John Robinson's Blog, page 3
November 13, 2024
Our Ability Podcast: The Future of Disability
Are we living in 1935 Germany? Are we striving for the best 2035 America? People with disabilities are at a crossroads after this November election. There is discussion that federal dollars will be eliminated, and that will have a direct and indirect impact on the 40 million individuals with disabilities in the United States. What can we do to discuss? What can we do to build employment? How do we avoid further institutionalization of individuals with disabilities?
November 11, 2024
Our Ability Podcast: Our Ability Podcast 2024 HERC’s MNYSC Director Karen Fife
Human Resources Professional, Director MNYSC (Metro New York and Southern Connecticut HERC (The Higher Education Recruitment Consortium) Karen Fife talks to John Robinson about disability recruiting and inclusion. Karen is an accomplished and dynamic human resources professional with significant background in strategic staffing, compensation and budget planning, and performance and talent management.
Our Ability has worked with HERC for a number of years to expand employment and the employment conversation within higher education.
October 11, 2024
Work Without Limits Career Fair 2025: Increase Your Brand Recognition as a Disability Inclusive Organization
Advance your organization’s positioning within the disability inclusion community while expanding your local, regional and/or national diversified pipeline and recruitment efforts.
Sponsor the Work Without Limits Virtual Career Fair for Individuals with Disabilities
The Work Without Limits Virtual Career Fair connects qualified job candidates with disabilities to disability inclusive employers.
Save the Date: Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2025
Sponsorship opportunities are limited in quantity for better brand exposure and easier candidate engagement. Sponsorships are offered on a first-come, first-served basis:
Premier Sponsor ($20,000) (Limit 1)SOLD: Accessibility Sponsor: MassMutual Recruiter Education Sponsor ($10,000) (Limit 1)SOLD: Candidate Education Sponsor: MIT Sloan School of Management Executive Education Supporting Sponsor ($5,000) (Unlimited)Though sponsorship benefits vary by type, all include recruiting at the Career Fair, announcements on email and social media, and branding on the Work Without Limits website. For a listing of sponsorship benefits see the Sponsorship Menu.
To secure your sponsorship, or to ask questions, please contact Kathy.Muhr@umassmed.edu.
What past Sponsors and Recruiting Employers said about this event:
“I thought it was an amazing event to genuinely offer opportunities to individuals who may experience challenges when seeking employment. The atmosphere was nothing short of welcoming and it felt like everyone was of a singular mind towards the goal.” — MassMutual
“Wanted to share how pleased we were with the recent turnout at the Work Without Limits Career Fair! Throughout the event there was a steady flow of candidates, and the new platform was a positive experience! In fact, we had the most traffic to our booth that we have had yet; and candidates with viable skills and experience that I am looking forward to continuing to speak with in the days ahead!” — UHealth Solutions
Interested in Recruiting at the Career Fair?
