Ruh Global IMPACT

Ruh Global IMPACT is a Strategic Consulting Firm that specializes in Impact Investing, Digital Inclusion, Disability & Elderly Inclusion, Accessibility & the Aging Marketplace,  ICT & Built Barriers Accessibility, Inclusive Design, Climate Action, Unconcious Bias, WomenInTech, Tech4All, Tech4Good, Smart Cities, Smart Homes, SDGs, CRPD, ADA, Section 508, and Social Impact. 

Ruh Global is proud to work with governments to help implement the UN Convention of the Rights or People with Disabilities (UN #CRPD) and the UN SDGs.  

We help multi-national corporations navigate the intersection between ADA, CRPD, SDGs, and National Laws like Section 503, 504 and 508.  

We provide strategic leadership to organizations all over the world supporting Global Disability Inclusion and ICT Accessibility.

Our Solutions include:

•	Disability Inclusion and Accessibility Strategies
•	Disability People Organization (DPO) Strategies and Training
•	Implementation and Program Development
•	Outreach and Marketing Communications
•	Research and Focus Groups
•	Policy Development and Standards Initiatives
•	Social Media and Digital Media Strategies
•	Stakeholder Strategies and Training
•	SDGs, Impact Investing, and Digitial Inclusion

CEO and Founder

Human Potential at Work is a multi-media show with an audience in 86 countries and 113 regions.  We have over 225+ episodes and the show is over 4+ years old.  The show topics are about Making the World a Better Place, Tech4All, Tech4Good, Disability and Elderly Inclusion, Accessibility, Inclusive Design, Digitial Inclusion, SDGs, CSR, Smart Homes, Smart Cities, and Artificial Intelligence.  We caption and transcribe the show to assure it is accessible for all. Show available on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, Twitch, WorkForce 180, and many other platforms. Podcast of the show available at www.RuhGlobal.com select Show.

Talk Show Host

Billion Strong

Billion Strong is an identity and empowerment organization designed to bring the billions of voices of persons with disabilities together. We are a global community of persons with lived experiences of disabilities that will also celebrate our allies and accomplices. We will also explore the intersections of diversity and inclusion like women with disabilities or LGBTQIA+ members with disabilities.

Chairwoman of the Board

Billion Strong is a global movement focused on Identity and Empowerment for the community of persons with Disabilities. www.Billion-Strong.org

Chairman

AXSChat

We’re an open online community of individuals dedicated to creating an inclusive world; we believe that accessibility is for everyone.

Social media has great power to connect people and we hope to accomplish and encourage in-depth discussion and spread knowledge about the work people are doing to enable greater access and inclusion through whatever means.

We host weekly video interviews and twitter chats with people who are contributing to making the world a more inclusive place through technology or innovating to enable wider participation in society for people with disabilities.

The topics will be wide-ranging and we want to encourage discussion and ensure everyone has a voice on social media so we encourage you to take part by tweeting and using the hashtag #axschat

Co-Founder

G3ict - The Global Initiative for Inclusive ICTs

Subject Matter Expert and Blogger for the EmployAbility and Technology portion of the Expert Zone.  This is a volunteer position because I believe in G3ict.  They are making a big difference in the world assuring all ICT is Accessible and helping countries implement the UNCRPD.

G3ict – the Global Initiative for Inclusive Information and Communication Technologies – is an Advocacy Initiative of the UN GAID, the United Nations Global Alliance for ICT and Development, launched in December 2006 in cooperation with the Secretariat for the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities at UN DESA. Its mission is to facilitate and support the implementation of the dispositions of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities on the accessibility of Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) and assistive technologies. G3ict relies on an international network of ICT accessibility experts to develop and promote good practices, technical resources and benchmarks for ICT accessibility advocates around the world.  It is incorporated as a nonprofit organization in the State of Georgia, USA, and headquartered in Atlanta. http://www.g3ict.org/zones/employment

Employability and Technology Chair (Volunteer)

TecAccess, LLC

Founder and CEO of TecAccess.  Responsible for all operations, BD and fiscal management.  Most of the team were technologists with disabilities.  I grew firm to multi-millions in sales each year.  Global Thought Leader in the ICT #Accessibility and #Disability #Inclusion space.

