Paul Harpur OAM’s Post

The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities set out a vision for disability leadership and a more equal society. This was emphasised by the Disability Royal Commission and is central to the “nothing about us unless it is led by us” mantra. Professor Paul Harpur OAM is advocating for inclusion at #UQ of people with disabilities into higher education - not just students but leaders in disability and inclusion research. Watch this space! AND, read this 👉 #UQ's Disability Inclusion Research and Innovation Plan: https://lnkd.in/gHVSK9Vg #CRPD

Disability Leaders: Pass It On This International Day of People with Disability, I want to lean into the United Nations theme: “Amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future.” For me, 2024 has been about turning my lived experience into lived expertise—and showing up unapologetically as a visible disabled leader. I've posted nearly every day this year, written a weekly(ish) newsletter, Mostly Unlearning, focused on “amplifying disability and accessibility towards more commercial and human outcomes.” Leadership is a habit, and as I often say: “I've come to understand the habit of inclusion is about learning, and unlearning. But Mostly Unlearning.” This process of unlearning, building inclusive habits, and the encouragement from fellow disability leaders culminated in being recognised as Australian Disability Network Disability Inclusion Changemaker of the Year. I could do these things because I was well-supported at work and surrounded by incredible disability leaders. Together, we are a tapestry of support, knowledge, and change-making force. We are stronger together, and our connections fuel our impact. This International Day of People with Disability, let’s keep amplifying each other’s leadership. Here’s how you can join in: 1. Start following one of these brilliant disability leaders—let’s amplify their work. 2. Share the love! Who else should I follow? Who’s helped you learn—or unlearn—about disability this year? Tag them below. Let’s keep leading, unlearning, and amplifying - together. Cherie Clonan Carly Findlay OAM Christina Ryan Primal Fernando Elly Desmarchelier ⚡️ Disability Rights Campaigner Lisa Cox Marie Bledsoe Megan Spindler-Smith Ebe G. Mikala Sedgwick 🖤💛❤️ Clare Gibellini Alex Harrison Dr Scott Avery more in comments

July 26th is National Disability Independence Day, commemorating the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Working in #AdaptiveFashion has provided me with a lens to see what an impact people with disabilities have made in getting this act passed 34 years ago, and what an impact Disabled people continue to made today. From curb cuts, to subtitles, to easier-to-use products (the OXO can opener!), people with disabilities have had a cascading effect of making everyone's lives easier. On this #NationalDisabilityIndependenceDay, I want to share an article written by fellow the co-lab member Rachel Rubin highlighting examples of companies working alongside people with disabilities to change the narrative around disability. From Rachel, "These campaigns are powerful examples of how advertising can truly resonate when it authentically represents people of all abilities. By sharing these ads, I want to celebrate the strides we've made in disability representation and inspire others in the industry to keep pushing for more meaningful, inclusive storytelling." Read the full article and click the links to watch the videos here: https://lnkd.in/eSACb5tN

This is such an important conversation that needs to continue beyond Disability Pride month. #DisabilityPrideMonth #disability #accessibility #inclusion #equity #diversity #DisabilityInclusion #DisabledPerson #PersonsWithDisabilities #disabilities

Since July is Disability Pride month, a few folks have talked about whether they take pride in their disability. It originated as a celebration of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) signed on July 26, 1990. Disability Pride has evolved into a month-long celebration. I like how Wikipedia's entry describes it. "Disability Pride month c]elebrates people with disabilities, their identities, their culture, and their contributions to society. It also seeks to change the way people think about and define disability, to end the stigma of disability, and to promote the belief that disability is a natural part of human diversity in which people living with disabilities can celebrate and take pride." Most disabled people have one thing in common. They've encountered barriers throughout the life of their disability. We picked up a lot of skills in working around those barriers. These skills and life experiences can't be learned in school or on the job. These skills allow us to level up a team's work. I love being part of a nonprofit organization. The other day, someone said "I'm autistic" and we all cheered. Someone else said the same ... more cheering. And so on. This knowledge allows us to collaborate better. Everyone who shared their autism or other disability has brought something unique to the organization's work. Whether someone takes pride in their disabilities isn't the point here. The point is to know disabled people have a lot to offer. People need to avoid making assumptions (often wrong). Their assumptions tend to become our reality. Ask. Don't assume. Disabled and disabilities are also not bad words. Euphemisms tend to make people more afraid to interact with disabled folks. 🔔 Tap the silent profile bell to catch the next post 👉 Follow #MerylMots for past posts 👋 I write, speak, and consult on disability inclusion, accessibility, and inclusive marketing communications. #Inclusion

