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Disability Inclusion Insights and Resources
For years we have been helping organizations become Disability Inclusion Leaders. Our Blog includes insights from our interdisciplinary team of professionals and guest posts from our network.
Ruh Global IMPACT is Proud to Establish the Global Initiative-Billion Strong Organization.
“Disability, Ability, and Identity for Global Unity”… Together We Can. Rockville, Virginia (August 14/9, 2021) – Billion Strong, a Global Nonprofit Organization, is proud to announce its founding by Ruh Global IMPACT As a comprehensive,… Continue Reading Ruh Global IMPACT is Proud to Establish the Global Initiative-Billion Strong Organization.
The State of Accessibility in Major Corporations
A few months ago, I attended a webinar by Joe Devon, Founder of Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD). It has been 9 years since he started GAAD. You’d think businesses, schools, and even governments would… Continue Reading The State of Accessibility in Major Corporations
We can´t go back to normal! Let´s talk about social enterprises.
We can´t go back to normal! I recently had a conversation with a friend about COVID-19; the USA seems to be returning to pre-pandemic times, and the numbers back that up, so it makes sense… Continue Reading We can´t go back to normal! Let´s talk about social enterprises.
Make Equality A Reality: Ending Extreme Poverty For Women With Disabilities
Together, we can solve the world’s biggest problems; together, we can work to end the extreme poverty of women and girls with disabilities; change begins with, and through us, is this possible? We know that… Continue Reading Make Equality A Reality: Ending Extreme Poverty For Women With Disabilities
Web Accessibility and its Importance
In this day and age, everyone has been reliant in the use of internet. Shopping clothes, ordering food, doing work, communicating with loved ones, buying grocery supplies, paying bills–you name it, we can do it… Continue Reading Web Accessibility and its Importance
Disability in the Arab Countries: Time to Promote Identity Awareness
Disability is a multi-dimensional development and human rights issue, and many people with disabilities are consistently left out of development gains. Excluding people with disabilities from social and economic activities has negative consequences not only… Continue Reading Disability in the Arab Countries: Time to Promote Identity Awareness
Disability Identity and the Need for Global Unity
As there appears to be a paucity of literature on the disability identity development of people with disabilities, there seems to be a lack of understanding of identity development. The concept of disability identity has… Continue Reading Disability Identity and the Need for Global Unity
Disability Employment Gap Among Women and Girls with Disabilities
People with disabilities face challenges in the labor markets. There is a substantial gap between integrating people with disabilities into the labor force and their actual participation levels. Labor force disparities for people with disabilities… Continue Reading Disability Employment Gap Among Women and Girls with Disabilities
To Save our Planet we need to be Inclusive
Let us be honest — Climate Change is Scary. This means we have to start preparing as much, and as soon, as possible. We have a choice to make. We can become resigned to the scary reality, we can ignore it entirely and get caught off-guard when it is too late, or we can prepare for the future. Continue Reading To Save our Planet we need to be Inclusive
Call on Governments to ensure that PwD are not left behind in COVID-19 Vaccinations
Globally, more than 1 billion people – roughly 15 percent of the world’s population live with some form of disability, they may be at particular risk of serious illness or death from COVID-19 infection. Continue Reading Call on Governments to ensure that PwD are not left behind in COVID-19 Vaccinations
Disability and Financial Costs
There are a lot of articles around the web that you can read about persons with disabilities living a meaningful and happy life which I think is important. We need to spread as much awareness as possible. Continue Reading Disability and Financial Costs
Intersectionality of Sustainability and Disability
Close to one billion people, 15% of the global population, live with some form of disability. Aging, chronic health issues, and mental health disorders are significant factors contributing to disability worldwide. Thus, it is now critical to address these far-reaching global disability issues proactively together. Continue Reading Intersectionality of Sustainability and Disability
The Ladies of Ruh Global Working From Home
I never imagined much of the world would be telecommuting due to a pandemic. Today obtaining a telework position is almost the norm compared to twenty years ago when I looked for very scarce work-at-home… Continue Reading The Ladies of Ruh Global Working From Home
Living with Blindness
There are a lot of fears and negative assumptions around people that have vision loss or are blind. These societal fears and assumptions can cause exclusion for people with visual loss like myself. October is Blindness… Continue Reading Living with Blindness
Ginsburg: May Her Legacy Live On
On September 18, America’s light dimmed as we lost a great leader and champion in equal rights. After a long battle with cancer, Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg passed away at 87. She was… Continue Reading Ginsburg: May Her Legacy Live On
We need to talk about Universal Basic Income, Temporary Basic Income, Economic Inequality, and COVID-19.
