Disability Belongs

Neurodiversity and neurodivergence may feel like buzz words that are thrown around, but what do they mean, and why does it matter? At 6 p.m. ET on March 22nd, neurodivergent experts from Disability Belongs™ will share their own perspectives on what it means to be neurodivergent, why authentic representation of neurodivergence is necessary, and how employers, educators, and allies can foster and cultivate an inclusive environment where big brain energy can thrive. This webinar is part of the 2025 BRIC Summit. Register: https://lnkd.in/eRSvrAjZ

Recent and far-reaching rhetoric has brought to light yet again some of the most popular misconceptions about autism. In line with Disability Belongs™’ mission to fight stigmas and advance opportunities, we want to ensure that harmful language and misunderstandings about disability, neurodivergence, and autism do not continue to spread unchecked in society. Here are some common myths about autism and some of the facts you should know: https://lnkd.in/e78EVjGY

Learn more about "Disposable Humanity," "Complicated," "Contours," "Witness," and "Iron Lung," five films which screened at the 2025 Slamdance Film Festival that were created by disabled people and/or feature disability in the plot: https://lnkd.in/e6z9rE29

What is at stake for disabled people if Texas v. Becerra leads to the elimination of Section 504? We could lose essential protections against discrimination in healthcare, employment, education, public services, and community living. This case could also set a dangerous precedent, putting other civil rights laws – including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) – at risk. Public pressure can make a difference! Contact your Attorney General today and urge them to publicly oppose Texas v. Becerra. Visit https://lnkd.in/eSr66Mb4 for all of the information you need.

When you donate to Disability Belongs™, you help us eliminate barriers that hold people with disabilities back and redefine harmful narratives. Your support enables us to promote progress by placing individuals with lived disability experience in leadership positions across various fields, including in major companies, public agencies, faith communities, and impactful nonprofit organizations. This ensures authentic representation and equal opportunities for visibility in entertainment, media, public policy, and all aspects of community. Here are four easy ways you can support our work! Image Description: Disability Belongs trademarked logo with blue and green overlapping droplet shapes. Borders of the graphic are blue, green, teal, and yellow. Text reads How To Support Our Work. 1) Donate Online. Head to Give.DisabilityBelongs.org to give securely using credit cards, PayPal, Venmo, Google Pay, or Apple Pay. 2) Facebook Giving. Support us directly through https://lnkd.in/g8FQWBin. 3) Send by Mail. Prefer a check? Mail it to Disability Belongs, 43 Town & Country Drive, Suite 119-181, Fredericksburg, VA 22405. 4) Shop with Purpose. Each purchase from https://lnkd.in/gUswVhpZ helps fund our programs and spreads the message that everyone belongs.

This week, the Ensuring Nationwide Access to Better Life Experience (ENABLE) Act was introduced in Congress. This bipartisan bill would make permanent three key provisions related to ABLE (Achieving a Better Life Experience) accounts – tax-free savings and investment accounts that allow disabled people to build financial security without jeopardizing their eligibility for essential federal benefits like Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income. The ENABLE Act has broad, bipartisan support in both the Senate and House, underscoring the urgent need to remove financial barriers that limit opportunities and independence for disabled people. Disability Belongs™ supports this bill and will continue to keep our community informed as it moves forward. Stay tuned for further developments!

The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) is a vital law that helps people with disabilities to gain skills, find meaningful work, and achieve economic independence. However, WIOA expired in 2020 and is currently funded through temporary extensions. Congress must act now to strengthen and reauthorize this critical legislation! Learn how you can take action now at https://lnkd.in/e4FQQDEg – 5-10 minutes of your time could make a big difference!

We're thrilled to be able to share more information about our 11 Fellows for Spring 2025! We are so proud of all they have already accomplished, and look forward to seeing what they will do next. Read all of their bios at https://lnkd.in/dxF5xS9C

We want to celebrate your accomplishments at the 2025 Disability Impact Awards! Recipients of the Annual Ben Spangenberg and Justin Chappell Memorial Award and the Annual Steve Bartlett Award will be recognized during an in-person reception in Washington, D.C. this summer, and will be awarded $1,000. Time is running out – get your application in before March 12th to be considered! All of the information you need is at https://lnkd.in/d2vSrg2t

For too long, Hollywood has treated accessibility as an afterthought— but what happens when we start using it to fuel better storytelling, stronger productions, and bigger audiences? Tomorrow, February 22nd, at 1:45 p.m. PT, our CEO Ariel Simms will be participating in a FWD-Doc panel at Slamdance, along with Marissa Bode (Wicked), Juliet Romeo (Slamdance Unstoppable), Natasha Ofili (The Politician), Kaitlyn Yang (Alpha Studios), and moderator Jim LeBrecht (Crip Camp). The live panel will take place at Panasonic LUMIX Theater at Quixote Studios in Los Angeles and tickets to join live are free. Get tickets here: https://lnkd.in/eXgx6tEZ The panel will also be livestreamed by LA Times Studios directly to the LA Times Homepage (www.latimes.com), in front of the paywall, ensuring accessibility to everyone. We hope you can join in person or check out the livestream!