In this week’s Friday Feature, we highlight two incredible organizations that are advocating for the rights of people with disabilities, both in the home and in the workplace.
SILO
First is the Suffolk Independent Living Organization (SILO). Located in Long Island, New York, SILO was founded in 1982 as part of the larger independent living movement that started nearly two decades earlier after the deinstitutionalization process of individuals with disabilities began. SILO’s founder, June Roberts, along with other prominent members of the disability community also participated in demonstrations that led to the ban on discrimination against people with disabilities in federal programs. As the Disability Rights and Independent Living movements grew and gained nationwide attention and support, a grassroots effort for a comprehensive disability rights law took hold, which ultimately led to the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990.
Today, SILO continues its mission of ensuring that the rights of people with disabilities are upheld and protected. In addition to independent living training, SILO also offer a range of programs and services, including peer counseling, support groups, voter registration initiatives, and assistive technology training, among others.
To learn more about the important work SILO does, visit: https://www.siloinc.org/
GDI
Our next organization is Global Disability Inclusion (GDI), a 100% women and disability-owned human resources and management consulting firm, which aims to create more opportunities for individuals with disabilities in the workplace. Based in St. Augustine, Florida, GDI was founded by Meg O’Connell in 2013.
Early in her career, O’Connell realized that individuals with disabilities did not have access to the same opportunities or services as other employees. This disparity inspired her to reach out directly to companies and help to improve their diversity inclusion efforts for individuals with disabilities, both within the company and outside.
To achieve this, GDI focuses on three major areas of inclusion: the workforce, the workplace, and the marketplace. The workforce involves identifying diverse talent and creating a culture of inclusivity whereas the workplace is centered around accessible infrastructure for employees and customers. Last, the marketplace focuses on building a company’s brand to attract both employees and customers with disabilities.
In recognition of GDI’s exceptional dedication, the firm was certified as a Women's Business Enterprise by the Women's Business Enterprise National Council in 2017.[1]
Meg O’Connell, CEO/Founder of Global Disability Inclusion
"We are thrilled to be certified as a Women's Business Enterprise by the WBENC"
To learn more about the important work that GDI does, visit: https://www.globaldisabilityinclusion.com/
As always, please share this newsletter with your friends and family. Also, visit our main website https://www.dwellability.com/ to learn more about Home Sharing for People with Disabilities…by People with Disabilities.
Cheers!
Jeff