SSB BART Group

Manage all Marketing, Communications and PR activies.  Handle all Social Media activities from strategy, implementation, management and engagement.  Social Media tools include Linked-In, Pinterest, Twitter, Face Book, Blogspot, Tumblr, Mashable, You Tube and others.  Also focus on industry marketing via channels like USBLN, VABLN, Disaboom, Disability Scoop, AbledBody, G3ict and others.

Chief Marketing Officer

Strategic Performance Solutions

Created, managed and ran a small business focused on Web, E-Learning and Accessibility Services.

SunTrust Mortgage, Inc.

Responsible for technology, eLearning, training and strategic management.

VP of Training and Technology

Market Street Mortgage

I created the training division and a university for MSMC

Director of MSMC University

Crestar

I ran the technology and training division for Crestar.

VP of Training and Development

CEO, Ruh Global IMPACT | Executive Chair, Billion Strong | Host of Human Potential at Work AXSChat Co-Host

Expertise includes:
•	Global Disability Inclusion Strategist and Influencer
•	SDGs Strategist and Influencer
•	MetaVerse, AI, Blockchain, Crypto, Tokens
•	Smart Cities, Smart Transportation
•	ICT Accessibility Consultant 
•	WomenInTech, WomeninSTEM and WomenInAI
•	Partner for Valuable500
•	DEI
•       Digital Inclusion
•       Gender Equity  
•       DEI Intersections
•	Global Keynote Speaker 
•	Author


Worked as a consultant for UN ILO Global Business and Disability Network (GBDN),  Partner with ztudium, citiesABC, Expert Partner with The Valuable 500, Global Speaker for the US State Dept. 
Expert technologist and communications inclusion expert.  ICT should work for all humans.  Legislative and Technical Experience: Expertise with Standards and Legislation including the United Nations Convention of Rights for Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), SDGs, ADA, Section 508 of Rehab Act, W3C, WCAG, and ISO (Accessibility). Served on W3C WCAG Cognitive Working Group as Invited Expert. 

Published Author:
Book #1: Inclusion Branding, Published on Amazon http://www.ruhglobal.com/inclusion-branding/
Book #2: Finding Your Voice by Using Social Media, Published on Amazon  http://ow.ly/kxglR
Book #3: Uncovering Hidden Human Capital: How leading corporations leverage multiple abilities in their workforce.  Scheduled Publishing Date: March 2014 Publisher: G3ict 

White Papers:
Egypt’s Model Policy for Accessible Education, April 2014, Technical and Vocational Education and Training for people with a disability in Qatar March 2014, Providing Quality Customer Service for People with Disabilities February 2012, Accessible Social Media May 2013, Accessible Conferences, and Accessible Publishing, March 2013 (partial list) 

Social Entrepreneurship and founder of (4) Social Enterprises and one Global nonprofit:
1.	Ruh Global 
2.	AXSChat
3.     Billion Strong
3.	TecAccess
4.	Strategic Performance Solutions (SPS)

Specialties: SDGs, Disability Inclusion, Accessibility, ICT, Metaverse, AI, Digital Communications, Social Media, Digital Marketing, Communications, Digital Inclusion, Diversity, Accessibility, ADA, Training, Testing, (CSR) and (CDR), Blogger, Branding, Media, Reporter, Entrepreneur, Global, and International Relations, Due Diligence for Investors

This image says it all: “Accessibility is more than a ramp.” It’s such a simple statement, yet it’s one that needs repeating because society still tends to think of accessibility as just physical access—a ramp, a lift, a wide door.

But accessibility is complex. It’s nuanced. And it’s deeply personal.

Think about noise levels—often unbearable for neurodivergent individuals.

Accessibility also means considering color combinations that don’t exclude people who are colorblind or font choices that don’t overwhelm people with dyslexia. It’s about image descriptions and alt text, so a person who is blind can know what’s happening on a webpage through a screen reader.

Imagine what accessibility really looks like in a world that thinks inclusively:

⏰ Flexible time constraints – Not everyone runs on a 9-to-5 schedule. For those with chronic fatigue, mental health struggles, or disabilities that impact energy levels, flexible time means they can contribute without burning out. 

💡 Lighting levels – Bright, harsh lights can be debilitating for many, from people with sensory processing issues to those who suffer migraines. 

👐 Sign interpreters – Sign language interpreters ensure that the Deaf and hard of hearing can fully engage in events, discussions, and learning, without struggling to read lips or rely on inadequate audio.