Recruiting space will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis and limited to approximately 35 organizations.Visit our Career Fair page for recruiting benefits in addition to historical event summaries, statistics, and testimonials.We anticipate 250+ candidates with disabilities, sourced from our 125+ local, regional, and national Community Partners inclusive of colleges/universities, state agencies and employment service providers.Job Opportunities: Correctional Service of Canada | Multiple Postings October, 2024
October, 2024
Maintenance Tradesperson (Prairie Region) // Ouvrier de métier en maintenance (Région des Prairies)
Maintenance Tradesperson at Correctional Service Canada: Prairie Region (cfp-psc.gc.ca)
Ouvrier de métier en maintenance à Service correctionnel Canada: Région des Prairies (cfp-psc.gc.ca)
Food Service Helper & Cook’s Helper (Quebec Region) // Auxiliaire, Distribution des aliments & Aide-cuisinier (Région de Québec)
Food Service Helper & Cook’s Helper at Correctional Service Canada: Quebec Region (cfp-psc.gc.ca)
Correctional Officer I – Port-Cartier Institution (Quebec) // Agent(e) correctionnel(le) I – Établissement Port-Cartier (Québec)
Correctional Officer I – Port-Cartier Institution (cfp-psc.gc.ca)
Agent(e) correctionnel(le) I – Établissement Port-Cartier (cfp-psc.gc.ca)
Teacher (British Columbia) // Professeur(e) (Colombie-Britannique)
Professeur/Professeure (cfp-psc.gc.ca)
Parole Officer Inventory (Rimouski, Quebec) // Agent(e) de libération conditionnelle (Rimouski, Québec)
Parole Officer Inventory (cfp-psc.gc.ca)
Agent/agente de libération conditionnelle Répertoire (cfp-psc.gc.ca)
Parole Officer Inventory (Rouyn-Noranda, Quebec) // Agent(e) de libération conditionnelle (Rouyn-Noranda, Québec)
Parole Officer Inventory (cfp-psc.gc.ca)
Agent/agente de libération conditionnelle Répertoire (cfp-psc.gc.ca)
Parole Officer Inventory (Chicoutimi, Quebec) // Agent(e) de libération conditionnelle (Chicoutimi, Québec)
Parole Officer Inventory (cfp-psc.gc.ca)
Agent/agente de libération conditionnelle Répertoire (cfp-psc.gc.ca)
Parole Officer Inventory (Gatineau, Quebec) // Agent(e) de libération conditionnelle (Gatineau, Québec)
Parole Officer Inventory (cfp-psc.gc.ca)
Agent/agente de libération conditionnelle Répertoire (cfp-psc.gc.ca)
Certified Plumber (British Columbia) // Artisan plombier certifié (Colombie-Britannique)
Are you a Certified Plumber? Apply Now! (cfp-psc.gc.ca)
Êtes-vous un artisan plombier certifié ? Appliquer maintenant! (cfp-psc.gc.ca)
Clinical Social Worker Inventory (British Columbia) // Répertoire de travailleur(euse) social(e) (Colombie-Britannique)
Clinical Social Worker – Inventory (cfp-psc.gc.ca)
Travailleur social/travailleuse sociale clinique – Répertoire (cfp-psc.gc.ca)
Occupational Therapist Inventory (Ontario) // Ergothérapeute – Répertoire (Ontario)
Occupational Therapist – Inventory (cfp-psc.gc.ca)
Ergothérapeute – Répertoire (cfp-psc.gc.ca)
Occupational Therapist Inventory (British Columbia) // Ergothérapeute – Répertoire (Colombie-Britannique)
Occupational Therapist – Inventory (cfp-psc.gc.ca)
Ergothérapeute – Répertoire (cfp-psc.gc.ca)
Psychologist Inventory (British Columbia) // Psychologue – Répertoire (Colombie-Britannique)
Psychologist – Inventory (cfp-psc.gc.ca)
Psychologue – Répertoire (cfp-psc.gc.ca)
Psychologist Inventory (Ontario) // Psychologue – Répertoire (Ontario)
Psychologist – Inventory (cfp-psc.gc.ca)
Psychologue – Répertoire (cfp-psc.gc.ca)
Psychologist Inventory (Prairie Region) // Psychologue – Répertoire (Région des Prairies)
Psychologist – Inventory (cfp-psc.gc.ca)
Psychologue – Répertoire (cfp-psc.gc.ca)
Psychologist Inventory (Quebec) // Psychologue – Répertoire (Québec)
Psychologist – Inventory (cfp-psc.gc.ca)
Psychologue – Répertoire (cfp-psc.gc.ca)
Psychologist Inventory (Atlantic Region) // Psychologue – Répertoire (Région de l’Atlantique)
Psychologist – Inventory (cfp-psc.gc.ca)
Psychologue – Répertoire (cfp-psc.gc.ca)
Clinical Social Worker Inventory (British Columbia) // Travailleur(euse) social(e) clinique – Répertoire (Colombie-Britannique)
Clinical Social Worker – Inventory (cfp-psc.gc.ca)
Travailleur social/travailleuse sociale clinique – Répertoire (cfp-psc.gc.ca)
