ImaginAble Solutions’ Post

We’re thrilled to announce that the July 15 kick-off event for the World Vision GESI Disability Forum in Malawi is now open for virtual participation! Register now to join us as an online participant. This in-person and online event, hosted by !World Vision Malawi and open to the public, will connect public sector donors, Malawi government leaders, organizations for persons with disabilities, project implementers, and youth dedicated to promoting inclusive communities. Both online and in-person participants will have the opportunity to hear a keynote address from the Republic of Malawi Ministry of Gender, Community Development, and Social Welfare and participate in interactive sessions featuring key donors, experts, implementers, and youth with disabilities who will share challenges, lessons learned, and valuable resources on: 🔸 disability programming, 🔸 empowering children with disabilities, 🔸 and increasing disability inclusion in fragile contexts, climate action, and emergency response. Breakout sessions on inclusive education, WASH and nutrition, rehabilitation services, and more will provide additional online and in-person opportunities to engage with experts, share ideas, and contribute to meaningful change. Following the public kick-off event, World Vision colleagues and partners will participate in learning and field visits showcasing innovative strategies and planning sessions to identify promising practices for policy revision and program enhancement. World Vision is committed to inclusive education, effective case management, and the empowerment of children with disabilities. Through initiatives like the All Children Reading: A Grand Challenge for Development program and innovative community-based learning solutions, we strive to ensure every child, regardless of their abilities, has access to quality learning opportunities. Our comprehensive case management approach connects children in underserved communities with essential services, leveraging strong partnerships and digital tools. By amplifying the voices of children with disabilities and challenging societal norms, we empower them to achieve their full potential and participate meaningfully in their communities. Register now and be a part of this transformative journey! https://lnkd.in/ebF2RXye @WorldVisionUSA

We’re thrilled to announce that the July 15 kick-off event for the World Vision GESI Disability Forum in Malawi is now open for virtual participation! Register now to join us as an online participant.  This in-person and online event, hosted by World Vision Malawi and open to the public, will connect public sector donors, Malawi government leaders, organizations for persons with disabilities, project implementers, and youth dedicated to promoting inclusive communities. Both online and in-person participants will have the opportunity to hear a keynote address from the Republic of Malawi Ministry of Gender, Community Development, and Social Welfare and participate in interactive sessions featuring key donors, experts, implementers, and youth with disabilities who will share challenges, lessons learned, and valuable resources on:   🔸 disability programming,    🔸 empowering children with disabilities,    🔸 and increasing disability inclusion in fragile contexts, climate action, and emergency response. Breakout sessions on inclusive education, WASH and nutrition, rehabilitation services, and more will provide additional online and in-person opportunities to engage with experts, share ideas, and contribute to meaningful change. Following the public kick-off event, World Vision colleagues and partners will participate in learning and field visits showcasing innovative strategies and planning sessions to identify promising practices for policy revision and program enhancement.  World Vision is committed to inclusive education, effective case management, and the empowerment of children with disabilities. Through initiatives like the All Children Reading: A Grand Challenge for Development program and innovative community-based learning solutions, we strive to ensure every child, regardless of their abilities, has access to quality learning opportunities. Our comprehensive case management approach connects children in underserved communities with essential services, leveraging strong partnerships and digital tools. By amplifying the voices of children with disabilities and challenging societal norms, we empower them to achieve their full potential and participate meaningfully in their communities. Register now and be a part of this transformative journey! https://lnkd.in/ebF2RXye 

Shame on you Ticketmaster and Manchester City Council! How difficult do you want to make it for people with disabilities and accessibility needs to access platform tickets for the Oasis reunion gigs at Heaton Park in 2025? Surely accessibility tickets should be more accessible for the people that need them??!! My best mate who has Motor Neurone Disease and probably a year or 2 left of his life to be able to actually watch and appreciate this gig was online for 6 hours and unable to access any tickets. You need to do better and make it easier for people with disabilities or accessibility needs, not harder. I appreciate there has to be a maximum number of tickets available, but maybe a separate site to access the platform spaces more quickly and an email advising that all tickets are sold out as soon as they are, would be helpful? The people in question have enough struggles in day to day life to be sat on multiple devices for hours trying to access tickets on the “general admission” site?! It’s a disgrace! To be honest Wembley Stadium didn’t do much better as my mate is still waiting for his call back from 11 hours ago! What’s the point of a dedicated phone line if you don’t have enough people to deal with demand and to get back to people who opt for the “call-back” option? You too need to do better!! Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Association #motorneuronedisease Mencap Scope Disability Rights UK

