As a proud member of Atlanta Technology Professionals (ATP), a dedicated disability advocate, and the founder of newly launched 501(c)(3) Disability Scholarship to support disabled college students and Science scholarship to advance STEM, I am excited to celebrate Disability Pride Month with you. This month is a testament to the strength, resilience, and creativity that disabled individuals bring to our tech community and beyond.
In the dynamic world of technology, the contributions of disabled professionals are often underappreciated. Yet, it is the third largest market segment, representing unique perspectives and problem-solving skills that drive true innovation and inclusivity. Disability Pride Month offers an intentional opportunity to recognize these contributions and to promote an environment where everyone can flourish.
Launching the Disability and STEM scholarships have been a deeply personal and rewarding journey. Inspired by my own engineering background and challenges navigating higher education as a disabled student, these scholarships aim to eliminate barriers and provide opportunities for future tech leaders. Supporting disabled students is not only an investment in their future but also an enrichment of the tech industry with diverse talents and perspectives.
In addition to this, I am thrilled to announce my upcoming book, “Inclusive Innovation: Harnessing AI, Robotics, and Machine Learning for Disability Tech.” This book explores how emerging technologies can revolutionize the lives of disabled individuals, creating more opportunities for independence and participation. It highlights the critical need for our industry to prioritize inclusivity and equity in technological advancements.
As we mark the 34th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) on July 26th, we reflect on the progress made in disability rights and the work still ahead. The ADA was a landmark moment in the fight for disability justice, providing a legal framework to protect the rights of disabled individuals. Yet, achieving true equity requires ongoing advocacy and action.
At ATP, we have a unique platform to champion inclusivity through allyship and awareness. Our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion must go beyond rhetoric to concrete initiatives that drive meaningful change. This means ensuring our workplaces are accessible, our hiring practices are inclusive, and our professional development programs intentionally support the growth of disabled employees.
Disability Pride Month is also a time to honor the principles of disability justice, which calls for recognizing the intersectionality of disabled people’s experiences and advocating for systemic changes that uplift our collective community. It is about creating spaces where disabled voices are heard, valued, and empowered to lead.
As we celebrate this month, let us remember that true inclusion requires continuous effort. It is about recognizing the value of every individual, advocating for necessary accommodations, fostering, and cultivating a culture of belonging. Together, we can dismantle barriers and build a tech community where everyone, regardless of their abilities, neurodivergence, and differences, can succeed.
I encourage all members of ATP to engage with and support disabled colleagues, learn about disability rights, and participate in initiatives that promote accessibility and inclusion. By doing so, we not only honor the spirit of Disability Pride Month but also pave the way for a more equitable and innovative future.
Thank you for joining me in all you do to celebrate Disability Pride Month and for your commitment to making Atlanta’s tech community a place where everyone can thrive. Together, we can make a difference and continue to lead the way in creating a truly inclusive industry.