Nurse (National) // Infirmier(ère) (National)
Infirmier/Infirmière (cfp-psc.gc.ca)
Cleaning Services Officer (Alberta) // Agent(e) des services de nettoyage (Alberta)
Cleaning Services Officer (cfp-psc.gc.ca)
Agent ou agente des services de nettoyage (cfp-psc.gc.ca)
Multi Position Inventory at Okimaw Ohci Healing Lodge (Saskatchewan) // Inventaire multi-positions au Pavillon de Ressourcement Okimaw Ohci (Saskatchewan)
JOIN OUR TEAM at Okimaw Ohci Healing Lodge! (cfp-psc.gc.ca)
JOIGNEZ NOTRE ÉQUIPE à l’Établissement de l’Pavillon de ressourcement Okimaw Ohci ! (cfp-psc.gc.ca)
Cook’s Helper (Atlantic Region) // Aide-cuisinier (Région de l’Atlantique)
Cook’s Helper at Correctional Service Canada: Atlantic Region (cfp-psc.gc.ca)
Aide-cuisinier au Service correctionnel du Canada: Région de l’Atlantique (cfp-psc.gc.ca)
Food Service Helper & Cook’s Helper (Prairie Region) // Auxiliaire, Distribution des aliments & aide-cuisinier (Région des Prairies)
Food Service Helper & Cook’s Helper at Correctional Service Canada: Prairie Region (cfp-psc.gc.ca)
Textile Instructor (Quebec) // Instructeur(trice) tailleur (Québec)
Textile Instructor, CORCAN (cfp-psc.gc.ca)
Instructeur/Instructrice tailleur CORCAN (cfp-psc.gc.ca)
Carpenter, Cabinetmaker Instructor, Plumber and Electrician (National) // Charpentier(ière), Instructeur(trice) en ébénisterie, Plombier(Iière) et Électricien(ne) (National)
Carpenter, Cabinetmaker Instructor, Plumber and Electrician (cfp-psc.gc.ca)
Plumber (Quebec) // Plombier(ière) (Québec)
Building Services Worker & Installations Instructor (National) // Préposé(e) à l’entretien des bâtiments & Instructeur(trice) d’installations (National)
Building Services Worker, CORCAN & Installations Instructor, CORCAN (cfp-psc.gc.ca)
Correctional Officer II – Healing Lodges (Prairie Region) // Agent(e) correctionnel(le) II – Pavillons de ressourcement
Make a difference! Become a Correctional Officer II – Healing Lodges (cfp-psc.gc.ca)
Correctional Officer I – Inventory for Indigenous Peoples (National) // Agent(e) correctionnel(le) I – Répertoire des personnes autochtones (National)
Make a difference! Become a Correctional Officer I: Inventory for Indigenous peoples (cfp-psc.gc.ca)
Correctional Officer I (National) // Agent(e) correctionnel(le) I (National)
Make a difference! Become a Correctional Officer I (cfp-psc.gc.ca)
Faites la différence! Devenez un(e) Agent(e) correctionnel(le) I (cfp-psc.gc.ca)
Correctional Officer II – Primary Worker/Kimisinaw (National) // Agent(e) correctionnel(le) II : Intervenant(e) de première ligne/Kimisinaw (National)
Make a difference! Primary Worker/Kimisinaw: Correctional Officer II (cfp-psc.gc.ca)
Cleaning Services Officer & Cleaning Services Supervisor (Quebec) // Agent(e) des services de nettoyage & Superviseur(e), services de nettoyage (Québec)
Cleaning Services Officer & Cleaning Services Supervisor (cfp-psc.gc.ca)
Agent des services de nettoyage & Superviseur, services de nettoyage (cfp-psc.gc.ca)
Tradesperson (Prairie Province) // Artisan (Région des Prairies)
Are you a Skilled and Certified Tradesperson? Apply Now! (cfp-psc.gc.ca)
Êtes-vous un artisan qualifié et certifié ? Appliquer maintenant! (cfp-psc.gc.ca)
Passport to the Peaks (Grande Cache, Alberta) // Passeport pour les pics (Grande Cache, Alberta)
Passport to the Peaks ~ Grande Cache is Calling (cfp-psc.gc.ca)
Passeport pour les pics ~ Grande Cache appelle (cfp-psc.gc.ca)
Employment Coordinator (National) // Coordonnateur(trice) des services d’emploi (National)
Employment Coordinator (cfp-psc.gc.ca)
Coordonnateur(trice) des services d’emploi (cfp-psc.gc.ca)
CORCAN Instructor positions: Paint & Pre-Finish, Sheet Metal/Welder and Mechanic Heavy Equipment (National) // Instructeurs(trices) de CORCAN: Peinture/Préfinition, Tôlier/Soudeur et Mécanique/Machinerie lourde (National)
Printing Instructor (Quebec) // Instructeur(trice) imprimerie (Québec)
Printing Instructor (cfp-psc.gc.ca)
Jobs Ability September 2024 Statistics
We match people to jobs with AIJobs Ability is a generative AI-driven system that matches people with disabilities
skills to jobs and assists businesses in recruiting as well as using a combination
of technology and dedicated team to provide feedback on the accessibility of
your digital collateral.