“Our moral responsibility is not to stop the future, but to shape it…to channel our destiny in humane directions and to ease the trauma of transition.” – Alvin Toffler Economic Inequality. Economic inequality has been… Continue Reading We need to talk about Universal Basic Income, Temporary Basic Income, Economic Inequality, and COVID-19.
Huawei RURALSTAR: An innovation for improving the economics of rural connectivity in Africa
Huawei has been committed to “Bring digital to every person, home and organization for a fully connected, intelligent world”. It is a leading global provider of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) infrastructure and smart devices.… Continue Reading Huawei RURALSTAR: An innovation for improving the economics of rural connectivity in Africa
BARRIERS AND CHALLENGES OF OBTAINING QUALITY EDUCATION FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES IN THE PHILIPPINES
Access to quality education is the basic right of every individual. However, it’s not the case for a lot of people. Some of them have to fight hard just to get the education that they… Continue Reading BARRIERS AND CHALLENGES OF OBTAINING QUALITY EDUCATION FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES IN THE PHILIPPINES
Digitruck Huawei for bridging the digital divide and reduces rural inequality
Now more than ever, digital skills are important to how populations prepare for the economy of the future, and while efforts are underway to mobilize the masses in meeting the challenges of the information technology… Continue Reading Digitruck Huawei for bridging the digital divide and reduces rural inequality
COVID-19 – JOURNEY TO EMBRACING THE NEW NORMAL
In my previous blog, I talked about the changes and silver linings that the COVID-19 pandemic has brought into our lives. We need the positive things that we can hold onto in these tough times.… Continue Reading COVID-19 – JOURNEY TO EMBRACING THE NEW NORMAL
Prison reform, inmates with disabilities, covid-19, and safety for all
“Americans are punitive by nature. However, we are also compassionate, and equality is built into our foundation. So, it is not surprising that incarcerating certain groups of individuals has caused a heated debate about whether… Continue Reading Prison reform, inmates with disabilities, covid-19, and safety for all
Federal Intervention to Protect Patients with Disabilities
A few months ago in Challenges of Non-verbal Patients and Communication Solutions, I recounted my experience during a recent hospital stay where communication barriers made it a nightmare. I wrote how having a caregiver or… Continue Reading Federal Intervention to Protect Patients with Disabilities
COVID-19: CHANGES AND SILVER LININGS
COVID-19 pandemic has caused a lot of struggles all over the world. I wrote about this in my previous article, Impact Of COVID-19 On Persons With Disabilities In ASEAN Countries. My article speaks to my… Continue Reading COVID-19: CHANGES AND SILVER LININGS
Inclusion and Ethics in Artificial Intelligence
The technological revolution is transforming our lives at breakneck speed, dramatically altering the ways in which we work, learn, and even live together. Alongside the increasingly sophisticated use of big data, AI is undergoing exponential… Continue Reading Inclusion and Ethics in Artificial Intelligence
Impact of COVID-19 on Persons with Disabilities in ASEAN Countries
When the World Health Organization declared the COVID19 as a pandemic; it felt like the world had taken a halt in most countries. We all felt the impact and were sent home to stay safe.… Continue Reading Impact of COVID-19 on Persons with Disabilities in ASEAN Countries
First, they came for Huawei – now TikTok and other Chinese apps are at risk in the USA – is this retaliation? Is this a tech war?
“Experts on China are reading the tea leaves that a ban on TikTok is imminent as the United States puts pressure on Chinese companies”. It is sad to watch some top officials in the government… Continue Reading First, they came for Huawei – now TikTok and other Chinese apps are at risk in the USA – is this retaliation? Is this a tech war?
Hear our voices: people with disabilities during the covid19 outbreak in the middle east and north Africa.
