#InclusionMatters

[fastenoffyal]

"Amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future"

December 3 is the International Day for Persons with Disabilities. This day promotes an understanding of disability issues, and mobilizes support for the dignity, rights, and well-being of people with disabilities. We're big into this kind of support - it's one of the principles (perhaps the most crucial principle!) upon which our event was founded. Accessibility - true accessibility - is so much more than wheelchair ramps and alt text on webpage images. We encourage everybody to learn more. To that end, we're highlighting some terrific relevant resources, including resources related to the fibre arts, and some links to help you search for makers with disabilities.

The UN's webpage on the IDPD

Accessibility resources from Accessibility Services Canada (tons of great resources linked to from here)

W3C's Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0

Accessibility & inclusivity articles from Digits & Threads

Why accessibility is important in the crafting world

Accessibility resources from experts and PWD

Return on Disability's 2024 annual report

FOYAL 2024 participating designers with disabilities

Yarn Database's designer search (you can filter for designers with disabilities)

[lemanneric34]

Fuel Matthew's Journey for Autism Acceptance

Hi, I'm Matthew Kenslow, an advocate for Autism Awareness and Inclusion, using my journey to inspire and educate. Living with Autism, I’ve faced misunderstandings and challenges but turned them into opportunities to advocate for kindness and acceptance. I’ve written two books: Juggling the Issues, sharing the ups and downs of Autism, and Unstoppable, detailing my journey as a substitute teacher often called the ""best sub.""

Through assemblies in Orange County schools, I’ve reached nearly 9,000 students, engaging them with juggling, science, and personal stories that leave lasting impressions. I never charge for these events to ensure every school can access my message. Additionally, I share daily inspiration on social media, growing a global audience through my videos and interviews featured on outlets like Newsweek and ABC7 Los Angeles.

However, to expand this mission further, I need help covering costs for professional PR and outreach, which have proven impactful but are costly. Your support, through donations or simply sharing my work, can help me reach millions more and continue changing lives. Thank you for considering being part of this mission.

https://gofund.me/21b75fe6

[planet-gay-comic]

Come to our fraternity

The situation for homosexual men has improved in many parts of the world in recent decades, but there are still significant variations depending on the country and region. In some countries, significant progress has been made to promote the rights and equality of homosexual men, while in others, discrimination and persecution still occur.

In many Western countries, homosexual men now have legal protections and equal rights. Same-sex marriage or civil partnerships are recognized in many countries, and anti-discrimination laws protect against discrimination based on sexual orientation. Additionally, homosexual men in many countries have the right to adopt children or form their own families.

However, challenges and obstacles remain. Homophobia, stigma, and prejudice continue to exist in many societies. In some countries, homosexual acts are still criminalized, and homosexual men may face discrimination, violence, or social exclusion.

The recognition and acceptance of homosexual men also vary significantly across different cultural, religious, and social contexts. In some conservative or religiously influenced societies, homosexual men are still stigmatized and discriminated against.

It is important to note, however, that progress is being made. LGBT+ rights are increasingly recognized and supported worldwide, and there is growing visibility and acceptance of homosexual men in many areas of public life. Organizations and activists continue to work towards combating homophobia, protecting the rights of homosexual men, and creating an inclusive society where every person is respected regardless of their sexual orientation.

The situation for homosexual men is complex and multifaceted, and it differs from country to country. It is important to acknowledge the progress that has been made but also to continue fighting for full equality and recognition of homosexual men in order to create a fair and inclusive society. (Chat GPT-3.5)

[drblied]

Autism in Individuals Assigned Female at Birth (AFAB)

Autism in individuals assigned female at birth (AFAB)—including women, girls, non-binary, and trans-masculine individuals—is frequently underdiagnosed. Research reveals that as many as 80% of autistic AFAB individuals remain undiagnosed by age 18. Their symptoms often manifest differently than those seen in individuals assigned male at birth (AMAB), leading to delayed or missed diagnoses.