September 2024 Statistics*
1,650+
JOBS ABILITY CANDIDATES ADDED
SINCE NOVEMBER 2023
43,370
JOB POSTINGS
57
OURABILITY.JOBS APPLY CLICKS
11,800
JOBSABILITY.COM EVENTS
78
EMPLOYERS
9,600
OURABILITY.JOBS EVENTS
4,500
EMAIL ADDRESSES
*source google analytics
September 24, 2024
A Significant Milestone for Our Ability, Inc. | Syracuse University
I’m thrilled to announce that I’ll be joining Syracuse University College of Professional Studies, Office of Microcredentials as a Professor of Practice part-time. This opportunity marks a significant milestone for Our Ability, Inc.!
Collaborating with Professor Stephen Kuusisto, we are dedicated to securing funding to support entrepreneurs with disabilities. Our goal is to advance digital accessibility through artificial intelligence technologies. Together, we aim to create a more inclusive world for individuals with disabilities through entrepreneurship.
By mid-2026, all federal agencies, state agencies, universities, and federal contractors must ensure web pages and documents are accessible. Recognizing the entrepreneurial spirit within the disabled community, we are designing a program focused on accessibility.
I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Syracuse University Trustee Steve Einhorn ’64, ’67, P’92, and Sherry Einhorn ’65, P’92 for enabling this incredible opportunity to make a positive impact.
#SyracuseUniversity #Microcredentials #Accessibility #Entrepreneurship #DisabilityInclusion
September 10, 2024
Our Ability Podcast: Ableism in America and Politics
John Robinson discusses ableism in America during an election season, Donald Trump the ignorant president—Kamala Harris meeting with the disability community and where we going beyond 2024.
