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It’s Never Too Late to Include Everyone

“Disability is not something we overcome. It’s a part of human diversity.”
Haben Girma, the first Deafblind person to graduate from Harvard Law School
Creativity is just connecting things.
Steve Jobs
I never viewed technology as a replacement for the human experience. I viewed it as something that could liberate the human experience.
Sal Khan
For people without disabilities, technology makes things easier. For people with disabilities, technology makes things possible.
Unknown
Everyone has, cares for, or knows someone who will have a special need due to a disability as defined by the ADA.
Sara Speer Selber
Abled does not mean enabled. Disabled does not mean less abled.
Khang Kijarro Nguyen
When you focus on someone’s disability, you overlook their abilities, beauty, and uniqueness. Once you learn to accept and love them for who they are, you subconsciously learn to love yourself unconditionally.
Yvonne Pierre
Just because a man lacks the use of his eyes doesn’t mean he lacks vision.
Stevie Wonder
So many of our dreams at first seem impossible, then they seem improbable, and then, when we summon the will, they soon become inevitable.
Christopher Reeve
It was probably no accident that it was the cripple Hephaestus who made ingenious machines; a normal man didn’t have to hoist or jack himself over hindrances by means of cranks, chains and metal parts. Then it was in the line of human advance that Einhorn could do so much.
Saul Bellow
Diversity is being asked to the party; inclusion is being asked to dance.
Verna Myers
Inclusion is a right, not a privilege for the select few.
Judge Geary
Always remember that you are unique, just like everyone else.
Margaret Mead
A community that excludes even one of its members is no community at all.
Dan Wilkins
I believe that to make genuine strides toward increased inclusion, you must find partners. None of us can do this work on our own.
Lisa Friedman
Our human family is completed when everyone is included.
Curt Armstrong
Inclusion works to the advantage of everyone. We all have things to learn and we all have something to teach.
Unknown
Inclusion is within everyone's ability.
Unknown
Sometimes the greatest gift you can give another person is to simply include them.
Unknown
Inclusion is who we are, not simply a thing that we do.
Lisa Friedman
Never assume a person who has difficulty communicating has nothing to say.
Unknown
Diversity is having a seat at the table. Inclusion is having a voice. And belonging is having that voice be heard.
Liz Fosslien
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Redefining Inclusion

The world of technology is fast-moving and ever-changing. For some, it can be intimidating. Jargon like AI and speech to text sounds like a foreign language. But did you know that you are likely already using AI and speech to text technology? Hosting a video call on your computer or asking for directions in a smartphone app are more commonplace than ever before. Did you ever wonder how these devices and apps can bring us closer together?

Technology can be a powerfully inclusive tool to connect us in ways we couldn’t have imagined even five years ago.

During the pandemic, many people experienced the kind of social isolation that people with chronic health conditions and different abilities experience on a daily basis. Sara and Cristen believe that these circumstances have heightened our awareness of how harmful isolation and exclusion can be. We have a unique opportunity to use these tools to connect and support each other in new ways. This connection will have a huge impact on our families, our communities, and–because we are interdependent–the world.

  • Learn about the technology that can change lives

  • Help introduce others to tools that empower those with different abilities

  • Rethink the who and what of the word “disability”

  • Learn how to use a comprehensive platform that can help find tools for yourself or a loved one who needs support

  • Experience firsthand:

    • a tool that narrates the world around you

    • a tool that helps connect people who have trouble hearing or communicating with others

    • a tool that helps manage medication

Click the adjacent video thumbnail to view this session online.

Meet Sara Speer Selber and Cristen Reat

Sara Speer Selber has been recognized repeatedly throughout her 35 professional career years for her many contributions to the welfare of others. Her experience includes serving as Chief Executive Officer of AIDS Foundation Houston and President of the Dynegy Foundation and forming the PM Team. Today, Sara brings this experience along with her passion for conscious inclusion to QuestEssential’s leadership team.

Cristen Reat’s passion for leveraging the power of mobile device technology to enhance the lives of those with disabilities comes from personal experience in trying to assist her son with special needs. Cristen is considered a thought leader in the area of using mobile device technology with people who have disabilities, and BridgingApps was recognized as a Verizon Powerful Answers award winner for Education in 2014.

BridgingApps.org, a program of Easter Seals Greater Houston, is the result of that passion and desire to share information and create a platform for other parents, therapists, people with disabilities, and professionals to learn best practices from each other.

Title Sub-Title Author Content
Apps = Connection
If 4 year olds can do this, I can learn to do it too!
BridgingApps
Watch YouTube Video
What can YOU do?
Video contest top entries - scroll down to watch them all!
The Campaign for Disability Employment
Watch the Video
Gadgets Are Fun!
Modern Technology Tools that really help us!
The List TV Show
Watch the YouTube Video
Do you know?
How the ADA defines a disability may surprise you!
ADA
Read the Article
Taking on Disability Together
Finding Technology and Wisdom!
Houston Easter Seals
Watch the Video
Words Matter
How do we connect? Please use the Correct Languaging...
ADA
More Information
Open Doors to Independence and Purpose!
When older adults can access technology, they feel empowered and more like themselves!
Institute on Aging
Read the Article
Virtual POM
How can technology help conduct interviews for all abilities?
Lucy Lund
Read the Article
Timely Topics Committee and Contributors: Terry Rubin, Cathy Fleishmann and Jane Gwin

About our network

Lotus Network believes in the power of connections: raising awareness of purposeful living by inspiring women of all ages to fill their days doing something that is authentic and gratifying, encouraging women to take on new challenges physically, mentally and spiritually, spreading the message that age is no longer a limitation.

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Registered 501(c)(3). EIN: 83-3065671

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