Michael Osborne’s Post

Calling all advocates, allies, and individuals with lived experiences of disability! At Accessible Me Ltd, we’re conducting research as part of our exciting new project, #A11yShip – an #accessibility-themed #EscapeRoom-like experience designed to put participants in the metaphorical shoes of people with disabilities. Our mission? To raise awareness of how disabilities and medical conditions can create challenges in things being Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, and Robust on a daily basis – aligning with key principles of accessibility. As part of this, we're developing a portfolio of detailed personas to represent diverse disability experiences. These personas will help web developers, L&D professionals, and content creators better understand and cater to the needs of people with varying disabilities. Examples include: • Amara, who has cerebral palsy and uses voice-recognition software. • Bao, who is blind and relies on screen-reading software. • Carlos, who is dyslexic and struggles with blocks of text and specific colour combinations. • Deepa, who has broken fingers and cannot use a mouse. But we need your help! We’re inviting people with disabilities, or those who care for someone with a disability, to participate in a short, trauma-informed, and accessible survey. Your feedback will help us create resources that promote inclusion and drive more accessible digital experiences. 🔗 Take the survey: https://lnkd.in/epYN_fKJ If you’d like to contribute or know someone who might be interested, please share and spread the word. Every voice counts as we work toward a future where disability doesn’t limit opportunity! Together, we can break down barriers and create a world that works for everyone. #Inclusion #EqualOpportunity #DisabilityAwareness #A11y #TeamBuilding #AccessibleMe

National AccessAbility Week is May 26 to June 1! Celebrate accessibility and inclusion for all and find out how WorkBC’s Assistive Technology Services can help individuals overcome work-related barriers and achieve their employment goals: https://ow.ly/79wv50RWU3H #NAAW2024 #WorkBC #AssistiveTechnology #Accessibility #Inclusion

Need more help with making your organisation more accessible? Jodie 💜 Greer has demonstrated exceptional creativity by developing two groundbreaking resources that have significantly advanced the disability inclusion community. First, she created the *Disability Maturity Model*, a comprehensive tool that enables organizations to assess their current level of inclusion, define their desired future state, and identify actionable steps to bridge the gap. This resource, made available free of charge, has empowered countless organizations to chart a clear and sustainable path toward greater inclusivity. Second, Jodie developed the *Digital Accessibility Guideline*, a practical framework designed to help businesses address digital inaccessibility. This tool has been instrumental in guiding organizations to create accessible digital environments, ensuring that their platforms are inclusive and compliant with global accessibility standards. Jodie’s innovative contributions have not only provided practical solutions to complex challenges but have also inspired organizations to embrace accessibility as a core value. To access both resources kindly visit www.bepeoplesmart.co.uk Scope #Awards #ValueCreation #Resource #Accessibility

In late 2021, CASE (Canadian Association for Supported Employment) launched an Innovation Lab dedicated to researching, selecting, testing, analyzing, and developing transformative solutions that facilitate the significant contributions people with disabilities make to the Canadian economy. Collaborating with 20 partners—including service providers, employers, and research institutions—the Innovation Lab aims to explore how innovation can help overcome employment barriers faced by individuals with disabilities and other intersectional challenges. In this webinar, we will share the valuable lessons we have learned, highlighting both successful approaches and those that did not work as expected. Register here: https://lnkd.in/dbNFkW-N [Alt Text: The text in the graphic reads "Joy McKinnon and Shannon Johnson. Wise Webinar Series. Innovating Inclusion. Wednesday May 22 2024 11:00am PST. Register Now] [ID: The two presenters headshots are at the top within circular frames. The text sits on a charcoal grey rounded rectangle and the register now button is bright green. There is a computer screen with people attending a webinar on Zoom in the background of the graphic.] #DisabilityEmployment #BreakingBarriers #WiseWebinars #FreeWebinar #SupportedEmployment #ProfessionalDevelopment Canadian Association For Supported Employment/ Association canadienne de soutien à l'emploi Joy McKinnon Shannon Johnson

Nobody chooses to be born blind, deaf, or with a disability. However, for 1.3 billion people worldwide, this is their reality—one that comes with unique challenges, especially in accessing digital spaces. In 2023, the World Health Organization reported that about 16% of the world’s population—1 in 6 people—live with a significant disability. Although technology has the power to connect us all, for those facing barriers, it can sometimes feel like an impossible mountain to climb. Recently, I learned about Level Access —a company that’s not just advocating for digital accessibility but actively creating it. Level Access is building an inclusive, welcoming digital world where people of all abilities have equal opportunities. From groundbreaking technology to accessibility consulting, Level Access is driving real change. The organization's impact can be seen in industries worldwide, helping organizations make their digital products accessible and giving millions of users a voice they’ve often been denied. Most importantly, Level Access isn't just helping individuals access the web—they’re leveling the playing field in a world that desperately needs it. Imagine a future where a screen reader opens doors to education, a voice command fuels career ambitions, and accessible design allows everyone, without exception, to participate fully. That’s what Level Access is building, one innovation at a time. #DigitalAccessibility #InclusionMatters #DisabilityAwareness #TechForGood