August 20, 2024
Job Opportunities: Correctional Service of Canada | Multiple Postings August, 2024
August, 2024
Mental Health Officer (Abbotsford & Agassiz, BC)
Mental Health Officer (Abbotsford & Agassiz BC) (cfp-psc.gc.ca)//Agent ou agente de santé mentale (Abbotsford & Agassiz, BC) (cfp-psc.gc.ca)
Supervisor Facilities Management (Renous, NB)
SUPERVISOR, Facilities Management (Renous, NB) (cfp-psc.gc.ca)// SUPERVISEUR(E), Gestion des installations (Renous, NB) (cfp-psc.gc.ca)
Licensed Practical Nurse (Alberta, Manitoba & Saskatchewan)
Licensed Practical Nurse (Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan) (cfp-psc.gc.ca)//Infirmier(ère) auxiliaire autorisé(e) (Alberta, Manitoba & Saskatchewan) (cfp-psc.gc.ca)
Plumber (British Columbia)
Are you a Certified Plumber? Apply Now! (British Columbia) (cfp-psc.gc.ca)// Êtes-vous un artisan plombier certifié ? Appliquer maintenant! (Colombie Britannique) (cfp-psc.gc.ca)
Nurse – Inventory (New Brunswick & Nova Scotia)
Nurse – Inventory (New Brunswick & Nova Scotia) (cfp-psc.gc.ca)//Infirmier/Infirmière – Répertoire (Nouveau Brunswick & Nova Scotia) (cfp-psc.gc.ca)
Various Position for Racialized Group (Atlantic)
Are you a member of a racialized group? Come make a difference at CSC! (Atlantic) (cfp-psc.gc.ca)//Êtes-vous membre d’un groupe racisé? Venez faire une différence au SCC ! (Atlantic) (cfp-psc.gc.ca)
Indigenous Employment Opportunities – Various Positions (Atlantic)
Build your career with us! Indigenous Employment Opportunities (Various positions) (Atlantic) (cfp-psc.gc.ca)// Développez votre carrière avec nous! Opportunités d’embauche autochtone (Divers postes) (Atlantic) (cfp-psc.gc.ca)
Nurse – Inventory (British Columbia)
Nurse – Inventory (British Columbia) (cfp-psc.gc.ca)//Infirmier/Infirmière – Répertoire (Colombie Britannique) (cfp-psc.gc.ca)
Occupational Therapist – Inventory (British Columbia)
Occupational Therapist – Inventory (British Columbia) (cfp-psc.gc.ca)// Ergothérapeute – Répertoire (Colombie Britannique) (cfp-psc.gc.ca)
Psychologist – Inventory (British Columbia)
Psychologist – Inventory (British Columbia) (cfp-psc.gc.ca)//Psychologue – Répertoire (Colombia Britannique) (cfp-psc.gc.ca)
Psychologist – Inventory (Ontario)
Psychologist – Inventory (Ontario) (cfp-psc.gc.ca)// Psychologue – Répertoire (Ontario) (cfp-psc.gc.ca)
Psychologist – Inventory (Prairie)
Psychologist – Inventory (Prairie) (cfp-psc.gc.ca)//Psychologue – Répertoire (Prairie) (cfp-psc.gc.ca)
Psychologist – Inventory (Quebec)
Psychologist – Inventory (Quebec) (cfp-psc.gc.ca)//Psychologue – Répertoire (Quebec) (cfp-psc.gc.ca)
Psychologist – Inventory (Atlantic)
Psychologist – Inventory (Atlantic) (cfp-psc.gc.ca)//Psychologue – Répertoire (Atlantic) (cfp-psc.gc.ca)
Nurse – Inventory (Ontario)
Nurse – Inventory (Ontario) (cfp-psc.gc.ca)// Infirmier/Infirmière – Répertoire (Ontario) (cfp-psc.gc.ca)
Occupational Therapist – Inventory (Campbellford & Kingston, ON)
Occupational Therapist – Inventory (Campbellford & Kingston, ON) (cfp-psc.gc.ca)// Ergothérapeute – Répertoire (Campbellford & Kingston, ON) (cfp-psc.gc.ca)
Parole Officer (National)
Parole Officer (National) (cfp-psc.gc.ca)//Agent/agente de libération conditionnelle (National) (cfp-psc.gc.ca)
Clinical Social Worker – Inventory (British Columbia)
Clinical Social Worker – Inventory (British Columbia) (cfp-psc.gc.ca)// Travailleur social/travailleuse sociale clinique – Répertoire (Colombia Britannique) (cfp-psc.gc.ca)
Maintenance Tradesperson (Ontario)
Maintenance Tradesperson at Correctional Service Canada: Ontario Region (Ontario) (cfp-psc.gc.ca)// Ouvrier de métier en maintenance à Service correctionnel Canada: Région de l’Ontario (Ontario) (cfp-psc.gc.ca)
Plumber (Quebec)
