Featuring: Haley Moss – Born July 31, 1994
Opening Statement:
While conducting my research and gathering the many highlights and accomplishments of the life so far of Haley Moss, I realized once again that whatever disability one may have, either if you are male or female, you just need to say “NO” I don’t want to be one of the “Normal” told stories, statistics, or the textbook explanation on the limitations associated and outlined in every description of a disability diagnosis. For so long, people with disabilities have been trying to fit in with society, community, and the workplace. Maybe its time for the “Normal and Perfect” people to fit in with the disability community and really become educated about us! With various assistance, and personal dedication…we can do just about anything!
Background and Current Advocacies:
· Haley Moss was diagnosed with Autism at age three and is the first documented openly autistic attorney admitted to The Florida Bar. Presently, she is a nonpracticing attorney after leaving her position as a Florida lawyer with the main purpose to dedicate her life advocating for neurodiversity and to make the world a more inclusive and accessible place for people with disabilities.
· At a very young age, Haley’s parents were told that she might not ever finish high school or earn a driver's license.
· Today she is a lawyer, neurodiversity expert, keynote speaker, educator, and the author of four books that guide neurodivergent individuals through professional and personal challenges. Haley is also a consultant to top corporations and nonprofits that seek her guidance in creating a diverse workplace, and a sought-after commentator on disability rights and the Americans with Disabilities Act.
· Haley received her Juris Doctor from the University of Miami School of Law in 2018 and graduated from the University of Florida in 2015 with her B.S. in Psychology and B.A. in Criminology.
· Haley focuses as an activist involving in education, consultant on neurodiversity at work, the Americans with Disabilities Act, autism, wage disparities on women with disabilities, and other disability topics.
An Interesting Memory and Statement:
Haley noted in an article written about her in the Columbian Missourian in April 2022, “When I got to law school at orientation, I had a professor tell me I was taking the seat of someone with more life experience”. Haley also explained how people who are diagnosed with neurological disorders are not typically accepted as “normal” members of society. She stated in this article that “It’s rooted in ableism, which really comes from this belief that neurodivergent people are broken and need to be fixed to act more neurotypical.”
Closing Statement:
As I have always stated and written about in past articles, the disability community keeps on growing and more information about various disability updates are being published every day. There is an important unique purpose and role with all of us in life, workplace, and in the community as we want and have been achieving many accomplishments. Living independently is just one of the many achievable goals as well as financial independence, and continued education to those seeking it. Fact, yes there are many people with disabilities that receive and need government financial support, either full or partial assistance. Some of us are lucky enough to obtain and hold various jobs, (part-time or full-time) or do volunteer work within the community. Others are lucky to start and operate a small business with help and guidance from family members (like me). And the extremely lucky ones become lawyers, doctors, actors, broadcasters/news anchors, and hold other various professional occupations. If some of you reading this article haven’t done so already, please take the time out to familiarize yourself with the Americans with Disabilities Act, a great document to read and an eye opener to all! Additionally, take the time out to read various updates on disabilities, attend work related seminars/webinars pertaining to disabilities in the workplace, amended laws, and watch news shows as they often highlight segments on disability, diversity, accessibility, and inclusion progress. I highly recommend that you do all the above to become more educated and adapt with the disability community because we are growing, here to stay, we date and want/have meaningful relationships, go to restaurants, the mall, our voices are getting louder, we continue to knock very hard on doors for job opportunities, so you need to get used to us, and get over yourselves!
Source of Information: Various published article links on Google, personal experiences, and comments.
Until Next Week, Stay Safe and Well!
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