As we eagerly anticipate the Inclusion Conference on June 22nd, 2024, delve into some of our recent publications that explore the inclusion of persons with disabilities in professional workplaces. These insightful reads will intrigue and inspire you to champion diversity and inclusion. 1. Unlocking Potential: A Guide to Becoming a Better Professional as a Person with Disability- https://lnkd.in/d_zgPF7m 2. Labor Market Inclusion: How People with Disabilities Can Thrive in the GIG Economy- https://lnkd.in/dSi6sERU 3. Embracing Diversity: The Profound Benefits of Employing Persons with Disabilities in Organizations- https://lnkd.in/dm2cZHyz Intrigued? Register for the conference now--> https://lnkd.in/dtUQqPyb #inclusion #conference #pwds #hrmanagers #recruitment #manager #diversity #workplace #accessibility

Diversity and inclusion are not just trends—they’re keys to innovation, financial success, and problem-solving. Research has shown that diverse teams are more creative, deliver stronger financial results, and approach challenges from a variety of perspectives, leading to better solutions. By embracing inclusivity, we’re not only meeting societal expectations but unlocking the full potential of our workforce. However, many employers still hesitate to take that first step. Whether it's fear of the unknown, uncertainty about compliance, or concerns about cost, these barriers can hold back real progress. Register today for BioTalent Canada’s webinar Beyond Accommodations: Tapping Into the Talent of Persons with Disabilities, on November 28th, and find out how small, intentional changes can lead to transformative outcomes for your organization.  Be part of the sector’s impactful change—register today! https://lnkd.in/gpP9g6gc Life Sciences Ontario Ontario Disability Employment Network (ODEN)

Global Accessibility Awareness Day takes place on 16th May with an aim to focus attention on digital access and inclusion, making digital products accessible to all, regardless of ability or disability. The 2024 theme is Accessibility for Everyone. It is essential to ensure that people with disabilities can access information, services, and products without any barriers, making their lives easier and more fulfilling. The purpose of accessibility is to remove these barriers and provide equal opportunities for everyone, regardless of their disabilities. This is an ideal opportunity to remind employers of the duty to ensure their Equal Opportunities and Diversity and Inclusion Policies are current, in line with legislative requirements and made available to all employees. For further information on these policies or training on Diversity and Inclusion or any other HR matter, please contact one of our team on 01935411191 or email enquiries@rbhr.co.uk. #hr #humanresources #business #advice #globalaccessibilityawarenessday

🌟 National AccessAbility Week 2024: Celebrating Inclusion and Resilience! 🌟 As someone with an invisible disability, I’m proud to join the movement during National AccessAbility Week (May 26 to June 1) to raise awareness and promote accessibility for all. This year’s theme, “Forward Together: Accessibility and Inclusion for All,” resonates deeply with me. 🌐 Why It Matters: Acknowledging the challenges faced by individuals with accessibility needs is crucial. But it’s equally important to recognize our achievements and contributions. We’re not defined solely by our disabilities; we’re artists, professionals, caregivers, and dreamers. Our resilience and determination propel us forward, breaking down barriers and creating a more inclusive society. 🔗 Join Me: Let’s move “Forward Together” by sharing stories, fostering understanding, and championing accessibility. Together, we can create a world where every voice is heard, every talent is recognized, and every barrier is dismantled. Let’s build a barrier-free Canada—one where everyone thrives. #NAAW2024 #AccessibleCanada #PWD #InclusionMatters #Resilience #NothingAboutUsWithoutUs

As we conclude our pilot year, we are pleased to share the #WeCanWork Co-creation Report! The co-creation sessions were collaborative spaces where young women and men with disabilities played a central role in shaping program interventions that address their needs and aspirations. By engaging directly with policymakers and decision-makers, they identified barriers to workforce inclusion and proposed practical, context-driven solutions to create truly inclusive workplaces. This report is more than a summary; it highlights the importance of centering the voices and agency of young people with disabilities in designing interventions that foster meaningful change. We encourage leaders and partners in the disability inclusion sector to explore the insights and recommendations from these sessions https://lnkd.in/da_ziEmx. Together, we can build a future where all young people with disabilities have access to dignified and fulfilling work opportunities.  #Cocreation #WeCanWork #YoungAfricaWorks