Plumber (Quebec) (cfp-psc.gc.ca)// Plombier (Quebec) (cfp-psc.gc.ca)
Positions in the Indigenous Continuum of Care (Prairies)
Do you want to be apart of the Indigenous Continuum of care? (Praries) (cfp-psc.gc.ca)//Désirez-vous faire partie du continuum de soins pour Autochtones? (Praries) (cfp-psc.gc.ca)
Correctional Officer I (Port Cartier, QC)
Correctional Officer I – Port-Cartier Institution (Port Cartier, QC) (cfp-psc.gc.ca)//Agent(e) correctionnel(le) I – Établissement Port-Cartier (Port Cartier, QC) (cfp-psc.gc.ca)
Correctional Officer II – Healing Lodges (Maskwacis, AB & Duck Lake, SK)
Make a difference! Become a Correctional Officer II – Healing Lodges (Maskwacis, AB) (cfp-psc.gc.ca)// Faites la différence! Devenez Agent(e) correctionnel(le) II – Pavillons de ressourcement (Duck Lake, SK) (cfp-psc.gc.ca)
Correctional Officer I (National)
Make a difference! Become a Correctional Officer I (National) (cfp-psc.gc.ca)//Faites la différence! Devenez un(e) Agent(e) correctionnel(le) I (National) (cfp-psc.gc.ca)
Correctional Officer – Inventory for Indigenous peoples (National)
Make a difference! Become a Correctional Officer I: Inventory for Indigenous peoples (National) (cfp-psc.gc.ca)// Faites la différence! Devenez Agent(e) correctionnel(le) I: Répertoire des personnes autochtones (National) (cfp-psc.gc.ca)
Primary Worker (National)
Maintenance Tradesperson (Prairie)
Maintenance Tradesperson at Correctional Service Canada: Prairie Region (Prairie) (cfp-psc.gc.ca)//Ouvrier de métier en maintenance à Service correctionnel Canada: Région des Prairies (Prairie) (cfp-psc.gc.ca)
Food Service Helper & Cook’s Helper (Quebec)
Food Service Helper & Cook’s Helper at Correctional Service Canada: Quebec Region (Quebec) (cfp-psc.gc.ca)//Auxiliaire, Distribution aliments & Aide-cuisinier à Service correctionnel Canada: Région du Québec (Quebec) (cfp-psc.gc.ca)
Teacher (British Columbia)
Teacher (British Columbia) (cfp-psc.gc.ca)//Professeur/Professeure (Colombia Britannique) (cfp-psc.gc.ca)
Parole Officer (Chicoutimi, QC)
Parole Officer Inventory Chicoutimi, QC) (cfp-psc.gc.ca)//Agent/agente de libération conditionnelle Répertoire (Chicoutimi, QC)(cfp-psc.gc.ca)
Parole Officer (Rouyn-Noranda, QC)
Parole Officer Inventory (Rouyn-Noranda, QC) (cfp-psc.gc.ca)//Agent/agente de libération conditionnelle Répertoire (Rouyn-Noranda, QC)(cfp-psc.gc.ca)
Parole Officer (Rimouski, QC)
Parole Officer Inventory (Rimouski, QC) (cfp-psc.gc.ca)//Agent/agente de libération conditionnelle Répertoire (Rimouski, QC) (cfp-psc.gc.ca)
Parole Officer (Gatineau, QC)
Parole Officer Inventory (Gatineau, QC) (cfp-psc.gc.ca)//Agent/agente de libération conditionnelle Répertoire (Gatineau, QC) (cfp-psc.gc.ca)
Cleaning Services Officer (Edmonton, AB)
Cleaning Services Officer (Edmonton, AB) (cfp-psc.gc.ca)// Agent ou agente des services de nettoyage (cfp-psc.gc.ca)
Various Position at Okimaw Ohci Healing Lodge (Maple Creek Saskatchewan)
JOIN OUR TEAM at Okimaw Ohci Healing Lodge! (Maple Creek, Saskatchewan) (cfp-psc.gc.ca)//JOIGNEZ NOTRE ÉQUIPE à l’Établissement de l’Pavillon de ressourcement Okimaw Ohci ! (Maple Creek, Saskatchewan) (cfp-psc.gc.ca)
Textile Instructor, CORCAN (Quebec)
Textile Instructor, CORCAN (Quebec) (cfp-psc.gc.ca)// Instructeur/Instructrice tailleur CORCAN (cfp-psc.gc.ca)
Carpenter, Cabinetmaker, Instructor, Plumber and Electrician (National)
Carpenter, Cabinetmaker Instructor, Plumber and Electrician (National) (cfp-psc.gc.ca)// Charpentier/Charpentière, Instructeur(trice) en ébénisterie, Plombier(ière) et Électricien(ne) (cfp-psc.gc.ca)
Building Services Worker, CORCAN & Installations Instructor, CORCAN (National)