Fifty-one years ago, the U.S. government established one of the largest programs aimed at supporting individuals with disabilities: Supplemental Security Income (SSI). However, an NPR investigation revealed that the program’s outdated and overly complicated regulations often harm the very people it was designed to help, sometimes even endangering their lives. Tabi Haly is a successful software engineer with spinal muscular atrophy who has relied on SSI and Medicaid for nearly 19 years. Despite her accomplishments, a recent notice from the Social Security Administration deemed her ineligible for SSI, putting her health and livelihood at risk. Losing SSI means she could also lose Medicaid, which covers essential services like caregivers and medical equipment, costs she cannot afford without assistance. This situation reveals how the program’s outdated rules can jeopardize the well-being of people with severe disabilities, making it a matter of life and death for many. Unfortunately, SSI isn’t the only service for individuals with disabilities in need of an update. In our forthcoming white paper with Daivergent, we’ll explore the need for a more modern, efficient, and inclusive vocational rehabilitation (VR) system to better connect individuals with disabilities to work opportunities. Stay tuned! https://lnkd.in/gMrPiWQi

Fostering Inclusion and Accessibility for Persons with Disabilities in Society By Mwiba Edwin Executive Director The Sililo Foundation There are several ways to promote inclusion and accessibility for people with disabilities in society, among them: 1. Accessible infrastructure: Ensure buildings, public spaces, and transportation are wheelchair accessible and have adaptive features. 2. Inclusive education: Provide accommodations and support for students with disabilities, promoting equal access to education. 3. Employment opportunities: Encourage hiring and retention of people with disabilities, offering reasonable accommodations and inclusive work environments. 4. Accessible communication: Use clear language, Braille, and sign language, and provide alternative formats for written materials. 5. Disability awareness and education: Organize training and awareness campaigns to combat stigma and promote understanding. 6. Accessible healthcare: Ensure healthcare providers are trained in disability awareness and provide equitable care. 7. Recreational and cultural inclusion: Make cultural events, sports, and recreational activities accessible and inclusive. 8. Legal protections and policy reforms: Enact and enforce laws protecting the rights of people with disabilities, promoting equal opportunities. 9. Supportive technologies: Develop and provide access to assistive technologies, such as prosthetics, wheelchairs, and communication devices. 10. Inclusive representation: Promote representation and participation of people with disabilities in media, politics, and decision-making processes. 11. Community engagement: Encourage social inclusion through community programs, social activities, and volunteer opportunities. 12. Disability-specific support services: Provide specialized services, such as sign language interpreters, personal assistants, and mental health support. Remember, inclusion is an ongoing process that requires continuous effort and commitment from individuals, organizations, and society as a whole.

This weeks 🤓 Wisen You Up Wednesday 🤓 was a YEAR in the making! We are revamping our info resources on the Housing Hub website to make it easier for people with disabilities and their supporters to navigate the housing journey. We're calling it a ‘Housing Roadmap’. 🏠🗺️ This roadmap has been co-designed with people with disabilities over the past year and as part of the project, we're offering 20 FREE online information sessions/workshops for people with disabilities and their supporters. 🎉 Interested in having a session for your organisation's customers or team? We can deliver these in late July or August. 🔹 **Who’s it for?** People with disabilities, professional supporters, or both. 🔹 **Format?** Online only 🔹 **Public sessions available** 🔹 **Showcasing** the roadmap, showing resources, and guiding action through its use. If you'd like a session for your team or customers, let us know! 💪 #WisenYouUpWednesday #HousingHub #DisabilitySupport #NDIA #HousingJourney #CoDesign #FreeWorkshops #InclusiveHousing #SupportCoordinators #CommunitySupport

INTRODUCTION @theiredefoundation The IREDE Foundation is a not-for-profit organization that inspires action so that child amputees, their families and caregivers can live independent and limitless lives. ABOUT OUT ON A LIMB (OOAL) OOAL is a 2-kilometre disability awareness walk that takes place simultaneously in various locations in the world; aimed at Educating society on the urgent demand for better management of limb loss, fractures, limb differences, and social inclusion of persons with disabilities. In the last 10 years, through OOAL, we have led conversations across 50 locations with a direct reach of over 18,000 people and an indirect reach of over 10 million people globally. The advocacy walk gives us the opportunity to (i) Raise awareness about Limb loss, (ii) Increase top-of-mind awareness about the foundation and the support available for our target stakeholders, and (iii) Fundraise to empower child amputees. In the last decade, OOAL as it is fondly called is one of the initiatives that has helped us access child amputees nationwide in need of prosthetic limbs. In the last decade, we have empowered child amputees with over Five Hundred (500) prosthetics across the six (6) geo-political zones in Nigeria, simultaneously giving their families a new lease of life while the children are able to go back to school. OOAL 2024 This year’s Walk will hold across 60 Locations in the world simultaneously, with the theme “CELEBRATING EVERY STEP”. This year, we celebrate the unique strengths, journeys and achievements of Persons With Disabilities (PWDs). We also recognize and honour the progress, resilience and determination of everyone who has made and keeps making efforts towards accessibility and promoting an inclusive society. When you lead the walk, you are walking to promote inclusion for; (i) children with disabilities, (ii) youths with disabilities, (iii) the community of persons with disabilities, and (iv) caregivers of persons with disabilities. We urge you to join the cause and raise our voices to support child amputees and Persons With Disabilities. CELEBRATING EVERY STEP @theiredefoundation @febidahosa @biuleaders @biu_nigeria

