity and contributions of individuals who live with them. Whether visible or invisible, disabilities impact millions of people worldwide, and it’s essential that we continue to build inclusive environments that support everyone.
As we observe National Disability Employment Awareness Month, I encourage you to reflect on your own workplace or community and consider what more can be done to create an accessible and supportive space. Small steps, such as listening, learning, and advocating for change, can make a meaningful difference.
Let’s continue to educate ourselves and others, foster empathy, and promote equity for all. Remember, inclusivity is not just a goal—it’s a practice that enriches all of us.
Thank you for taking the time to read and reflect. Together, we can work towards a world where everyone, regardless of ability, has the opportunity to succeed and thrive.
For more information and resources, be sure to check out the links provided below.
Pew Research Center “8 Facts about Americans with Disabilities”
National Library of Medicine “The disability-rights perspective within the bioethics agenda”
As a signature of my blog, I’d like to end this post with a suggestion to “Pass on kindness.” There’s no time like the present to Inspire Those Who Inspire You. Acts of kindness, no matter how big or small, can have a direct, positive impact on someone else. Go out there today and change someone’s life for the better!
***These are my personal opinions and may not be those of my employer.***
