Living in an inaccessible world | Jessica Smith | TEDxGEMSNewMillenniumSchool

TL;DR

Over 1.3 billion people face discrimination due to disabilities, calling for societal change towards inclusivity and respect.

Transcript

good morning I want you to imagine once upon a time a world so beautiful in its colors aors sounds and vibrations but not everyone could see it hear it smell it or touch it I want you to imagine once upon a time a world where 8 billion people lived side by side but more than 1 billion of those people had less rights less access and less Dignity of ... Read More

Key Insights

• ♿ Disability affects over 1.3 billion individuals globally, with societal barriers limiting access and acceptance.
• 🧡 Society's focus on physical disabilities overlooks the diverse range of disabilities like anxiety, depression, and autism.
• 🫡 The speaker advocates for kindness, respect, and active inclusion to create a more equitable world for people with disabilities.
• 🖤 Discrimination, stereotypes, and lack of accessibility hinder the empowerment and independence of people with disabilities.
• 🍳 Inclusivity in all aspects of life, from employment to societal interactions, is crucial for breaking down barriers for individuals with disabilities.
• 🅰️ Embracing diversity and promoting understanding of all types of disabilities is essential for creating a more inclusive and accepting society.
• 💨 Despite advancements in digital accessibility and Universal Design, there is still a long way to go in ensuring equal opportunities for people with disabilities.

Questions & Answers

Q: How many people are estimated to be living with disabilities globally?

According to the World Health Organization, more than 1.3 billion people, which is over 16% of the global population, are living with disabilities.

Q: What challenges do people with disabilities face in areas such as employment and societal acceptance?

People with disabilities encounter obstacles like limited access to employment opportunities, poor health outcomes, lower life expectancy, and enduring stereotypes and discrimination in society.

Q: Why does the speaker emphasize the need for societal change regarding disability?

The speaker highlights the unjust treatment and lack of inclusivity for disabled individuals, calling for a shift in societal perspectives to promote tolerance, acceptance, and inclusivity.

Q: How does the speaker advocate for creating a more inclusive world for people with disabilities?

The speaker urges for kindness, respect, and active participation from all individuals to welcome people with disabilities into all aspects of life, promoting genuine inclusion and understanding.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Society perpetuates discrimination against the 1.3 billion disabled individuals, creating barriers to employment, health, and societal acceptance.

• The speaker, born with a physical disability, challenges stereotypes and highlights the daily challenges faced due to societal norms and lack of accessibility.

• Emphasizing the need for kindness, inclusion, and respecting the diverse range of disabilities to create a more equitable world.