Dealing with people with disabilities within faith communities: In early times, people with disabilities often begged on the outskirts of cities for healing and/or forgiveness. The open question today is: How has the attitude in faith communities towards persons with disabilities changed over the centuries? The reality is that persons with disabilities are still, to a large extent, excluded on many levels, including religious affiliations. Persons with disabilities are often still known by the labels they are given. (e.g., "special needs children," "differently abled persons") rather than simply referring to them as persons with disabilities. They are often viewed as members of a separate community of disabled people, rather than as an integral part of wider society. Faith communities should take the lead when it comes to promoting relationships between non-disabled people and persons with disabilities. Consequently, friendships will arise as everyone can spontaneously participate in shared activities based on common interests over a sustained period of time. Faith communities must also strive to make their services, products, programs, and environments accessible. This will ensure that individuals with physical, psychosocial, intellectual, neurological, and sensory impairments receive the support necessary to participate in the full range of available parish activities, such as worship services, small groups, community activities, service opportunities, and event opportunities. Disability is imposed by society when persons with impairments are excluded. How accessible is your place of worship to the diverse needs persons who have impairments? For a sensitisation session on disability, access assessment, and more, contact Erica at awareness@wcapd.org.za Erica du Toit

Tennessee is taking a bold step forward with its Technology First Initiative, a transformative strategy aimed at integrating technology into every aspect of service delivery for individuals with disabilities. This initiative reflects a forward-thinking approach that prioritizes the use of cutting-edge technology to enhance independence, improve quality of life, and create more inclusive communities. What is the Technology First Initiative? The Technology First Initiative positions technology as the primary consideration in service planning for individuals with disabilities. The goal is to leverage innovative tools—ranging from smart home devices to assistive technology and beyond—to support people in living more independently, staying connected, and achieving their personal goals. Why It Matters: 1. Empowering Independence: Technology can significantly enhance the ability of individuals with disabilities to manage daily tasks, communicate, and participate in community life. By prioritizing tech solutions, Tennessee is empowering individuals to take control of their own lives. 2. Expanding Opportunities: From education to employment, technology opens doors to new opportunities. The initiative aims to reduce barriers, ensuring that everyone has access to the resources they need to thrive. 3. Promoting Inclusion: Technology can bridge gaps, fostering greater inclusion in both social and economic activities. Tennessee’s focus on technology first is a step toward creating a more inclusive society where everyone can contribute and participate fully. 4. Cost-Effective Solutions: Leveraging technology can also lead to more efficient service delivery, optimizing resources and reducing costs while still providing high-quality support. How It’s Being Implemented: Tennessee is working with stakeholders—including individuals with disabilities, families, service providers, and technology experts—to identify the best tools and practices. Training and resources are being developed to ensure that technology is accessible and effectively integrated into service plans. A Model for Other States: Tennessee’s Technology First Initiative sets a powerful example for other states to follow. By prioritizing technology, the state is not only enhancing the lives of individuals with disabilities but also driving innovation in service delivery that could reshape the future of care across the country. If you’re passionate about technology, innovation, or disability rights, now is the time to engage with this groundbreaking initiative. Whether through advocacy, partnership, or simply spreading the word, we can all play a role in supporting this visionary approach.

🏘️ Insights into Independent Living for People with Disabilities 🙌 As an industry expert in Special Needs Housing, I found the recent article "Independent Living for People with Disabilities" to be a thought-provoking piece that sheds light on the challenges and opportunities in our field. The article highlights the significant barriers individuals with disabilities face when seeking independent living, such as the lack of accessible housing and limited financial resources. This aligns with the current industry trend of increasing demand for affordable, adaptable housing solutions. One notable point is the emphasis on home ownership as a more viable option for individuals with disabilities compared to the rental market. This underscores the need for our industry to focus on creating more accessible housing stock and providing support for home modifications. The article also explores various community-based options, such as in-home caregivers and Medicaid-supported services, which play a crucial role in enabling individuals with disabilities to maintain their autonomy. As industry professionals, we must advocate for the expansion and improvement of these services to meet the growing demand. Furthermore, the mention of federal law protecting the right of individuals with disabilities to live in their communities highlights the legal framework we operate within. However, the lengthy waiting lists for Medicaid-supported services in many states underscore the need for systemic changes and increased funding. This article serves as a reminder of the critical work we do in the Special Needs Housing industry. It is our responsibility to innovate, collaborate, and push for policies that break down barriers and create more inclusive, accessible communities. I encourage my fellow industry professionals to share their thoughts and experiences on this topic. By engaging in meaningful discussions, we can identify best practices, forge partnerships, and drive the change needed to ensure everyone has access to the housing and support they need to thrive. Let's continue to be advocates for independent living and work towards a future where individuals with disabilities have the opportunity to live life on their own terms. 💪 #SpecialNeedsHousing #IndependentLiving #Accessibility #CommunityInclusion