Building Services Worker, CORCAN & Installations Instructor, CORCAN (National) (cfp-psc.gc.ca)// Préposé(e) à l’entretien des bâtiments, CORCAN & Instructeur/instructrice d’installation do CORCAN (cfp-psc.gc.ca)
Employment Coordinator (National)
Employment Coordinator (National) (cfp-psc.gc.ca)// Coordonnateur(trice) des services d’emploi (cfp-psc.gc.ca)
CORCAN Instructor Positions (National)
CORCAN Instructor positions: Paint & Pre-Finish, Sheet Metal/Welder and Mechanic Heavy Equipment (National) (cfp-psc.gc.ca)//Instructeurs(trices) de CORCAN: Peinture/Préfinition, Tôlier/Soudeur et Méchanique/machinerie lourde (cfp-psc.gc.ca)
Printing Instructor (La Macaza, QC)
Printing Instructor (La Macaza, QC)) (cfp-psc.gc.ca)// Instructeur(trice) imprimerie (cfp-psc.gc.ca)
August 8, 2024
Our Very Existence Could Be at Stake Come November | Democracy and Disability
As another Disability Pride month comes to a close, I must admit that I’m more discouraged than encouraged about the future of individuals with disabilities and our role in American society.
Election Day is about 90 days away, and very few people are talking about disability inclusion. While some Republican members in Congress have referred to Vice President Kamala Harris as a ‘DEI hire,’ there’s been little discussion about diversity, equity or inclusion with regards to individuals with disabilities, except when they want to loop us into the conversation about mental health.
And then there’s Project 2025, an extreme conservative blueprint for what a second Donald Trump administration may look like. Project 2025 is real, and it’s an extreme threat to individuals with disabilities, too. The very tenants of Project 2025 are eliminating the public workforce, limiting government and cutting Medicaid, all of which have serious life and death consequences for people with disabilities. On top of all the other problems we’re facing, we also don’t have enough direct care employees available to support individuals with disabilities’ daily needs.
If that doesn’t frighten you, then consider Trump’s nephew’s recent claim that the former president suggested to him, while still in the Oval Office, that individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities like his son’s “should just die.” In an excerpt from his book, All in the Family: The Trumps and How We Got to Be This Way, Fred Trump III, son of Donald Trump’s late brother Fred Trump Jr., said the former president told him, “the shape they’re in, all the expenses, maybe those kinds of people should just die.”
Am I suggesting that the prospect of a second Trump presidency is a life-or-death matter for individuals with disabilities? Perhaps, but no one can argue that it isn’t a major step backwards. For the American people and, most especially, individuals with disabilities, 2024 may be the most consequential presidential election in American history.
Another four-plus years of Donald Trump (he’s already hinted he won’t leave office after a second term) will bring more corporate profits at the expense of those people most in need. It will mark the end of democracy and the return of authoritarian rule. Trump has already told us he was going to become a dictator for one day, but it won’t stop on day one. Republicans will do away with Medicaid and affordable health care and prescription prices. Health services and social programs for individuals with disabilities will be further cut back or eliminated. We will become a burden on the government that is deemed expendable.
If there are no people to help individuals with disabilities, there are no social or educational programs for individuals with disabilities. How long is it before there are few, if any, employment opportunities for people with disabilities? At that point, is it a stretch to say we’ll be mass institutionalized?