Governments in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region have rapidly reacted to contain the Coronavirus (COVID-19). With all necessary caution at this stage of the pandemic, contagion seems limited so far, and the… Continue Reading Hear our voices: people with disabilities during the covid19 outbreak in the middle east and north Africa.
Voice assistants and smart home technologies transform the lives of people with disabilities and the elderly.
We are in the golden age of innovations, an era in which digital technology is transforming the underpinnings of human existence, transforming lives within the community of disability and the elderly. This revolution is impacting… Continue Reading Voice assistants and smart home technologies transform the lives of people with disabilities and the elderly.
Women in the Digital Era: Inclusion, Equality, Leadership.
Technology must work for everyone and must represent the requirements and needs of us of all. Women are half of the world’s population, and as such, they need to be an integral part of Sustainable… Continue Reading Women in the Digital Era: Inclusion, Equality, Leadership.
Crip Camp: The Nucleus of The ADA
On July 26, 2020 the Americans with Disabilities (ADA) celebrates its 30th anniversary. As all of you should know, the ADA entitles persons with disabilities (PwDs) equal access to every aspect of American society, thus… Continue Reading Crip Camp: The Nucleus of The ADA
Openness, Competition, and Collaboration – Stronger Together
Since 2001, I have been supporting corporations that are helping to solve some of the world’s largest problems including disability inclusion, Tech4All, Tech4Good, Digital Inclusion and Climate Change. In 2019, I visited Huawei to learn… Continue Reading Openness, Competition, and Collaboration – Stronger Together
Challenges of Non-Verbal Patients and Communication Solutions
Over a month ago, I became ill, throwing up all through the night. Paramedics came in the morning wearing masks, which is the standard procedure nowadays to protect against COVID-19. Luckily, my caregiver was there… Continue Reading Challenges of Non-Verbal Patients and Communication Solutions
Semiconductor Industry and the Global Supply Chain: Let’s work together to assure Digital Inclusion across the World
Over the past 30 years, the semiconductor industry has been at the heart of technological advances that have generated enormous benefits for the US economy, US defense capabilities, and consumers and enterprises around the world.… Continue Reading Semiconductor Industry and the Global Supply Chain: Let’s work together to assure Digital Inclusion across the World
Education for All – How Corporations can add Value to the Efforts
Education can help move people out of poverty and give all of us, especially children, the chance for a better life. Education can also change the lives of adults that did not have access to… Continue Reading Education for All – How Corporations can add Value to the Efforts
Exploring Corporations that are having Social Impact and Climate Action: Huawei
Corporations are working to reduce their carbon footprints in their operations and to implement climate change measures throughout their global footprint. Many forward thinking corporations are letting the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) guide and inform these… Continue Reading Exploring Corporations that are having Social Impact and Climate Action: Huawei
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Climate Change, and Disability Inclusion
How Corporations can show leadership and help during these changing times!!! I am proud to write and speak about the inclusion needs of my community, persons with disabilities, in all aspects of society. Climate Action… Continue Reading Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Climate Change, and Disability Inclusion
Digital Inclusion for Rural Communities in the United States and around the World
In the summer of 2019, Huawei invited me to attend Huawei Connect 2019 in Shanghai. One of my professional colleagues told me that I should shy away from Huawei since they were a Chinese corporation. … Continue Reading Digital Inclusion for Rural Communities in the United States and around the World
Ruh Global IMPACT promotes David Pérez to Chief Financial Officer.
Richmond, Virginia, United States of America (January 9, 2020) Ruh Global IMPACT, a disability inclusion consulting firm, announced today the promotion of David Pérez to Chief Financial Officer. Pérez will ensure profitability and growth through… Continue Reading Ruh Global IMPACT promotes David Pérez to Chief Financial Officer.
