Debra Ruh

About Debra

Debra Ruh is a Global Disability Inclusion Strategist, Market Influencer, internationally recognized keynote speaker, published author, branding expert, successful entrepreneur, and an exceptional mother.

Debra Ruh received her call to action when she was told by so-called “experts” that her daughter, Sara, who was born with Down Syndrome (Trisomy 21), would never walk or talk. She refused to accept the prognosis and perception of this condition. Driven by her unshakeable faith in the power of human potential and the love for her daughter, Debra was determined to dedicate her life to create a path to empowerment and the success for all those with disabilities.

By 2010, Debra had built a multi-million dollar firm focused on accessible technologies, but realized that her vision was not yet complete. Debra who was convinced that “the real disability is being unable to see human potential” formed Ruh Global Communications. This new firm focuses on Global Disability Inclusion Strategies, Digital Marketing, and Branding among many other services.

Debra consults with Fortune 100 companies and nations including Kenya, Oman, Saudi Arabia and China. Debra and her daughter Sara are now internationally renowned global keynote speakers and travel the world inspiring and advocating for governments and corporations to include people with disabilities.

Debra Ruh is an active public figure she was invited to address the United Nations General Assembly at the Conference of State Parties 9^th session (COSP9) by the President’s office of the UN on May 13, 2016. More recently Debra was selected as the North American representative for the United Nations (UN), International Labor Organization´s (ILO), Global Business and Disability Network (GBDN).

Additionally, in 2018 the U.S. State Department selected Debra Ruh as a global speaker and ambassador for the United States when visiting foreign nations and speaking on inclusion and disability. Nominated as a Global Goodwill Ambassador by Richard Dipilla.

Debra is a recognized global influencer, frequently interviewed by various media outlets and she has gathered a significant presence on many social media platforms, with over 300,000+ followers across all mediums. Co-founder of the award winning #AXSChat the second biggest tweet chat in the world with a reach in the billions. Debra was also named in the “Top 5% of Social Media Influencers” and “Top 0.1% of people talking about Disability Inclusion and Accessibility” by KLOUT.

Highlights

Policy, Legislative and Technical Experience:

Expertise with Standards and Legislation including the United Nations Convention of Rights for People with Disabilities (CRPD), Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 503, 504 and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, W3C, WCAG 2.0 and ISO. Invited expert and contributor to the W3C Cognitive Accessibility Taskforce. Created UNICEF Procurement Policy for ICT Accessibility.

Country Experience:

Provide global support with programs, research, outreach, policy and standards and initiatives for the public and private-sector. Experience in Australia, Asia, Caribbean, Central America, Europe, Middle East, North America, and UK.

Social Media:

Thought Leader and Blogger on ICT Accessibility and Disability Inclusion on social media channels. Social media mediums include Twitter, Linked-In, Facebook, Pinterest, Tumblr, Medium, Instagram, G+ and other platforms. Work featured in major mediums including CBS, CNN, PBS, ABC, NBC, NPR, INC, Publishers Weekly, Fortune Magazine, US News & World Report, America’s Best, Washington Technology, and Bloomberg Business Week.

Published Author and Blogger:

Blogger:

Huffington Post Blogger

Books:

Inclusion Branding Available on Amazon and on Kindle.

“Finding Your Voice by Using Social Media” Published on Amazon

“Uncovering Hidden Human Capital”: How leading corporations leverage multiple abilities in their workforce. Publishing Date: 2016, Publisher: G3ict

White Papers and Journals:

“G3ict Egypt’s Model Policy for Accessible Education”, May 2015

“Design for All Institute of India”, Guest Editor April 2015 Issue

“Education for Employment: Technical and Vocational Education and Training for people with a disability in Qatar”, March 2015

Awards and Featured in Media Campaigns:

(partial list)

Chief Executive Officer and Founder