💥 Beyond Labels: Honouring Resilience, Redefining Inclusion 💥 As we recognise Disability History Month, it’s a time to reflect on the journey of disability, livelihood, and the complexities of employment. Growing up, I often felt the need to hide my disability. I wanted to be accepted for who I was, beyond the label of disability and feared that revealing it might mean being seen as less capable. At the same time, I struggled with the idea of feeling ashamed of something that was out of my control—a part of who I am that I didn’t choose and shouldn’t have to hide. Historically, society has marginalised people with disabilities. For centuries, those deemed "different" were often placed in asylums, locked away from the world, and regarded as burdens. They weren’t seen as valuable, contributing members of society, and their potential was ignored. But over time, activists, advocates, and trailblazers challenged these views, striving for a world where people with disabilities could live and work with dignity and respect. Their efforts paved the way for greater acceptance and opportunity in employment, leading to vital legislation and societal shifts. It’s essential to recognise that disability is the one demographic anyone could be a part of in their lifetime. We are all just one moment away from facing the same challenges, and this should fuel our drive for greater inclusion and accessibility. Disability inclusion means breaking down barriers that have historically kept people with disabilities from thriving in the workforce. It means understanding that disability is part of human diversity—not something to be hidden or apologised for. So, this Disability History Month, let’s honour the courage of those who came before us and let's keep pushing forward for a future where employment is accessible, inclusive, and empowering for all people, regardless of ability. #DisabilityHistoryMonth #DisabilityInclusion #DisabilityRights #DisabilityAwareness #EmpowerThroughEmployment

One long-forgotten MDRC project played a pioneering role in promoting equity for people with disabilities. Launched in 1981, the Structured Training and Employment Transitional Services (STETS) program tested the effectiveness of transitional, subsidized jobs in helping adults with developmental disabilities secure independent private sector employment. Funded by the Ford Foundation and the U.S. Department of Labor and implemented together with several local partners, STETS adapted a version of Supported Work — the model that MDRC was originally founded to evaluate in 1974 — for participants with disabilities aged 18 to 24 in New York, Cincinnati, St. Paul, Tucson, and Los Angeles. The data from STETS, assessed by Mathematica, showed that participants did indeed fare better in the workforce after completing the program: graduates found independent employment at a rate of 31 percent, compared to 19 percent for a control group. To be sure, STETS had its limitations, with participants’ jobs often paying poorly. Yet its implications transcended the specific model it was designed to test. As one newspaper noted, the project’s broader impact was to “further encourage the 'mainstreaming' philosophy of placing disabled persons into the most normal life circumstances possible.” Mainstreaming, in turn, paved the way for present-day ideals of inclusion, which guide today’s disability rights movement. The legacy of STETS has continued over the decades across a number of different MDRC projects — from new iterations of transitional employment to studies of Medicaid benefits — and lives on in MDRC’s ongoing commitment to empowering people with disabilities to escape poverty and lead meaningful and fulfilling lives. #mdrc #mdrc50 #employment #workforce #disability #inclusion #evaluation #partnership

