Genentech’s Post

Love what Lachi talks and sings about during this Ted Talk!

Laura Hope Whitaker What if you could challenge societal norms and change the world’s perception of individuals with disabilities? Join us in an inspiring conversation with Laura Hope Whitaker, CEO of ESP, as she shares her incredible journey of leadership, community building, and the transformative metaphor of the dandelion. At just 19, Laura stepped into the role of CEO after the sudden passing of ESP’s founder, and she has since grown the organization to serve over 1,200 individuals. We uncover the often-overlooked beauty of dandelions, paralleling it with the misunderstood potential in people with disabilities, urging a shift in perspective to appreciate inherent value beyond labels. In a candid discussion, Laura recounts the initial hurdles of leading a nonprofit, from financial struggles to limited support, and the importance of building a knowledgeable community. She shares her battle with imposter syndrome and the valuable lessons learned from both nonprofit and for-profit sectors. Listeners will be moved by heartwarming testimonies of families and communities impacted by ESP’s services, and inspired by the organization's adaptability and unwavering pursuit of knowledge and support. Laura's story emphasizes the significance of community, resilience, and continuous growth, both personally and organizationally. Discover the transformative power of meaningful employment for individuals with high support needs through ESP's social enterprise, JavaJoy. Laura explores how JavaJoy provides opportunities and confidence for neurodiverse individuals, fostering positive connections and breaking down barriers in diverse environments. From corporate events to the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the journey of Joy Ristas exemplifies the importance of inclusivity in the workforce. Additionally, we discuss creating upward mobility within organizations and supporting individuals with disabilities in finding fulfilling employment opportunities. This episode is a powerful call to action to support inclusive organizations and follow Laura’s mission to uplift individuals and families through community service. Support the Show.

Memphis Artists for Change has posted something on our Business Page; I'd love for you to check it out! Your Voice Matters! #earlyvote #yourvoicematters #yourvotematters #yourvoteyourvoice #memphisartistsforchange #communityactivist #communityprojects #givebacktoyourcommunity #justiceforallblacklives #communityactivism #cultureofcare

Memphis Artists for Change has posted something on our Business Page; I'd love for you to check it out! Your Voice Matters! #earlyvote #yourvoicematters #yourvotematters #yourvoteyourvoice #memphisartistsforchange #communityactivist #communityprojects #givebacktoyourcommunity #justiceforallblacklives #communityactivism #cultureofcare

This month's Prickly Pear was incredible but next months is already guaranteed to give our ears and hearts a fantastic time! Why? Why, because we have the utterly phenomenal JAMIE MCCORMICK headlining for us (just take a look at that incredible bio on the event page if you've been living under a rock and don't know why I'm bouncing with excitement about this!). Of course, I highly recommend you go get your ticket quick smart, I can see these flying into folks email boxes quicker than you can blink! Come and enjoy an event that shines a light on all disabilities, whether physical or mental, hidden or unhidden. Please note that self-diagnosis is Valid. Open to all, but priority will be given to those with a disability and/or those who wish to share words about disability. So please join us to celebrate and lift the performers among us that are often left uncatered for. Run by neurodivergent poets we understand how difficult it can be to perform when the world is set up for the abled. This is one of the reasons we are an ONLINE event. Being online means no distance is a barrier, we want to hear voices from around the world, but please be aware that the hosts' language will be in English. This is a pay-what-you-feel/can event, instructions on how to donate will be given during the event. Please email [email protected] to request an open mic slot. A ticket does not guarantee this. If you have any special requirements, please let us know, as we will be more than happy to accommodate your needs. Tickets here: https://lnkd.in/eTWVJ6Tf Alternatively, please email [email protected] to request a ticket. No hate will be tolerated. So no racism, homophobia, transphobia, ableism and no punching down. Equality, equity and diversity are not just words. ***PLEASE DISPLAY YOUR NAME ON ZOOM WHEN JOINING THE EVENT. IT MUST MATCH THE NAME ON THE TICKET. ENTRY WILL BE REFUSED WITHOUT THIS*** #openmic #poetry #poetrycommunity #performance #disability #disabilityawareness #neurodivergent #neurodiversity #pricklypear

Inclusion and resources are fundamental for every child!

Should Rappers Support Their Community and Hold White People Accountable? Join the discussion on whether rappers have a responsibility to uplift their community and whether hip hop culture should hold white people to the same standards. Explore the controversies and engage in the conversation. #RapperResponsibility #CommunitySupport #HipHopCulture #Accountability #RaceRelations #ControversialDebate #CulturalResponsibility #SocialJustice #CommunityEmpowerment #EqualityDiscussion

RNIB Steven Scott David Beard Have you ever wondered how our perceptions shape the way we view people with disabilities? If you’re a regular listener of Radio 4’s "You and Yours" and "In Touch," you’ll know Peter White. He joined the BBC over 50 years ago and became the corporation’s first presenter with sight loss to host his own show. We worked together on "In Touch/You and Yours" in the past and, although we’re not particularly close, I recently discovered we share something in common beyond our sight loss: the "no triumph, no tragedy" philosophy. Rather than seeing persons with disabilities as objects of pity or inspiration, this thinking views us as active agents and subjects. It allows us to see ourselves as members of a social group capable of accomplishments, with our worth recognised by society. For me, sight loss isn’t a hardship. I focus on finding solutions to navigate the obstacles society erects and attribute my achievements to my personal abilities, not my blindness. This attached image of me carrying groceries while walking with my guide dog during the pandemic is a classic example of what some might deem a "perceived triumph." This perception often stems from the imaginings of the perceiver, who envisions how amazing they would see themselves if they had to cope with sight loss. Conversely, a "tragedy" example is when a person's sight loss is portrayed as a devastating life event that overshadows all their capabilities and potential. Peter and I believe these misconceptions arise from misplaced emphasis, where sight loss becomes the focus instead of the person, leading to statements like, “Isn’t it amazing what blind people can do?” when vision loss is irrelevant to our abilities. It's about shifting the focus to the person and their capabilities, not their impairment. Have you noticed similar misconceptions in your community? How do you think we can change this perspective? #DisabilityInclusion #PerceptionShift #InclusionMatters #DisabilityAwareness #NoTriumphNoTragedy #Empowerment

From those early days when we were simply wanting to help Jen be and do what she wanted, the ripple effects have enabled us as a family of four to develop and grow and lead independent lives. Read more 👉 https://lttr.ai/ASJzj #ChangingLives #Thinkingdifferently #SocialCareSystem

"Sit on the back row of the bus and listen to what’s playing on the speaker. Go to the opera. Stand at the top with the die-hard fans and watch their faces when the music lifts their soul between their ears. Beg, steal, smash your way into Glastonbury and witness the best of friends parting ways over Pet Shop Boys vs Kendrick Lamar and see how a tent-city the size of Bath can live with no crime and no single use plastic because they are high on music, high on life, and high on their own supply. Follow Love Island like your life depends on it. Get political. Get local. Get grassroots. Join Facebook groups about Low Traffic Neighbourhoods. Examine the minutiae of life that people really care about. Call them shoppers. Call them consumers. Call them buyers. Call them people. Call them humans. I don’t care. But whatever you do, seek them out - all of them. Find their voice and bring it into the room. It’s never been harder to find. It’s never been easier to find." https://lnkd.in/eU2Kpp72