Not only can living with a disability make
it challenging to perform daily tasks, but the
stigma associated with it can also lead one
to feel hopeless and isolated Fortunately, there are
many organizations working to support those with disabilities
and challenge society's preconceived notions around depression Autism,
and more. In no particular order, here are
some groups dedicated to making the world a
more inclusive place.
First up, at # 1 we have Rooted
in Rights, which produces videos and social media
campaigns focused exclusively on disability rights issues. The
group tells stories that aim to challenge stigma
and redefine narratives around mental health and chronic
illnesses. It also adds captions, audio descriptions, and
transcripts in its content to ensure accessibility.
Its Parenting Without Pity project allows caretakers to
draw from their own experiences to help others
become better allies for their disabled children the
initiative features a 20-episode podcast series. The Rooted
in Rights blog publishes pieces that share perspectives
on disability and amplify critical issues.
Next, at # 2 is Erasing the Distance,
a nonprofit arts organization that uses the power
of performance to disarm stigma, educate others, and
promote dialogue about mental health. Founded in 2005,
it stages shows for the general public at
local venues throughout Chicago and leads outreach programs
that provide youth with an opportunity to explore
share, and perform their own stories.
The group collects true accounts from people whose
lives have been impacted by mental health issues
its library contains hundreds of interviews covering a
wide range of identities perspectives, and diagnoses. It
also hosts free virtual storytelling events performed by
professional actors, followed by a dialogue with artists
and staff.
Taking the # 3 spot is iFred. This
organization is dedicated to shining a positive light
on depression and eliminating the stigma associated with
it through prevention research, and education. Among its
projects is Hopeful Cities, a website full of
resources that aim to equip cities worldwide with
the tools necessary to create maintain, and grow
hope.
Through its Hopeful Minds curriculum, the organization strives
to provide students teachers, and parents everywhere with
the resources they need to develop a positive
mindset and prevent hopelessness. Its Gardens for Hope
project seeks to raise awareness of depression by
encouraging others to plant sunflowers at local community
gardens parks schools, or even at home.
At # 4 is the Disability Visibility Project,
an online community dedicated to creating sharing, and
amplifying disability media and culture. It was founded
by Alice Wong, who also offers various research
and consultation services centered on disabled people, including
presentations and workshops on a wide range of
subjects.
Wong also hosts the Disability Visibility podcast, which
features conversations on politics culture, and media. The
organization's Book Circle also gave one-time grants to
disabled writers so they could organize literary events
with captioning and ASL interpreters.
Finally, at # 5 we have the Arc
of the United States, which promotes and protects
the rights of people with disabilities and actively
supports their full inclusion and participation in the
community throughout their lives. As a part of
its efforts, the organization provides training and resources
to help families and other stakeholders navigate the
special education system.
The group helps its corporate clients create sustainable
and inclusive hiring programs, offering services such as
recruitment, corporate trainings, accessibility assessments, and more. Among
its other initiatives is the Wings for All
program. This initiative aims to alleviate some of
the stress that those with disabilities experience when
traveling by air families can learn how their
loved ones might react to different stimuli in
the airport.