🎵 Noise levels – Loud, unpredictable noises can be overwhelming, especially for neurodivergent individuals. Design quiet spaces or consider ambient noise in public spaces

⠶ Braille – Access to written information for those who are blind is crucial. Adding braille to signs, menus, and materials shows that blind people are considered part of the audience.

🖼️ Image descriptions and alt text – Alt text and image descriptions turn visuals into words, enabling people who use screen readers to engage with the full content of a webpage or document.

🔡 Font choices – Fonts that are too decorative or compact can be unreadable for people with dyslexia or vision impairments. 

➰ Hearing loops – In public places like theaters and airports, hearing loops allow people with hearing aids to directly access audio, bypassing background noise.

🌈 Color combinations – Accessibility in design means everyone can see and understand the message, regardless of color perception.

🗨️ Subtitles – For Deaf individuals, people learning a new language, or even those in a noisy room, subtitles make content accessible and comprehensible. 

[CC] Closed captioning – Closed captions provide a fuller experience, including non-speech elements like laughter, music, and sound effects, offering a richer understanding of content for everyone.

Accessibility isn’t just a checklist or an obligation. It’s about building a world where no one has to struggle just to keep up. We’re not there yet, but every small effort counts.

#a11y #WeAreBillionStrong #Accessibility #AXSChat #SDGs #Equity 

Credit: Katy @WalkingOnWheels

Debra Ruh

A colorful infographic titled "Accessibility is more than a ramp" by @walking.on.wheels, surrounded by various accessibility elements. Illustrated elements include:A clock labeled "flexible time constraints."A music note for "noise levels."Braille dots for "braille."A hashtag symbol for "camel case."A hand gesture labeled "sign interpreter."A light fixture for "lighting levels."A box for "closed captioning."A checkmark and color combinations for "colour combinations."A hearing loop symbol for "hearing loop."An open book with text for "font choices."A box with "difficult to read" in cursive for inaccessible font styles.An icon labeled "subtitles."A label "image descriptions + alt text."The infographic highlights various aspects of accessibility beyond physical ramps, emphasizing the need for inclusivity in design for all.

Chris Ruden is absolutely accurate in his analysis through this graphic. 

Lets break it down:

They’ll tell you the house is accessible.
Because it has a ramp.
Because there's a quiet room.
Because the team had “training.”

But once you step inside, you notice something else.
The lights flicker too bright.
The hallway echoes with ableist jokes, unchallenged.
And the kitchen? It's stocked with policies no one follows and accommodations no one knows how to ask for.

That’s the thing about inclusion, it’s often just wallpaper.

The walls still carry the weight of exclusion:
No disabled leaders.
No budget for access.
No awareness of chronic fatigue or sensory overload.
No one asking, “How do you actually experience this space?”

You can’t fix a cracked foundation by painting the front door.
You’ve got to rebuild from the ground up with us holding the blueprint.

Inclusion isn’t about optics.
It’s about ownership.

Don’t just look accessible.
Be brave enough to dig deeper.
That’s where the real work lives.

#WeAreBillionStrong #AXSChat #Access #SDGs #Equity 

ID: A graphic on a tan background that shows an iceberg in the middle. The title says the ableism iceberg and above the water is six statements: everyone is included, we don’t discriminate, disability imagery, ADA compliant, disability ERG, inclusion matters. Below the water it says what’s missing: no disabled leaders, systemic in accessibility, ableist policies, ablest hiring process, invisible disability bias, neurodivergent erasure, no accommodations budget.

A graphic on a tan background that shows an iceberg in the middle. The title says the ableism iceberg and above the water is six statements: everyone is included, we don’t discriminate, disability imagery, ADA compliant, disability ERG, inclusion matters. Below the water it says what’s missing: no disabled bleeders, systemic in accessibility, ableist policies, ablest hiring process, invisible disability bias, neurodivergent erasure, no accommodations budget

"Why are your needs “human” and our needs “special?”

Ableism." - Gregory Mansfield


#WeAreBillionStrong #AXSChat #Ableism #Euphemism #Disability #SpecialNeeds #UnconsciousBias

"Why are your needs “human” and our needs “special?”

Ableism." - Gregory Mansfield




If your employees with disabilities are too afraid to ask for accommodations, let’s not sugarcoat it—your leadership doesn’t care. Full stop. If people are staying silent about their needs, it’s because they’ve learned that speaking up won’t get them anywhere. Worse, they’ve been taught that it’s not even worth the risk.