Recognizing the distinct signs of autism in AFAB individuals and offering appropriate support is crucial. This topic is explored in depth in Autism in Girls: Why Signs of Neurodivergence Are Overlooked by Karen Saporito, PhD, published by ADDitude Magazine, which informed this newsletter.

Autism in AFAB Individuals

Desire for Social Connection: AFAB individuals with autism frequently have a strong desire to build social connections. In order to navigate social spaces, they may engage in masking—adopting neurotypical behaviors to blend in—which, while making their challenges less apparent, can be mentally exhausting. Furthermore, many experience heightened rejection sensitivity, which can intensify the emotional impact of social interactions.

Consequences of Masking: Masking can contribute to increased anxiety, diminished self-esteem, and challenges in forming authentic relationships. Additionally, it can complicate clinical evaluations, leading to delays in diagnosis and access to support and resources.

Restricted and Repetitive Behaviors: AFAB individuals may engage in repetitive behaviors in more subtle ways, such as finger tapping or hair twirling, compared to AMAB individuals. Their special interests may also be more socially conventional, such as a focus on animals or celebrities, rather than the more overt fixations often observed in AMAB individuals.

Myths About Autism

To effectively identify autism in AFAB individuals, it’s crucial to understand the myths surrounding it. Below is a list of common myths and the corresponding truths, as outlined by Dr. Saporito:

Supporting Neurodivergent AFAB Individuals

Early Detection: Identifying autism early is essential for providing tailored support and minimizing feelings of shame or uncertainty.

Routine & Structure: Consistent routines help alleviate anxiety and support smoother transitions.

Support Emotional Regulation: Teaching coping techniques like mindfulness, healthy stimming, and breathing exercises enable better management of emotional challenges.

Adopt a Neurodiversity-Affirming Approach: Celebrating the strengths of neurodivergent individuals fosters self-confidence, empowers self-advocacy, and encourages a positive sense of identity.

I provide formal assessments for Autism and ADHD for individuals ages 8-48 in California, both in-person and online (my online assessment option is for ages 18+). For more information, and to check your PPO insurance reimbursement benefits with the Mentaya tool, please visit my website.

I also encourage you to explore these tools to promote your well-being:

Empowerment Through Understanding Modules: Dive deeper into ADHD and Autism with this online course to improve self-awareness, self-advocacy, and personal growth. Learn more here.

AuDHD Strong App: A helpful app for neurodivergent individuals with tools for organization, task management, and self-care. Download it today from the App Store or the Google Play Store!

Faces of Health App: This app offers valuable mental health and well-being resources. Download it today from the App Store or the Google Play Store!

For more valuable insights, I encourage you to explore my blog at https://drblied.com/blog/. For a selection of wellness resources, please visit the resources page on my website at https://drblied.com/resources/.

Reference

Saporito, K. (2025). Autism in girls: Why signs of neurodivergence are overlooked. ADDitude Magazine. https://www.additudemag.com/autism-in-girls/?ecd=wnl_additude_250123_cons_adhd_treatment&goal=0_d9446392d6-0d1a445a20-301885002

[riomed2]

Albinism is a rare genetic disorder where the body produces little to no melanin. Melanin is a chemical that is responsible for the pigmentation (colour) of the skin, hair, and eyes. Melanin is also involved in the development and functioning of the eyes and as a result, people with albinism may have vision problems.  

[dheepk]

[hrtechnology25]

"Empower your workplace with inclusive practices! 🌍 Discover how feedback surveys can drive diversity and belonging. Follow for more insightful infographics! 📊

[disabilityhorizons]

#RightsOnFlights : New Campaign for Airlines to take better care of Disabled Passengers and their Mobility Equipment

Disability Rights UK, a disabled TV presenter named Sophie Morgan, disabled entrepreneur Josh Wintersgill and MP Marion Fellows have started a new campaign for better care of disabled people and their essential equipment taken onboard by aircraft staff. They want the UK government to give the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) the power to fine airlines and other groups if they don’t take good care of disabled passengers and their mobility equipment during flights.

