SPARC, Inc.’s Post

📢 “No one should experience violence because of who they are.” Persons with disabilities—especially women, girls, and children—face heightened risks of GBV because of stigma, exclusion, and systemic inequalities. Too often, they remain invisible in programmes and policy discussions, leaving their rights unmet and their safety compromised. The UN Trust Fund to End Violence against Women highlights the urgency of disability-inclusive approaches in GBV prevention and response. From accessible reporting systems to empowering organizations of persons with disabilities (OPDs), we must build pathways to safety and justice for all. On Day 9 of the #16DaysOfActivism—and the International Day of Persons with Disabilities—our message is clear: inclusive solutions are not optional—they’re essential! Together, let’s break barriers and create environments where every person, regardless of ability, can thrive. 🔗 Learn more: https://lnkd.in/dHGKtsCH #LeaveNooneBehind #DisabilityInclusion #EndGBV #HumanRights #EndVAWG #IDPD2024 #UNPRPD #FODSWA #DPMO #UNEswatini UNICEF

A human rights-based approach is essential to promote awareness and advocacy. To empower marginalized groups, Civil Society and human rights bodies must identify and educate them on their rights and help them claim them. For persons with disabilities and LGBTQIA+ individuals, community awareness is crucial as they face exclusion and discrimination in their communities, including in education, employment, and healthcare. These marginalized groups also face barriers to accessing formal financial services such as banking, savings accounts, and credit. Adequate financing for disability-relevant services and support is critical to ensure that these individuals have an equal opportunity to participate in society. Let's continue working towards a world where everyone's rights are respected and protected. #HumanRights #Equality #DiversityandInclusion

🌍 Today, on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, we recognize the importance of fostering inclusion, empowerment, and equal opportunities for people with disabilities. 🌍 This day serves as a reminder that everyone, regardless of ability, deserves to have the chance to thrive. While we celebrate progress, we also acknowledge the work still needed to break down barriers—both physical and societal. 💡 Why is today the perfect day to give a gift? 💡 By supporting a cause or organization, like Bantuhive.com, you are not just giving a gift. You’re offering someone an opportunity—an opportunity to access education, healthcare, and tools that empower them to lead a fulfilling life. You’re helping to create an inclusive world where everyone has equal access to the resources they need to succeed. 🤝 Your support makes an impact, and even a small contribution can go a long way in providing a brighter future for someone with disabilities. Whether it's a donation, spreading awareness, or simply supporting a campaign, today is the day to make that difference. Let’s continue to stand together in our commitment to inclusion. 🌟 #IDPD #InternationalDayofPersonsWithDisabilities #Bantuhive #CrowdfundingForACause #GiftOfInclusion #EmpowerThroughGiving #MakeADifference

PWD can contribute positively to the society, but they are often dismissed and overlooked because we lack the knowledge and understanding of this community. https://lnkd.in/gy_p5bdd We can springboard Diversity, Equality and Inclusion (DEI) from early education. Young children have greater empathy than adults. We must start at a young age, to allow neurotypical kids to mix and mingle with children with special needs Unfortunately, our mainstream education is practicing exclusion by putting PWD children in special class (PPKI). How are we going to narrow the diversity gap if we don’t start creating the awareness and have safe space for children to interact with each other as they grow up? #diversity #equality #inclusion

I am so grateful and proud to be part of Relay Resources led by our CEO, Dr. Jennifer Camota Luebke. Watch the short interview below to learn more about Disability Inclusion and Relay Resources.

Charting the Way Forward Event sold out and attendees were left with ways to implement action in the community through the power of unity, and the strength that comes from diverse voices joining together to advocate for change. Our discussions charted the way for one step forward in the ongoing path toward greater disability awareness and advocacy within the African American community.  United in our efforts, we have the power to pave a new path forward through our collective actions. Sold-Out Success: With 119 global Zoom registrations and a 63% global attendance rate, our event was a testament to the growing interest and commitment to disability advocacy and inclusion. ·         Engagement and Reach: The event enjoyed immense engagement, evidenced by 1,500 event QR code scans, over 30,000 social media impressions, and over 400 website clicks, demonstrating the powerful conversations and connections made. ·         Powerful Conversations: Delved into topics such as the intersectionality of race and disability, systemic barriers to education, employment, and transportation, and the importance of community leadership in advocating for change. [Image Description: Zoom screenshot of Charting the Way Forward Event panelists.. From Left to Right: Jourdan Saunders, Ola Ojewumi, Shameka Andrews, Christopher Johnson, Thomas Reid, Tameka Citchen-Spruce, Interpreter 2, Marc Safman, Neal Carter, Patrick Cokley, Dr. D'Arcee Charington Neal, Jennifer Horsford]. #DisabilityAwareness #DisabilityPride #DisabilityJustice #Representation #Deaf #ASL #AfricanAmerican #Disability #Disabilities #Intersectionality #DeafBlind #Diversity #Equity #DEI #Accessibility #NYCEvents #DCEvents #Workplace #CEO #Leader #Leadership #Business #Inclusion #BlackDisability #InclusiveImpactBranding #TheResourceKey #SafmanConsulting #BlackHistoryMonth #Community #JourdanSpeaks #JourdanConnects #EventsWithJourdan