That’s not just a small issue. It’s a giant, flashing neon sign that your workplace culture is toxic. And before you start patting yourselves on the back for “diversity initiatives” or offering "flexible work," ask yourself this: 

How inclusive are you, really, if people are terrified to request basic accommodations? If employees feel like their request for a reasonable accommodation will lead to backlash, judgment, or worse, being seen as a “problem,” then guess what? Your culture is broken.

Don’t make the mistake of thinking silence means satisfaction. It’s not compliance. It’s survival. People shouldn’t have to weigh their livelihood against asking for what they need to do their job. If someone is too scared to speak up, the message is clear: you’ve built an environment that punishes vulnerability, honesty, and authenticity, and nothing more tragic is left to be done. 

Want to fix it? Start by actually listening—without judgment. Make it easy, safe, and normal to ask for access. If you’re not ready to foster a culture where everyone can thrive, then you’re not ready to lead. Simple as that (but not easy for sure). 

#WeAreBillionStrong #SDGs #Inclusion #Diversity #DisabilityInclusion #OrganizationCulture

ID: A social media post by Debra Ruh, featuring her profile picture, which shows her smiling and wearing a red badge that reads "Creator Accelerator Program Member." The text in the post reads: "If your employees with disabilities are too afraid to ask for reasonable accommodations/access and go silent. It’s a glaring sign: leadership doesn’t care, and your organization is a breeding ground for toxicity. Your Culture is broken." The post has a maroon background with white text.

When someone says, "I don't see disability," it’s often meant as a well-intentioned statement, but the reality is far more complicated. What you’re really saying is, "I don’t see the challenges you face. I don’t see the barriers that exist because of ableism. I don’t see you fully." And that’s not inclusion—it’s erasure.

To "not see disability" is to ignore the world we navigate every day. It’s to overlook the accommodations we need, the struggles we endure, and the humanity that comes with our lived experiences. Saying you "don’t see disability" is like telling someone you don’t see the rain while they’re standing soaked. It doesn’t make the rain go away—it just means you’re not paying attention.

Disability is not shameful. It’s not something to sweep under the rug or pretend doesn’t exist. It’s part of who we are. Seeing disability means recognizing the inaccessible buildings, the unreadable menus, and the social barriers that keep us out. It means understanding the fatigue we carry from constantly asking for basic adjustments. It means seeing our resilience, our humor, and our humanity beyond the stereotypes.

When you choose to "not see disability," you choose to ignore our reality. You choose comfort over connection. You miss the opportunity to meet us as we are—whole, complex, and worthy.

Inclusion isn’t about erasing differences; it’s about embracing them. It’s about saying, "I see your disability, and I see how society makes it harder than it needs to be. What can I do to help?"

So, here’s my question: What do you gain by "not seeing" disability? And how much more could we all gain by choosing to see it, acknowledge it, and act on it?

ID: ‘I don’t see disability’ sounds kind, but it erases us. 
It means you don’t see the barriers we face, the adjustments we need, or the reality of ableism. 
Inclusion isn’t pretending we’re the same—it’s seeing us fully and acting on it.

#WeAreBillionStrong #AXSChat #Disability #Inclusion #SDGs #Equity

I don’t see disability’ sounds kind, but it erases us. 
It means you don’t see the barriers we face, the adjustments we need, or the reality of ableism. 
Inclusion isn’t pretending we’re the same—it’s seeing us fully and acting on it.

We lost Alice Wong today and my heart is heavy.

Alice was a force. A fighter. A storyteller. An activist who reshaped the global disability movement with courage, clarity, and truth. She showed the world what one woman,  one unapologetically powerful disabled woman could accomplish.

I was honored to meet Alice a few times over the years. Every conversation with her reminded me of one thing: we must come together. Alice knew that collective power is how we protect each other, amplify each other, and change the world.

Today, we grieve. But we also recommit.

We honor Alice by continuing the work she championed:
   •   Centering disabled voices
   •   Protecting our rights
   •   Building intersectional, global community
   •   Ensuring #NothingAboutUsWithoutUs

And we must keep growing this movement , together.

Her passing is yet another reminder of why we need to stand united under #WeAreBillionStrong, to convene, to protect each other, and to build the inclusive future she fought for.