Sophie, who uses a wheelchair and travels internationally for her work on TV, began the campaign after her wheelchair and special front-wheel BATEC system were destroyed on a flight from Los Angeles to London. The campaign is called “Rights on Flights” and it wants airlines and others to be responsible for any damage to wheelchairs or essential mobility devices. It also asks them to help disabled passengers without delay and provide the support they need.

Watch Sophie Morgan on Loose Women Launch the Rights On Flights Campaign

https://youtu.be/Cg8OBnRQslk

In the video, Sophie discusses a new campaign called the “Rights on Flights” campaign that aims to address the issues faced by disabled travelers when flying. The long-term goal is to redesign aircraft so that wheelchair users can travel in their chair, similar to how train travel is made accessible. However, the short-term goal is to ask the government to give the civil aviation authority the power to impose fines when any of the parties involved in air travel, such as airlines or handlers, fail disabled people. This is to ensure that there are consequences for any damage to equipment or failure to provide appropriate assistance, which will hopefully discourage this behavior in the future. Disabled travelers share their horror stories in the video, such as being left on board for too long or having their equipment damaged, and the campaign aims to put a stop to these abuses.

Key Goals Of #RightsOnFlights

The campaign’s goals:

Hold airlines and other actors accountable for damage to wheelchairs or essential mobility devices.

Ensure that disabled passengers are not left on flights for a prolonged period once the flight has landed.

Ensure that disabled passengers receive adequate assistance despite prior knowledge of their needs.

The campaign will highlight the challenges that disabled travelers face when flying and the need for change in the aviation industry.

The CAA’s rules for accessible air travel are not enough to make sure that airlines and others take responsibility when things go wrong. Sophie thinks that this campaign is a short-term solution to a long-standing problem. She wants a big change in the airline industry, so disabled people can feel as confident as non-disabled people when they travel by air.

MP Marion Fellows has asked the Prime Minister and other lawmakers to support the campaign. Everyone can join in by going to the Disability Rights UK Rights On Flights campaign page and writing to their MP. The campaign is using the hashtag #RightsOnFlights on social media.

My Experience of Airplane Wheelchair Damage

We were very lucky that the damage happened on our RETURN journey or it could have ruined our holiday

During our recent holiday trip to Port De Soller, Majorca, my wife Clare’s Electric Invacare wheelchair got damaged on our return flight with Jet 2. The motherboard to the controller was hit and misaligned. We had to wait for almost an hour to get an “insurance number” from a Jet 2 representative. We were already exhausted and wanted to get home and this caused problems for the wheelchair taxi we booked to pick us up. We had a huge amount of anxiety that the chair would not work or suddenly malfunction. I’ve seen a friend’s wheelchair controller fail and start to drive her into a wall before!

The next day, I took the wheelchair to our local dealer, Bromakin, to be repaired. Luckily there was no electrical damage and they only charged £40 to repair it. Given the circumstances, we chose not to file an insurance claim, since there are only so many battles you can tackle at once and like most people, we have a lot going on in our lives!

We were also fortunate that the damage happened on our way back home, if it had happened on the way there it would have ruined our holiday. We were upset and couldn’t understand why people could be so careless with someone’s wheelchair. It shows a lack of knowledge and respect by the baggage handling staff who clearly need more training about how vital disability equipment is to people’s lives.

How to take part in the Rights on Flights Campaign

People are being urged to write a letter to their MP to help the campaign. I have created a template here:

[Your Name] [Your Address] [City, Postcode] [Date] [Member of Parliament’s Name] [House of Commons] [London, SW1A 0AA]

Dear [MP’s Name],

I am writing to you to express my concern about the challenges faced by disabled passengers when traveling by air. As you may be aware, the Rights on Flights campaign has been launched to ensure that disabled passengers have equal access to air travel.

I believe that it is important that the UK government takes action to address the challenges faced by disabled passengers when traveling by air. Some of the challenges include the lack of adequate facilities at airports, poor treatment of disabled passengers by some airline staff, lack of clear policies by some airlines on the treatment of disabled passengers and their equipment, and extra charges for the assistance required by disabled passengers when traveling by air.