History has a habit of repeating itself. All of this happened before in the nationalist uprising in Germany in the 1920s and 1930s. An extremely progressive Germany for individuals with disabilities turned into the sterilization of more than 300,000 people and the eventual hospitalization and extermination of at least 250,000 individuals with disabilities. A lot can happen when our individual freedoms are repressed, and all power is stripped from the people and left in the hands of an increasingly white nationalistic society.
Don’t think it can happen to us? Think again. We have a white nationalistic, cult-like movement on the rise here in the U.S., and at the head is someone who has openly mocked people with disabilities in the past. A more marginal candidate for president, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., may have even more radical ideas. And the two are talking with each other. Not long after Trump’s nephew made his claims about the former president, it was reported that RFK Jr. discussed his vision for sending recovering addicts and individuals with certain mental illnesses to wellness camps for treatment. Trump has taken notice, and is leaving the door open for a possible roll in a second administration.
If this is a three-way election, with Kennedy staying in the race, then the nationalist uprising can be held back to some degree. But if reports are true that Kennedy is talking about supporting Trump, then people with disabilities will literally get hurt.
Our biggest defense against Trump and near extinction in our society is a massive liberal voter turnout in November. We still have the right to vote, and we must! Never have the stakes for individuals with disabilities been higher. Otherwise, I’m afraid there are very dark days ahead for our community.
If we want inclusion as individuals with disabilities, and we want to celebrate our disability pride, we need to be vocal. Right now. ‘Nothing about us without us’ is a wonderful slogan, but now we need action. If we have no power, no voice, no freedom and no life, then we won’t exist. Look at what happened in Europe less than 100 years ago, and you see one possible future for us unless we speak up.
John Robinson is the founder and CEO of Our Ability Inc ., the nation’s foremost AI-driven employment platform for individuals with disabilities.
July 18, 2024
Colleges, Universities and Our Ability
With this project, colleges and Our Ability seek to build better employment outcomes for the thousands of college students with disabilities through:
• Creating opportunities to strengthen the connection between Career Development and Disability Services professionals.
• Providing valuable context and information regarding:
o disability and ableism
o self-disclosure
o building a sustainable inclusive culture
o reducing barriers to inclusion
• Discussing the importance of building an inclusive workforce from an employer’s perspective
With Career Development and Disability Services professionals in attendance, Our Ability will coordinate and conduct a series of webinars on topics including:
• Diversity as Disability 101: Ableism and Culture
• Disability as Diversity 102: Jobs Ability and Recruitment
• Conversations with Business
Disability as Diversity 101: Ableism and Culture
Our Ability facilitates communications designed to promote a disability-inclusive culture that goes beyond compliance. Our customized, comprehensive approach guides employers through education, exposure, and discussion; giving management, HR, co-workers – and even outside stakeholders and clients – the foundational skills to reduce the impact of bias, increase retention and lower turnover.
Having lived as or with people with disabilities ourselves, Our Ability leverages our firsthand knowledge to implement positive strategies that reduce fears and raise awareness. Underscoring that a deep understanding is key to any successfully inclusive workplace culture, we emphasize reality and straightforward, practical advice. Together, we’ll also explore real-life scenarios through our exclusive series of disability awareness videos, created by people with disabilities.
Benefits include:
• Reducing barriers, increasing sensitivity, and promoting tolerance.
• Ensuring open dialogue and mutual respect.
• Instilling inclusivity language and communication skills.
• Building a successful, sustainable disability-inclusive culture.
• Providing a positive, employee and customer experience that celebrates inclusivity.
• Decreasing employment liability exposure.
Disability as Diversity 102 | Jobs Ability Recruitment
Our Ability provides multiple specific, corporate-sponsored recruitment to college and university disability service offices for students and alumni. We demonstrate Jobs Ability and discuss how we support hiring managers, recruiters, and senior management by being a resource for students and graduates to find jobs.
We will build online events discussing the features of Jobs Ability. We demonstrate how to utilize the skill assessment, training elements and job search functionality. At the same time, we will provide organization-specific information.