Let’s celebrate Alice’s incredible life and carry her light forward.

Thank you, Alice, for everything you gave us. 💛

#RIPAliceWong #AliceWong 🙏
Image Credit: DISABILITY VISIBILITY PROJECT

Stephanie F.

Inclusion is survival. It’s dignity. It’s the difference between being seen and being forgotten.

There are over 1.3 billion people with disabilities in the world. That’s one in six of us. And yet, we’re too often left out—of policy, of aid, of community. But some organizations are stepping up. Not with pity. With purpose.

Life for Relief and Development is doing what many overlook. They don’t just talk about need—they meet it. Clean water. Food. Healthcare. Education. And they don’t stop there. They work to make sure these essentials actually reach disabled people—people like me, who’ve been ignored far too often during crisis.

Then there’s Billion Strong—a movement built by and for people with disabilities. It's not just about helping us survive, it’s about helping us thrive. Finding our voice. Building identity. Making sure we’re at the table when decisions are made—not just on the menu.

These two might be in different lanes—one focused on urgent support, the other on long-term empowerment—but together, they’re driving the same mission: real inclusion. Human inclusion.

One gives you the tools to live. The other helps you own your story. Both are building a world where disabled people aren’t afterthoughts, but essential.

Because if your idea of helping the world doesn’t include disabled people—then it’s not the whole world, is it?

ID: "True inclusion isn’t just opening doors for people with disabilities—it’s building a world where they don’t need permission to walk through, where their strengths shape the room as much as anyone else’s.

#WeAreBillionStrong #HumanInclusion #AXSChat #DisabilityInclusion #LifeUSA

Its International Day of Persons with Disabilities, I am sharing this again. 

Society: "Let's talk about Inclusion"

People with Disabilities: "Oh, yeah, sure. Let's talk Disability Inclusion"

Society: "Yuck, no, thanks"

This stark contradiction leaves us questioning the sincerity of society's commitment to true inclusion. 

#IDPWD #IDPWD2025 #AXSChat #WeAreBillionStrong #DisabilityInclusion #Equity #a11y #SDGs #IDPD #IDPD2025

Framing accessibility and equal rights as a “favor” or "charity" for disabled people perpetuates a harmful narrative. 

These are fundamental rights that should never have been withheld in the first place. 

It’s time to end the patronizing excuses and deliver the justice that’s far past due.


#WeAreBillionStrong #Disability #Equity #Poverty #HumanRights
#AXSChat #SDGs #a11y #Inclusion

Framing accessibility and equal rights as a “favor” or "charity" for disabled people perpetuates a harmful narrative. 

These are fundamental rights that should never have been withheld in the first place. 

It’s time to end the patronizing excuses and deliver the justice that’s far past due.



“Why does the #WeAreBillionStrong movement struggle to secure funding? Maybe the idea of over a billion people with disabilities uniting, demanding visibility, and owning their collective power feels too unsettling for some.”

The #WeAreBillionStrong movement is a bold initiative. Its goal? To unite over a billion people with disabilities worldwide, foster pride in their identities, and create a space where disability is celebrated, not sidelined. But despite this profound mission, the movement has hit roadblocks in funding. Why?

Let’s unpack this.

First, the status quo doesn’t like disruption. A billion voices demanding recognition and respect can feel threatening to systems built to exclude us. The idea of shifting power from entrenched hierarchies to marginalized communities often meets resistance. People in charge of funding might see this movement not as a solution but as a challenge.

Then there’s the bias. Let’s be real—disability is still wrapped in stigma. Too many funders still see disability initiatives as charity, not empowerment. They fail to grasp the impact of uplifting this community. They undervalue the strength, innovation, and resilience people with disabilities bring to the world.

And we can’t ignore the resource issue. There’s a constant competition in the nonprofit space. When you add the complexity of explaining why this movement is critical, #WeAreBillionStrong often gets overshadowed by causes seen as more “mainstream” or “urgent.” But here’s the thing: this is urgent. Empowering over a billion people isn’t just another cause—it’s a global imperative.

Finally, awareness is a gap we’re working to bridge. Many funders don’t even know what the movement stands for. They don’t see the lives it could transform or the bridges it could build between communities. Education is a vital piece of the puzzle.

But these challenges aren’t insurmountable. The answer lies in sharing our stories louder, more often, and with unwavering pride. It lies in helping people see the value of an inclusive world—economically, socially, and morally.

