Opening Statement:
Being of a person with several disabilities, I often take the time out on social media to read about and follow key and up and coming disabled influencers within the very large and growing disabled community. One can say, these influencers are inspiring to others of embracing their disability, accomplishments, succeeding in earning well-respected livings, and gaining huge amounts of followers on various social media platforms. Disability advocates also play a very important loud needed voice and role in speaking out to our government and legislative officials on behalf of all individuals who are disabled. These advocates use various social media as well to advocate. They also provide public speaking at seminars, webinars, discussing inclusion and diversity within the disability community. On any given day, they show very little signs of ever giving up on the big cause e.g., “Disability Rights” and the formation of future and emended laws to help the very often-overlooked individuals with disabilities in the community and workplace.
What Influencers and Advocates/Activists Do
· Either if their disabilities are physical, blindness, hearing, mental disorders, developmental, on the spectrum, etc., the influencers and advocates share the same important goal…to proudly put their disability up front and center and spread the word that there is no need to shrivel up and hide every day because of having a disability. You need to get up every morning, get dressed, embrace what you have, make the best of it, and rise above it.
· In most cases, influencers and advocates speak out telling their stories about growing up and living life in a wheelchair and how this obstacle has not stopped them from succeeding, being blind or deaf and trying to navigate a world that was not designed for them, having intellectual & developmental deficiencies in the community and workplace, living life with a chronic illness, and dealing with socialization challenges that can compromise their advancement and opportunities in the workplace.
· Disabled influencers have YouTube channels, Instagram, TikTok, and/or Podcasts sharing with their followers many of the interests they have, careers they work in, showing various tutorials on makeup, fashion for people with disabilities, fashion trends, sharing important media analysis, and much more.
Closing Statement and Looking into the Months Ahead:
There are so many respected disabled individuals, famous celebrities, government law officials, and proud parents that speak out and have an important idea or cause that they want to achieve and share with the non-disabled public. Moving forward, I will be adding to my weekly blog articles on disabled influencers and advocates that have made their mark on inspiring all of us on and off social media. I will continue writing about global and national disability awareness’s, health & wellness, healthy and fun recipes. This fall myself and the Education & Advocacy team at Moceans’ Center for Independent Living are excited to announce we will be presenting virtual “Strength & Stretch,” and “Chair Yoga,” instructional classes with respected and trained instructors. I am currently working on finding a guest speaker to discuss nutrition and diet to provide helpful tips and alternatives with healthier eating. Additionally, I am hoping to find a floral designer to teach flower arranging which is a great exercise for eye and hand coordination that can help with those who need ongoing occupational therapy. I will also continue writing about my personal progress in and out of the workplace, community, and dealing with a social life as a person with a disability. Please feel free to contact me with any questions, comments on my articles, or upcoming programs starting this fall. If there is something you would like me to write about, please let me know, and I will share your idea with my manager. If you haven’t done so already, please sign up to receive the Moceans’ “Weekly Happenings Newsletter” to keep you updated on all news, stories, and event programs we offer.
Source of Information: Various Google and Social Media Searches
Until Next Week, Stay Safe and Well!
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