Caregiving from All Sides
Until 7 years ago, my then 80-year-old mother provided for my personal care needs for most of my life, except when friends accompanied me on trips. She bathed, dressed, groomed, and fed me. Additionally, she did all of the household chores. Continue Reading Caregiving from All Sides
Time to Educate and Employ Persons with Disabilities
I had the pleasure to interview Tanya Sheckley of UP ACADEMY located in San Mateo, CA on my Show – Human Potential at Work. UP ACADEMY is an elementary lab school for the inclusion of… Continue Reading Time to Educate and Employ Persons with Disabilities
Huawei Connect 2019 / TECH4ALL, TECH4GOOD, & Digital Inclusion
Today, we face an enormous wave of innovation, across many areas that are changing the way we live, work, play and communicate. Everything from Artificial Intelligence (AI), Robotics, TECH4ALL, TECH4GOOD, AI4GOOD, Social Media, The Digital… Continue Reading Huawei Connect 2019 / TECH4ALL, TECH4GOOD, & Digital Inclusion
Businesses Reaching Out to Persons with Disabilities by Rosemary Musachio
The world has around 1.3 billion people with disabilities (PwDs). In other words, one out of five persons has some type of disability. Like everybody else, we want and need to earn and spend money.… Continue Reading Businesses Reaching Out to Persons with Disabilities by Rosemary Musachio
Love Concurs Challenges by Rosemary Musachio
When two persons take the big leap into matrimony, they vow to love each other for better or worse, in sickness or health. Those vows may be more powerful when one or both marriage partners… Continue Reading Love Concurs Challenges by Rosemary Musachio
Celebrating GAAD With Innovation and Legal Clout by Rosemary Musachio
Today, May 16, we celebrate Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD). As the name suggests, GAAD highlights all that is and should be accessible. By promoting these ideals through innovations and legal action, the public will continue to… Continue Reading Celebrating GAAD With Innovation and Legal Clout by Rosemary Musachio
3 Ways Inclusion Drives Technology Strategy
Silicon Valley has served as a beacon of technological innovation for decades. In the area of diversity, however, they have historically struggled. Making an effort to include individuals with disabilities at all levels of a company has the potential to drive business strategy further into the future, and create a society that is more cognizant and appreciative of one another’s differences. Continue Reading 3 Ways Inclusion Drives Technology Strategy
The Need for Medical Marijuana Nationwide
Medical marijuana is legal in 30 states, including Ohio. The constituents and lawmakers of these states have seen the light. They’ve read the facts, seen results, or experienced the effects of the beneficial drug to… Continue Reading The Need for Medical Marijuana Nationwide
Happy Thanksgiving- Celebrating the Contributions of Seven Individuals With Disabilities
In pondering the many things we have to be thankful for this year, here are seven people, living and dead, who enriched our understanding of people with disabilities and made the world a better place. Some you know. Some you don’t. Continue Reading Happy Thanksgiving- Celebrating the Contributions of Seven Individuals With Disabilities
This is my story, let’s start
I am a disabled activist and researcher born in Egypt, who lived through many barriers and deprivations that face disabled people in accessing basic services. At my segregated boarding school for blind students in Egypt, I gained many Continue Reading This is my story, let’s start
Meeting deaf leaders from Vietnam
By Elizabeth Lockwood Ph. D.
Recently Sian Tesni, Senior Education Advisor at CBM, and I had the fantastic opportunity to meet with deaf leaders in Vietnam. We met with dynamic leaders, Ling from Hanoi and Huong from Ho Chi Minh City. Continue Reading Meeting deaf leaders from Vietnam
#PurpleLightUp
That’s how it is with purple, a hue that communicates royalty, majesty, and power.
And that is what brings us to the #PurpleLightUp movement, a global call to action that demands that the voices of all people around the world be heard, specifically people with disabilities and their inclusion in the workforce. Continue Reading #PurpleLightUp
Be Like Justin
On Saturday –fittingly World Cerebral Palsy Day — the wildly popular athletic apparel giant offered a new message, a giant milestone in the global brand’s movement for inclusion; Be Like Justin.
But who is Justin? Continue Reading Be Like Justin
Sara Ruh Featured on Runway of Dreams. NYC Fashion Week.
We are very proud of our team fantastic team of Hosts and Leaders of #AXSchat: Antonio Santos, Neil Milliken and our very own Debra Ruh of course with the help of the amazing #AXSchat community. Have won the award for Best Digital Campaign in the European Digital Mindset Awards. Continue Reading Sara Ruh Featured on Runway of Dreams. NYC Fashion Week.
IoT in the household: An opportunity for development.