Did you know that July is Disability Pride Month? This year's theme is "We Want a Life Like Yours." I will discuss the theme's meaning and importance more specifically in future posts. But to start, I want to highlight and pay tribute to the enduring legacy of Stephen Hawking, a brilliant mind who showed us that disability is not a barrier to success and fulfilment. His words remind us that diversity enriches our communities and everyone has the right to pursue their dreams and ambitions regardless of ability. As I celebrate the beginning of Disability Pride Month, I recognise and appreciate the unique strengths and perspectives that people with disabilities bring to our society. Let's unite to create a world where barriers are dismantled, and inclusivity is the standard. Whether in education, employment, or social activities, let's strive for a world where everyone has equal opportunities to thrive. How You Can Get Involved: - Educate Yourself and Others: Learn about the experiences and challenges of people with disabilities. - Share this knowledge with your community to promote understanding and empathy. - Advocate for Accessibility: Support policies and initiatives that make public spaces, workplaces, and digital platforms accessible to everyone. - Simple actions like adding alt text to images or ensuring wheelchair-accessible buildings can make a huge difference. - Celebrate Achievements: Recognise and celebrate the accomplishments of people with disabilities in your life and community. - Share stories of resilience and success to inspire others. - Promote Inclusion: Make an effort to include people with disabilities in all aspects of life. At work, school, or social events, ensure that everyone feels welcome and valued. - Support Disability Rights Organisations: Donate your time or resources to organisations that advocate for disability rights and provide support to individuals with disabilities. Remember: Disability Pride Month is a time to honour the contributions of people with disabilities and recognise the ongoing fight for equality and inclusion. Let's celebrate the diversity that makes us stronger and work towards a future where everyone can live a life of fulfilment. #DisabilityPride #DisabilityPrideMonth #WeWantALifeLikeYours #Inspiration #StephenHawking #Inclusion #CelebrateDiversity #DisabilityRights #AccessibilityForAll #InclusiveSociety

Disability Pride Month is celebrated every July and is an opportunity to honor the history, achievements, experiences, and struggles of the disability community. Why July? It marks the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), landmark legislation that broke down barriers to inclusion in society. People with disabilities deserve to live full, self-determined lives, just like everyone else. Yet discrimination persists for the 1 in 4 U.S. adults living with a disability. That’s why we spotlight inspiring stories in July and beyond that show what’s possible with inclusion. Disability Pride Month happens every July to mark the ADA’s anniversary, which was passed on July 26, 1990. The first celebration was a Disability Pride Day that took place in Boston in 1990. Chicago hosted the first Disability Pride Parade in 2004. Now there are events nationwide empowering people with disabilities to take pride in who they are. Here’s more about the history of Disability Pride Month and the story behind the flag. 2024 Theme: “We Want a Life Like Yours” This theme comes from The Arc’s National Council of Self-Advocates. It reflects the disability community’s dreams for life experiences that they are too often denied. All month, we’ll share diverse stories of people with disabilities thriving as students, employees, leaders, engaged members of their communities and families, and more given a chance. Ways to celebrate: - Learn about a disability experience - Share your disability story using #disabilitypride and #DisabilityPrideMonth - Take action: Reach out to elected officials or donate to your state or local Arc chapter - Attend a disability pride month event in your area - Hire people with disabilities Disability pride has been described as “accepting and honoring each person’s uniqueness and seeing it as a natural and beautiful part of human diversity.” We hope you'll Join The ArcCO to come together, uplift, and amplify one another’s voices and be heard. https://lnkd.in/gthHnD4H

***Celebrating Disability History Month*** As we mark Disability History Month, I reflect on the remarkable journey of progress and resilience within the disability movement. This month is a vital opportunity to honour the achievements of individuals who throughout history demonstrated incredible drive, passion and commitment & to remember the countless battles they fought for equality, inclusion, and recognition. For me, it is a time to celebrate the richness of our diverse experiences while acknowledging the challenges that persist. It is also a call to action for society to champion accessibility, dismantle barriers, and recognise the value that disabled people bring to every aspect of life. The stories of pioneers who have paved the way inspire us to dream bigger. Their legacies remind us that #disability is not a limitation but a dimension of #diversity which enriches our world. As we honour them, we must also invest in the future—empowering younger generations with opportunities, education, and platforms to lead. But let us also take stock and consider today's trailblazers who's efforts will be celebrated in future Disability History Months. Just look around you, you will witness new pathways created and barriers smashed ensuring those #disabled people of the future have more enriched and powerful experiences than us. Let this month be a celebration, but also a commitment to inclusion and justice. Together, we can create a world where everyone belongs, thrives, and contributes fully. Here’s to progress, perseverance, and pride. Whether you are a disabled person or not, Disability history is our shared history—and our future will be brighter for embracing it. #disabilityhistorymonth #celebrate #disabilityrights #inclusion #movement #accessibility Image Description - partial headshot of South Asian man with short beard smiling straight ahead with text stating Disability History Month 2024