I urge you to take action to address these challenges and support the Rights on Flights campaign. Specifically, I ask that you consider:

Encouraging the UK government to introduce regulations that require airlines to have clear policies on the treatment of disabled passengers and their equipment.

Encouraging the UK government to provide funding for airports to improve their facilities for disabled passengers.

Encouraging the UK government to introduce regulations that prevent airlines from charging extra for the assistance required by disabled passengers when traveling by air.

Supporting the monitoring of the treatment of disabled passengers by airlines and airports by the UK Civil Aviation Authority.

I believe that by taking action on these issues, the UK government can help to create a more inclusive environment for all passengers, including those with disabilities.

Thank you for taking the time to read my letter. I look forward to hearing from you on this important issue.

Yours sincerely,

[Your Name]

Add a paragraph about your own experiences if you are able.

Longer post here

[vaibhavpropertiesdelhincr]

[luckypapersong]

Babsi Ballo once said, and I find this phrase quite beautiful: "In the diversity of flowers lies the beauty of the garden; so it is with humanity and being transgender. Each soul enriches the whole, and in the acceptance of each individual, the world finds its true harmony."

[natepatton177]

🌈 Embracing gender🌈

✨Where diversity is the heartbeat of progress gender non-conformity stands as a beautiful testament to the limitless spectrum of identity. Today, let's celebrate the courage, resilience, and authenticity of those who challenge societal norms and redefine what it means to be true to oneself.✨

✨ Tip 1: Embrace Individuality

Encourage self-expression and celebrate uniqueness. Let go of preconceived notions and allow everyone the freedom to explore and express their gender identity in a way that feels authentic to you and them.

✨Tip 2: Educate and Advocate

Knowledge is power. Take the time to educate yourself and others about gender non-conformity, using inclusive language also understanding the experiences of those who identify outside of the gender binary. Stand up for their rights and support initiatives that promote inclusivity and equality for all.

✨Tip 3: Create Safe Spaces

Foster an environment of acceptance and respect in your community, workplace, and social circles. Create safe spaces where individuals of all gender expressions can feel comfortable being themselves without fear of judgment or discrimination.

✨Tip 4: Amplify Voices

Listen to and amplify the voices of gender non-conforming individuals. Share their stories, experiences, and achievements. By amplifying their voices, we all can break down stereotypes, challenge societal norms, and create a more inclusive world for everyone.

✨ Tip 5: Spread Love and Kindness

Above all, let's spread love, kindness, and acceptance. Support, uplift, and affirm those who identify as gender non-conforming. Together, let's create a world where everyone can live their truth without fear, embracing the beauty of diversity in all its forms. 🌈❤️🧡💛💚💙💜🤎🖤🏳️‍🌈🌈

[hitshirtsusstore2000]

We Can’t All Be Neurotypical Karen T-Shirt Hoodie

[planet-gay-comic]

Today, the CSD (Christopher Street Day) is taking place in many cities, including Zurich. I wish everyone a fantastic CSD celebration!

[bizessenceaustralia]

International Women in Engineering Day 

Bizessence proudly recognizes the invaluable contributions of women engineers in the field of business consultancy. Their exceptional skills and strategic insights drive innovation, foster growth, and transform organizations. On this #internationalwomeninengineeringday , we honor these extraordinary women, acknowledging their unwavering dedication and expertise. At Bizessence, we strive to create an inclusive #environment that embraces diversity, empowering women to excel in business consultancy. Together, we engineer a future where women thrive, making an indelible impact on the world of business and beyond.

https://bizessence.com.au/

[dudejaxon]

I am so good at looking fake happy its scary. Like suicide looks like this, if you had never read my online stuff a person could really think I was living such a happy life. What a crazy thought.

[stingscustom]

What’s the best thing about being part of the Dogecoin community? It's more than just memes and crypto; it's about inclusivity and celebrating who we are—our quirks, our identities, and our passions. If you’ve ever felt out of place, this is a space where you truly belong. How has Dogecoin made you feel connected? Share your experiences! #HODL #DOGE #CryptoFuture