January 2021 - Sheri Byrne-Haber's Blog

Ouroboros of four different disability models Charitable; Medical; Social; and Identity

Is an “identity model” replacing the charitable, medical, and social models of disability?

The next stage of evolution in how the global community views disability Part one of a three-part article. See part two on language choices associated with disability/accessibility here. Language is a strange and powerful thing. So are sociological models for traits…

Zara model wearing green jacket famously worn by Melania Trump. White block graffiti says “I really don’t care do u?”

Technology doesn’t make accessibility hard. People who don’t care do.

Everything that makes accessibility difficult ties back to one root cause: People not giving a damn about others who are different. These are the different categories of people you will run into in corporate settings that will make life difficult…

Boardroom inside sky scraper with lots of windows and white furniture, table and 15 chairs

California Law AB 979 promoting board diversity does not go far enough.

AB 979 law has a much too narrow definition of “underrepresented communities,” leaving out many identities who deserve to be included. AB 979 was signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom last year. This law requires that by the end of 2021,…

Two women (one clearly a person of color) conversing in a coffee shop

Seven Steps to Processing a “Teachable Moment”

Not so much when the “teachable moment” pertains to diversity or identity, be it gender, age, disability, ethnicity, LGBTQ+ status, or any other aspect. Let me tell you that under those circumstances, “teachable moments” are unequivocally awful experiences, even under the best of circumstances.

HARO: Every publicity person’s low-budget best friend

“Help A Reporter Out” helps you find experts and build online name recognition. Ever wondered where reporters get their sources from and how to be one? I can’t count how many times I’ve heard on radio or multimedia someone talking…

Worn black piece of paper with white letters spelling TRUTH in a pothole on worn asphalt

Four corporate disability equity truths

Permanent improvements in disability equity are impossible without understanding and dealing with these categorical truths. People with disabilities do not have access to equal business opportunities. If you don’t believe that, I ask you to look at Exhibits 1 and…

Word cloud with Workshop in the center surrounded by training, goal, idea, skills, team, practice, results, trends

Ten Tips for Creating Effective Accessibility Workshops

For starters, re-imagine your all-day workshop in an “all you can eat buffet” format, not a single 12-course dinner. 1. Short 5–10 minute segments in repetitive “learn-do” cycles generally work better than live workshops It is challenging for people to take a…

Old-style courtroom with lots of wood and maroon velvet drapes

Got sued under the ADA for inaccessibility? – Part 2

Here is what you can expect. Part 2 of a two-part article Read Part 1 of this article here about recouping costs for accessibility lawsuits when others are at fault. This article is not legal advice. This is a general opinion article…

Weights, a tape measure, fruit, and a scale — all things commonly associated with New Year’s resolutions

Don’t start the work New Year by sponsoring a weight loss contest.

A list of things that might sound OK on the surface but don’t stand up to any level of introspection of others’ lived experiences Almost 1/3 of Americans make New Year’s resolutions. A staggering number of the resolutions made by people…

Month: January 2021