WE ROAR Magazine April 2024 - Magazine - Page 37
EMBRACING OUR DISABILITIES:
THE JOURNEY TOWARDS VISIBILITY AND INCLUSION
By: Puneet Singh Singhal ~ Billion Strong
In our quest for an inclusive society, the disability
community faces a pivotal challenge: to come out
about our disabilities, whether visible or invisible, to
become discoverable and help others to include us.
The act of proudly disclosing our lived experiences,
while daunting in a world often marked by
discrimination, is a crucial step towards
transformative change.
The Power of Visibility: When people with
disabilities share their stories, they do more than
narrate personal experiences; they reshape societal
perceptions, challenge stereotypes, and foster a
more inclusive environment. This visibility serves as
a beacon of solidarity and strength, signaling to
others in the disability community that they are not
alone. It's about claiming our space in the societal
narrative, asserting our rights, and showcasing the
diversity of the disability experience.
The Courage to Share: Despite the real and valid
fear of discrimination, every shared story chips away
at the barriers of ignorance and stigma. This isn't
just about individual bravery; it's about systemic
change. By becoming more visible, we compel
institutions, companies, and policymakers to
recognize and address the unique challenges faced
by people with disabilities.
Understanding the Scope of Hidden Disabilities:
While we know that 1.3 to 1.7 billion people live
with disabilities globally, the proportion with hidden
disabilities is less clear. These disabilities, including
mental health issues, chronic illnesses, and
neurological disorders, are often underreported and
misdiagnosed due to stigma, discrimination, or lack
of awareness. This underreporting highlights the
need for increased awareness and evolving
definitions of what constitutes a hidden disability.
The Road Ahead: The journey towards a more
inclusive society requires the collective effort
of us all. By embracing our stories with pride,
we are advocating not just for ourselves but
for future generations. Let's continue to build a
world where diversity in all its forms is
celebrated.
The disability community's goal to be openly
proud of our disabilities, visible or invisible, is a
powerful and necessary step towards
inclusion and recognition. By doing so, we not
only empower ourselves but also pave the
way for a more understanding and inclusive
world.
We have our Global Advisors and Country
Partners from over 120+ Countries already
and we are aiming to include every single
country in our Global Movement.
Connect with Billion Strong &
Debra Ruh here:
Websites
www.billion-strong.org
https://www.ruhglobal.com/
LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/company/billio
n-strong/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/debraruh/
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