Disability Belongs

Disability inclusion is not separate from customer experience. It determines who can participate, how easily they can engage, and whether they are able to return for repeat business. Organizations that invest in accessibility and inclusion are better positioned to serve more customers, reduce lost opportunities, and build stronger, more durable relationships. Those that do not risk creating barriers that limit both access and growth. Learn more about the impact of disability inclusion on customers and consumers in the fourth blog in our Business Case for Inclusion series: https://lnkd.in/ePKq8da5 Read the full series at https://lnkd.in/euaNfZat

Disability Inclusion Tip: When planning an event, ensure buffet tables and drink stations are at a height accessible for people using wheelchairs. Do you want to learn more about how to plan accessible and inclusive events? Join us for our free virtual training on June 9th at 1:30 p.m. ET! Learn more and register: https://lnkd.in/e6XsrQmy

Disability Belongs™ is deeply concerned by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) Interim Final Rule implementing new Medicaid work and community engagement requirements for certain adults. While the rule includes exclusions and exceptions for some disabled people, medically frail people, family caregivers, and others, the existence of an exclusion does not guarantee that eligible people will be protected in practice. In the coming days, we will provide the disability community with plain-language advocacy tools to help advocates understand what the rule does, why it matters, how it may affect disabled people and family caregivers, and how to make their voices heard during the comment period. We will continue working to ensure that Medicaid remains a strong foundation for independence, community living, and full participation. Read our full statement: https://lnkd.in/esFsPkP2

Words Matter: Disability is not a bad word. Avoid euphemisms like “differently-abled." Using vague or softened language can minimize real experiences and barriers. Be clear, respectful, and accurate–say “disability."

Supporting mental health in the workplace doesn't require a huge budget. It requires intention, flexibility, and commitment. And when you get it right, everyone benefits. Learn more about how employers can foster inclusion in our resource: https://lnkd.in/eZdqUwBb

Section 504 legally protects disabled people from discrimination in federally funded programs and services by requiring equal access, reasonable accommodations, and inclusive practices across education, healthcare, public services, and employment. In the second installment of our three-part series, learn more about why Section 504 still matters today and how its protections shape the daily lives of people with disabilities. Read the blog: https://lnkd.in/d9ssnneu

We are excited to announce the 2026 recipient of the Champion for Social Impact Award as Perkins Coie! This award is intended to recognize organizations that are creating measurable impact through programs, policies, accessibility initiatives, partnerships, or other efforts that expand opportunity and inclusion for people with disabilities. With the law firm's long history of pro-bono work and efforts in diversity, inclusion, and opportunity, Perkins Coie is a worthy recipient. Perkins Coie joins our other previously announced Disability Impact Award recipients, Sarah Todd Hammer and Mindy Henderson. Learn about this year's announced Award recipients to date on our website, and then get your tickets to the ceremony, happening in the heart of our Nation's capital on July 16, 2026: https://lnkd.in/dsNpVrtn

Our work at Disability Belongs™ is supported and sustained by charitable gifts from supporters who care about the impact they can make. We strive to make it possible for you to support us in any way you can. Here are three ways you can support our work: 1) Donate Online: At Give.DisabilityBelongs.org, you can give securely using credit cards, PayPal, Venmo, Google Pay, or Apple Pay. 2) Send by Mail: Prefer a check? Mail it to Disability Belongs, 43 Town & Country Drive, Suite 119-181, Fredericksburg, VA, 22405 3) Shop with Purpose: Each purchase from https://lnkd.in/gUswVhpZ helps fund our programs and spreads the message that everyone belongs. Learn more about how you can support our work at https://lnkd.in/eT6tNVWh!

Gardens have long been part of faith traditions, offering spaces for reflection, connection, and shared purpose. In our blog post, "Growing Together in Faith and Community," we highlight how religious institutions can build on this legacy by intentionally designing gardens that include people with disabilities. From accessible pathways and raised beds to thoughtful sensory design and meaningful community participation, inclusive gardens are a practical, powerful way to create spaces where everyone can contribute and connect with nature. Read the blog: https://lnkd.in/e4P2HG3m

Today is the 15th annual Global Accessibility Awareness Day, a celebration which serves a reminder that accessibility is essential to participation, leadership, and belonging. At Disability Belongs™, we take pride in prioritizing access across our programs, communications, and events because everyone deserves the opportunity to engage fully, regardless of disability or access needs. We invite you to explore Disability Belongs™’ free Basics of Online Accessibility resource and learn more about the steps you can take to make your digital content accessible, including tips on fonts and colors, alternative text, image descriptions, captions, and more! Join us in building a future where everyone can participate, lead, and belong: https://bit.ly/4dgDOxA