The IoT is what we can call the next step in the evolution of wireless networks, the progress that has been made from closed networks to enterprise IT networks to the internet has been faster than anticipated and it is expected that by the year 2020 nearly 50 billion things will comprise the IoT, creating a $1.7 trillion market. Continue Reading IoT in the household: An opportunity for development.
Living Afraid: Impacts of Anxiety and UDL with WCAG Solutions
The questions spiral down to ever-increasing depths of unfounded possibilities and settles into a full rolling boil of panic. Blood pressure rises. Heart rate soars. All this physical and mental reaction occurs before the dog even makes his way over for morning scratches. This is how the day may start for a person living with an anxiety disorder. Continue Reading Living Afraid: Impacts of Anxiety and UDL with WCAG Solutions
Internet: Citizenship Opportunities for Children and Youth.
Internet, new opportunities for citizenship and participation for Children and Youth. By David Pérez and Manfred Chinchilla According to UNESCO Citizenship can be defined as the status of having the right to participate in and… Continue Reading Internet: Citizenship Opportunities for Children and Youth.
Why Weaken the ADA by Rosemary Musachio
By Rosemary Musachio When I first learned that the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) might be weakened, I was mortified. I thought, “Oh no, would customer service representatives, business executives, professors, and everyone else who… Continue Reading Why Weaken the ADA by Rosemary Musachio
Inivisible Disabilities
I am one of the 74% of people with disabilities that have an invisible disability[1]. But I wasn’t even aware that I had a disability until I was filling out paperwork for a state identification… Continue Reading Inivisible Disabilities
Traveling in a Wheelchair Ups and Downs
Written by Rosemary Musachio, Chief Accessibility Officer (CAO) at Ruh Global Communications Ever since I was a little girl, I wanted to travel. In fact, I expressed this desire in a line from the first… Continue Reading Traveling in a Wheelchair Ups and Downs
Smart city means building an inclusive society for all.
Written by Eng. Nabil Eid. Strategic Disability Inclusion ICT Accessibility consulting services & solutions Middle East and North Africa. Today, 54 per cent of the world’s population lives in urban areas, a proportion that is… Continue Reading Smart city means building an inclusive society for all.
The Need for more Inclusive Health Care
Healthcare is a topic that has been in discussion a lot lately in our political climate. Whether you are on one side or another of the debate, we all can agree that healthcare is something… Continue Reading The Need for more Inclusive Health Care
Disability and Romance – Quite An Interlude
Written by Rosemary Musachio, Chief Accessibility Officer (CAO) at Ruh Global Communications A few months ago, the local news program did a piece on a man with a disability getting married to a woman without… Continue Reading Disability and Romance – Quite An Interlude
The Media Shines Brighter Spotlight on Persons with Disabilities
Written by Rosemary Musachio The media always has had a tremendous impact on molding public view about persons with disabilities (PWD). Until twenty years ago, the media portrayed us as helpless, heroic, or mean. It… Continue Reading The Media Shines Brighter Spotlight on Persons with Disabilities
Sustainable Development Goals a Golden Opportunity for Inclusion and Accessibility in Developing Countries.
By David Pérez Rueda “In the year 2000, 189 countries came together to face the future.”[1] This phrase references the Millenium Summit where civil society, advocates, and state representatives came together to produce a set… Continue Reading Sustainable Development Goals a Golden Opportunity for Inclusion and Accessibility in Developing Countries.
Disability influences a trillion Dollars in Disposable Income?
By David Pérez Rueda Every time you find an article explaining why brands and corporations should be tapping into the market of people with disabilities (PWD) you encounter the argument that this market influences over… Continue Reading Disability influences a trillion Dollars in Disposable Income?
