Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Disability Belongs™ @disabilitybelongs.bsky.social · 2d

Image Description: Disability Belongs leadership program logo with green and blue gradient border

Disability Belongs™ @disabilitybelongs.bsky.social · 2d

Applications are now open for the Spring 2026 #Disability Belongs™ Leadership Program cohort! The priority deadline to apply is November 2nd at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time. There are some exciting changes to the program for the upcoming cohort, so be sure to review all of the details on our website!

Disability Belongs™ Leadership Program

A 5-month, fully remote training program for professionals committed to creating systemic change for people with disabilities.

www.DisabilityBelongs.org

1

Disability Belongs™ @disabilitybelongs.bsky.social · 3d

Image Description: a universal access icon next to an icon with a pie chart representing a budget.

Disability Belongs™ @disabilitybelongs.bsky.social · 3d

Federal budgets are not just numbers. They are statements of values. When disability programs are underfunded, it sends a message that our needs are not a priority. But when investments are made in Medicaid, SNAP, SSDI, and access, they affirm that we deserve equal opportunities to thrive.

How Federal Budgets Directly Impact the Lives of Disabled People - Disability Belongs™

The U.S. Federal Budget does more than allocate dollars; it reveals how our society values people with disabilities and our contributions.

www.disabilitybelongs.org

1

Disability Belongs™ @disabilitybelongs.bsky.social · 4d

Learn more in our new resource, available for free on our website: www.disabilitybelongs.org/resources/th...

Disability Belongs™ @disabilitybelongs.bsky.social · 4d

3) Supports: Embed supports into daily practices to ensure equitable access across the workplace.

1

Disability Belongs™ @disabilitybelongs.bsky.social · 4d

2) Systems and Processes: Design systems and processes that are clear, consistent, and intuitive for everyone on your team.

1

Disability Belongs™ @disabilitybelongs.bsky.social · 4d

Three Ways for Leaders to Create Accessible Workplaces:
1) Materials and Directions: Provide information in both print and digital formats, and offer multiple ways for people to engage.

#Disability #Disabled #Disabilities #NDEAM25

1

Disability Belongs™ @disabilitybelongs.bsky.social · 6d

Image Description: The SNAP logo consists of a stylized grocery-filled bag design, with SNAP superimposed thereon, together with the program name “Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program,” and the tagline “Putting Healthy Food Within Reach” and the letters USDA which appear above the program name.

1

Disability Belongs™ @disabilitybelongs.bsky.social · 6d

For households with disabled members, changes to SNAP in H.R. 1 mean a higher risk of hunger, more paperwork, and fewer supports. Advocates and policymakers will need to work together to ensure SNAP remains a reliable safeguard against poverty and hunger. Learn what's changing and why it matters ⬇︎

SNAP Under H.R. 1: What’s Changing and Why It Matters - Disability Belongs™

H.R. 1 makes three major changes to SNAP: tightening work requirements, shifting costs to states and counties, and eliminating SNAP-Ed, the nutrition education program.

www.disabilitybelongs.org

1 2 2

Disability Belongs™ @disabilitybelongs.bsky.social · 7d

In our new resource about "Developing Leadership Skills in the Workplace," you can learn about upskilling yourself for leadership, pitching yourself for opportunities, and using lived experience as an asset. Check it out: www.disabilitybelongs.org/resources/de... #Disability #NDEAM #Disabilities

graphic promoting new resource from Disability Belongs titled Developing Leadership Skills in the Workplace with a border with illustrated fireworks from the NDEAM 2025 poster, the disability belongs trademarked icon, two icons with groups of people representing leadership, and the text in the post caption.

1

Disability Belongs™ @disabilitybelongs.bsky.social · 9d

Image Description: abstract artwork of fireworks from the 2025 NDEAM poster along with an icon of a briefcase (3/3)

Disability Belongs™ @disabilitybelongs.bsky.social · 9d

On 10/28 at 1 p.m. ET, join Craig Leen, a partner at K&L Gates, and Ariel Simms, President and CEO of Disability Belongs™, for a discussion that encourages employers to reinvest their DEI funds specifically in disability inclusion and accessibility efforts, rather than repurposing them. RSVP⬇︎ (2/3)

Navigating the Evolving Landscape in Workplace Diversity: A Conversation about Disability Inclusion with Craig Leen and Ariel Simms - Disability Belongs™

A discussion that encourages employers to reinvest their DEI funds specifically in disability inclusion and accessibility efforts.

www.disabilitybelongs.org

1

Disability Belongs™ @disabilitybelongs.bsky.social · 9d

With the recent changes in workplace culture and DEI-related federal guidance, many companies are uncertain about the legal implications of investing in diversity within their work environments. (1/3)

graphic advertising webinar from Disability Belongs titled Navigating the Evolving Landscape in Workplace Diversity - A Conversation about Disability Inclusion with Craig Leen and Ariel Simms. includes date and time of Tuesday October 28th at 1 p.m. ET for one hour, the disability belongs trademarked icon, and headshots of Craig Leen and Ariel Simms.