Inclusion is a Movement: Empowering Children of Determination As we strive for a more inclusive society, let's not forget about the most vulnerable among us - Children of Determination. These incredible individuals deserve the same opportunities, respect, and support as their peers. Inclusion is a movement, not just a moment, because it requires continuous effort and dedication to create a society where everyone belongs. It's about recognizing the value and potential of every child, regardless of their abilities or disabilities. Inclusion is linked to diversity advocacy because it acknowledges that diversity is not just about representation, but also about equity and justice. It's about creating spaces where children of determination can thrive, contribute, and reach their full potential. By embracing inclusion, we can: - Break down barriers and stereotypes - Foster a culture of acceptance and empathy - Provide equal access to education and opportunities - Empower children of determination to become confident, independent, and successful individuals Let's join forces to create a world where every child, regardless of their abilities, can feel seen, heard, and valued. Inclusion is a movement, and together, we can make a difference! #Inclusion #ChildrenOfDetermination #DiversityAdvocacy #Empowerment #Equity #Justice #Belonging

https://lnkd.in/ggbuV6fG My name is Thomas and I am part of the Coventry Youth Activists. We are campaigning to ensure disabled people live a good life especially online. I have been doing a bit of research and came across you. I really like the work you do and wondered if you would like to be on of our allies? We have just created an Ally Pack. The Ally Pack is for organisations to sign up to to find out how they can stand in solidarity with us and our campaign to raise awareness of online disability hate. Hate speech towards disabled people is not only the least reported it is also underreported. This is due to the disabled community feeling they are not always able to stand up for themselves. Some of us feel our voices are not respected. Also we may not have strong networks or connections that can offer support when issues arise online We believe allies can support the disabled community to be empowered. We recognise that at times the voices of the non-disabled are listened to more and we want to tap into this power and potential. The online disabled community is growing but we need more people to stand in solidarity with us Our Ally Pack will give you tools and tips so that you can play an active role in reporting online hate speech towards disabled people You can sign up to our Ally Pack here https://lnkd.in/eW9cZHrF Also could you share it within your workplace and networks. This will really help CYA to grow their allies If you have any questions or thoughts let me know Thomas Ramsey PS you still got time to register to come to the online gathering https://lnkd.in/ggbuV6fG this is a great opportunity for schools colleges businesses over organisations to share my groupies campaign

As disabled people, we often face barriers that change how others see us and our needs. WWDA wants to change that - we believe that everyone should be able to participate in society, education, employment and all aspects of life without needing to ask for accessibility. We want to be part of a more inclusive world for anyone with any ability or disability, which means advocating for accessible forums and environments for everyone. Together, we can make sure everyone is able to live their life in their own design and on their own terms. 🦾💜 [Image Description: This post has a pale purple background, and the purple WWDA logo is in the top-right corner. Large black text reads: "My disability exists not because I use a wheelchair, but because the broader environment isn't accessible." In smaller black text below this, it says this quote was said by "Stella Young. Comedian, journalist and activist." A purple line drawing of a woman with short hair, wearing a vest and pants, and sitting in a wheelchair is featured in the bottom-right corner.] #WWDA #DisabilityAwareness #Inclusion #Accessibility #NothingAboutUsWithoutUs

A very important read on what it means to stand in solidarity. “Although I don’t know that I’ve always used the concept of solidarity to describe this, I’ve always stated that my book and the focus of all the work I do will always center Black Americans because they are the population that has been most harmed by this system, both historically and in the present. I’ve explained that as a gay, Mexican-American man, I could choose to write a book about the harms the system causes to LGBTQ+ children and families, or Latinx children and families, and then also claim a personal identity connection to these groups, but I would never do this because that would de-center those who have been most harmed. While I would not fault someone for writing those books, in my own work, I will always maintain a focus on those who have been most impacted by this system. For me, this is what solidarity is about. There does not need to be a personal identity connection with a population who is being oppressed to understand that their oppression is wrong. We do not need to share a race, a gender, or any other identity with people who are being harmed to understand that ending this harm must take priority, particularly when the harm being inflicted on one population vastly outweighs the harm being inflicted on those with whom we might share an identity. In these situations, our personal identities are not relevant to the work that must be done.” by Alan Dettlaff https://lnkd.in/g9YrR_G8