People with Disabilities in Latin America
By David Pérez Rueda On the year 2011, the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) published a study titled “People with Disabilities in Latin America: From legal recognition to real inequality.” In… Continue Reading People with Disabilities in Latin America
Calling-Out the “Call Out”
Written by Sarah Lee Blogger, Writer, & Systems Administrator at Ruh Global Communications Facebook and other social sites are ubiquitous in today’s society. They bleed over from business into personal and then back again. This… Continue Reading Calling-Out the “Call Out”
Celebrating Global Accessibility Day through Brands
By Rosemary Musachio On May 18 Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD) will be celebrated once again. GAAD is the sixth annual effort to tell the world that access to digital technology (e.g. Internet, mobile, software)… Continue Reading Celebrating Global Accessibility Day through Brands
Much More Than Just an Accessibility Acronym
By Rosemary Musachio, CPACC, Chief Accessibility Officer Notice the acronym after my name. CPACC stands for Certified Professional in Accessibility Core Competencies. I recently discovered that I had earned this title after I took the… Continue Reading Much More Than Just an Accessibility Acronym
Virtual Reality Opens Doors but Not Wide Enough
By Rosemary Musachio Believe in the old adage that nothing compares to the real thing? How about the virtual real thing? That’s virtual reality (VR), the technological phenomenon of the 21st century. VR allows users… Continue Reading Virtual Reality Opens Doors but Not Wide Enough
Learning to Use an Augmentative Communication Device
By Rosemary Musachio Although I’ve been communicating with a manual communication board with letters and words since I was eight, speech therapists have been trying to help me use electronic augmentative assistive communication (AAC) devices. … Continue Reading Learning to Use an Augmentative Communication Device
At last, The Refresh of Section 508 by Debra Ruh and Rosemary Musachio
On January 19, 2017, the United States Access Board issued a final rule to make Section 508 Refresh official. The landmark regulatory update will become effective March 20, 2017. Therefore, until the latter date, federally… Continue Reading At last, The Refresh of Section 508 by Debra Ruh and Rosemary Musachio
Women with Disabilities: Healthcare Barriers
Several years ago I asked my mom’s gynecologist if she could give me a routine pelvic examination. She said she would have to put me under anesthesia to perform the exam because my cerebral palsy… Continue Reading Women with Disabilities: Healthcare Barriers
Disability Integration Act Can’t Go Wrong
Rosemary Musachio, Chief Accessibility Officer at Ruh Global Communications I’m a person who holds down a full time job. I also happen to have Cerebral Palsy. I cannot talk, walk, or use my hands to perform… Continue Reading Disability Integration Act Can’t Go Wrong
Ability Magazine: Debra Ruh, Tapping Into disABILITY
Published on Ability Magazine In 1987 while working as a systems administrator and executive in the banking industry, Debra Ruh gave birth to a beautiful girl, Sara, who was perfect and happened to have Down… Continue Reading Ability Magazine: Debra Ruh, Tapping Into disABILITY
ICT Refresh Finally Becoming Reality
By Rosemary Musachio, Ruh Global Communications, Chief Accessibility Officer Government departments, federal agencies, and federal contractors still abide by Section 508 of the 1973 Rehabilitation Act, even though the provisions don’t reflect modern technological advancements… Continue Reading ICT Refresh Finally Becoming Reality
Are Stories of Persons with Disabilities Inspirational Porn?
I have the opportunity to work with a lot of talented people, many of whom are individuals with disabilities. A person who I’m very proud of is my Chief Accessibility Officer, Rosemary Musachio. Rosemary was… Continue Reading Are Stories of Persons with Disabilities Inspirational Porn?
Trailblazing 2016
TRAILBLAZING 2016 TO TARGET IMPROVING DISABILITY EMPLOYMENT, INCLUSION AND WORKFORCE SUSTAINABILITY DURING ONE-DAY CONFERENCE SEPTEMBER 17, 2016 AT BROWARD CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS Jose Velasco, Global Lead at SAP Technologies ‘Autism at Work’ program,… Continue Reading Trailblazing 2016
Don’t Pull Your Hair Searching for Code Examples – ARIA and Form Fields
If you are like me, searching for good code examples when you try to find solutions to accessibility issues can make you pull out your hair. You Google it and you get tons of results. … Continue Reading Don’t Pull Your Hair Searching for Code Examples – ARIA and Form Fields
Are you ready to become a disability inclusion leader?
Are you prepared to reap the benefits and IMPACT of your disability Inclusion and accessibility programs?
If so, working with Ruh Global IMPACT is very simple:
1) Schedule an appointment
2) We create a plan that fits your needs
3) We execute the plan together