1 1

Disability Belongs™ @disabilitybelongs.bsky.social · 10d

Image Description: Illustration of red white and blue fireworks from the official NDEAM 2025 poster.

Disability Belongs™ @disabilitybelongs.bsky.social · 10d

Whether you are entering the workplace for the first time or considering a career change, the tips in our new resource are designed to support you as you explore options, prepare for opportunities, and advocate for the accommodations you need to succeed. #Disability #Disabilities #Disabled

Job Seeking Success Tips for People with Disabilities - Disability Belongs™

The journey to employment looks different for everyone. With the right tools and strategies, you can navigate it with confidence.

www.disabilitybelongs.org

1

Disability Belongs™ @disabilitybelongs.bsky.social · 12d

Image Description: excerpt from the NDEAM 2025 poster with red white and blue dots, lines, and circles representing ideas

Disability Belongs™ @disabilitybelongs.bsky.social · 12d

For employers committed to building inclusive workplaces, forming intentional partnerships with organizations that connect people with #disabilities to meaningful work is a proven strategy for expanding access to skilled, motivated candidates. Learn more in our newest #NDEAM2025 resource!

Building Effective Talent Partnerships within the Disability Community - Disability Belongs™

Forming intentional partnerships with organizations that connect people with disabilities to meaningful work is a proven strategy.

www.disabilitybelongs.org

1 1

Disability Belongs™ @disabilitybelongs.bsky.social · 13d

Image Description: Photos of three older people with disabilities working.

Disability Belongs™ @disabilitybelongs.bsky.social · 13d

Join AARP and Disability Belongs on October 29th at 1 p.m. ET/10 a.m. PT for a conversation about addressing the workforce realities faced by workers with access needs or disabilities, debunking age-related myths, and exploring potential solutions. Register: www.disabilitybelongs.org/2025/09/aarp...

Advancing an Inclusive Workforce in 2025: A Conversation with AARP and Disability Belongs™ - Disability Belongs™

Addressing the workforce realities faced by workers with access needs or disabilities, debunking age-related myths, and exploring potential solutions.

www.disabilitybelongs.org

1

Disability Belongs™ @disabilitybelongs.bsky.social · 16d

It's October, which means that National #Disability Employment Awareness Month's 80th anniversary is here! We've shared a new resource to celebrate: 10 Tips to Increase Disability Inclusion in the Workplace! Check it out at DisabilityBelongs.org/NDEAM25 and stay tuned for more resources all month!

graphic advertising 10 tips to increase disability inclusion in the workplace resource for the 80th anniversary of NDEAM. includes a screenshot of the PDF version with the first 4 tips on it, and the URL in the post copy.

1 2

Disability Belongs™ @disabilitybelongs.bsky.social · 17d

Image Description: A woman reaching for and grabbing a pill bottle from a pharmacy.

1

Disability Belongs™ @disabilitybelongs.bsky.social · 17d

Take Action to Protect Affordable Health Coverage: Contact your Members of Congress today and urge them to extend enhanced Affordable Care Act (ACA) premium tax credits before they expire. For templates and contact information, visit: www.disabilitybelongs.org/2025/10/aca-... #Disability #Disabled

Take Action to Protect Affordable Health Coverage - Disability Belongs™

Congress is considering letting enhanced Affordable Care Act (ACA) premium tax credits expire at the end of this year—on December 31, 2025.

www.disabilitybelongs.org

1 1

Disability Belongs™ @disabilitybelongs.bsky.social · 21d

At Disability Belongs™, we know that disability is not a bad word or something to be afraid of. That’s why we put it in our name! We recommend avoiding euphemisms like “special needs” or “differently abled” and confidently embracing the word “disability.” #Disabilities #Disability #Disabled

2 6

Disability Belongs™ @disabilitybelongs.bsky.social · 23d

Image Description: illustrations of a studio light, a film camera, and a film clapper