Disability: Part of the Equity Equation
“Disability: Part of the Equity Equation,”
Several years ago I was asked to speak at an event. When I got there I noticed there was no ramp to the stage. When I pointed this out to the host, their response was “We are not expecting anyone in a wheelchair.” The point of a ramp to the stage is about equity. One should not have to announce when they are planning to attend an event. This is one of the privileges I have as a person without a visible physical disability. I don’t have to call in advance to make sure I can access the room.
October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) it celebrates the contributions of America’s workers with disabilities past and present and showcases supportive, inclusive employment policies and practices. The theme is “Disability: Part of the Equity Equation.” Putting in a ramp at every event regardless of whether you think someone will need it, is how we make disability part of the equity equation. They had widened the door to meet ADA requirements but a ramp to the stage is inclusion and equity.
This month is a reminder of the work we need to do, so the default is equity and inclusion. My story about a ramp, speaks to the work we must do to be fully inclusive. Adding a ramp creates inclusion for everyone. When a ramp is not present, it limits participation.
My simple ask for each of us is to make accessibility the default. When you attend events, go to work, or dinners practice “Disability: Part of the Equity Equation.”
Jason R. Thompson
Co-Founder of CAPE Inclusion
Jason R. Thompson is a 25+ year DE&I expert, coach, and author of Diversity and Inclusion Matters: Tactics and Tools to Inspire Equity and Game-Changing Performance. Jason built much of his career on developing award-winning DE&I programs from scratch. He has worked with companies of all sizes including large healthcare organizations with over 10,000 individuals as well as organizations like the US Olympic Committee and Techstars. Jason’s innovation and experience are the foundation of CAPE Inclusion.
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Celebrating Juneteenth: Reflecting on Our Journey and Recommitting to Equality
On June 19, 1865, a momentous event unfolded in Texas that would forever alter the course of American history. This day, known as Juneteenth, marked the liberation of 250,000 enslaved individuals, as Union soldiers arrived to enforce the Emancipation Proclamation, which had been in effect for two and a half years. Juneteenth signifies the end of slavery in the United States and heralds the beginning of our continuous effort to fulfill the promise of equality and freedom for all Americans.
At CAPE Inclusion, we stand firm in our dedication to eradicating systemic racism and inequity. We call on everyone to join us in this effort, choosing love over hate, unity over division, and progress over retreat. Let us celebrate the spirit of Juneteenth and renew our commitment to building an inclusive and equitable society for all.
As we reflect on Juneteenth, may we celebrate the essence of freedom, the progress we have made, and the possibilities that lie ahead when we march forward together. Happy Juneteenth from CAPE Inclusion. Together, let’s continue to redeem the soul of America.