Why Do We Still Feel Uncomfortable Talking About Disability?

Why Do We Still Feel Uncomfortable Talking About Disability?

I kept thinking about this after the Ability Summit.

I took this picture in the cafeteria.

There were so many people around me who had come together to talk about accessibility and inclusion.

That stayed with me.

We don’t talk about disability enough.

Sometimes people avoid the topic because they don’t know what to say.

Sometimes differently-abled individuals don’t feel comfortable sharing their experiences.

And in many places, disability is still treated like something we should quietly discuss.

But at the Ability Summit, the feeling was different.

We were part of the conversation.

We were supported.

We were celebrated.

We were the focus of the day.

Seeing a global company like Microsoft bring people together around accessibility was something I truly appreciated.

People from different walks of life were there.

Sharing ideas.

Learning from each other.

Thinking about how we can make workplaces, products, brands, and society more accessible.

For me, that cafeteria picture became a reminder.

Inclusion is not only about saying everyone is welcome.

It is about creating an environment where people actually feel welcome.

Where differently-abled individuals can speak openly.

Where accessibility is considered from the beginning.

Where their experiences are valued.

That is the kind of inclusion I want to see more of.

And that is why I wanted to keep this picture.

So I can remember what it felt like to be in a space where accessibility was not an afterthought.

It was the conversation.

Have you ever been in a workplace or event where you genuinely felt included?

I would love to hear your experience.

About Light Upon Light

The denial of a cup of tea sparked a movement dedicated to advancing advocacy, accessibility, and equality for differently-abled people while changing society’s perception of these honorable individuals through education.

Visit https://www.luul.org/ to learn more about our mission, explore our programs, and discover how you can help create a more inclusive world.

With love and light, Ronahi Zebari Founder & CEO, Light Upon Light