#WeAreBillionStrong isn’t about asking for handouts. It’s about demanding the investment our community deserves. It’s about showing the world that the future isn’t built by a few; it’s built by all of us.

Change takes time, and resistance only proves its necessity. The movement will push forward because it’s not just about funding—it’s about justice, dignity, and belonging. And that’s a mission no obstacle can silence.

ID: Debra's Quote: "A billion people with disabilities seeking recognition is a powerful call for change, shaping the future we all share.
#WeAreBillionStrong is about justice, dignity, and belonging. 
The question isn’t why fund it—it’s how can we afford not to?"

“Just set multiple deadlines.”

That's the ADHD advice I followed for years. Real ones, fake ones, panic-fueled ones. And yes, it worked—on the surface. Tasks got done. Deadlines met.

But my body kept the score.
Sleep vanished. Blood pressure spiked. Digestion slowed. I was a machine on fire.

No one talks about how urgency addiction wrecks you slowly.

Now, I work differently:

I sketch my day, not script it.

I plan my rest like I plan my tasks.

I ride momentum, not guilt.

I break big things into breathable chunks.

This isn’t about being lazy.
It’s about being alive.

Our brains may need a spark, but our bodies need peace.
Let’s stop managing ADHD like we’re broken machines.
We deserve sustainable systems, not survival tactics.

Image Credit: ADHD weirdo

#ADHD #Neurodiversity #WeAreBillionStrong #LifeUSA #AXSChat #SDGs

ID: A sad cartoon character surrounded by harmful ADHD coping methods such as endless to-do lists, chasing dopamine with screens, avoiding structure, forcing long focus, ignoring body needs, and self-shaming. Each bubble explains why these strategies hurt more than help.

You might scroll past the news about disability benefit cuts and think, “That’s not about me.”
But here’s the thing: one accident, one diagnosis, one unexpected shift—and it could be.

Disability isn’t rare. It’s not a plot twist reserved for someone else. It’s part of the human experience. And when the systems meant to protect us crumble, it hurts us all—even if you don’t feel it yet.

This isn’t about pity. We don’t need saviors—we need allies. We need people who speak up even when their name isn’t on the list of those affected. Because silence? Silence cuts deep. And trust me, your disabled friends notice. We notice who shows up and who disappears when it gets uncomfortable.

Cuts to disability benefits aren’t just numbers on a budget sheet. They’re lifelines snapped. Food skipped. Meds delayed. Housing lost. Independence stripped.

If you claim to stand for justice but fall quiet when disabled people are under attack, it’s time to ask yourself: is your solidarity conditional?

This isn’t a disability issue.
This is a humanity issue.
And your voice matters—especially when you think it doesn’t.

#Disability #WeAreBillionStrong #AXSChat #SDGs #DisabilityInclusion 

ID: A light blue gradient background with white serif text in the center. The large bold text at the top says, “Trust me,” followed by smaller text below that reads, “your disabled friends have noticed you’ve not posted about opposing the disability benefit cuts.” At the bottom is the handle: @HollieAnneB (Hollie-Anne Brooks)

Award-winning freelance journalist, disability rights campaigner and social media manager who embraces community, wellness and slow living.

Its International Day of Persons with Disabilities, Rekha Bala asks individuals with disabilities to share the one thing about their life or experience that they wish people understood better for YourStory Media. 

and we got some powerful and beautiful responses from Sukanya Gupta, Puneet, Sweta Mantrii, Shafali Chadha M.Ed 🫀, Smitha Sadasivan, Sheetal Lembhe, Mohammed Kashif Khan, Yumnam Naresh Singh, Vaibhav Jagannath Vadile. 

Read it here: https://lnkd.in/eemvPZ4i

#IDPWD #DisabilityInclusion #WeAreBillionStrong #SDGs 

ID: Alt Text:
A collage-style image shows five people with disabilities against a bright teal background. At the top center, a woman in a wheelchair lifts herself using gym equipment. On the left, a man speaks confidently into a microphone. At the bottom, two schoolgirls communicate using sign language. On the right, a blind or low-vision musician wearing dark glasses plays an electric guitar. The overall composition highlights diverse forms of disability, talent, and expression.

I am so thrilled to share this news because it means a lot to me personally. My dear friend Kris Foster has been nominated for “Disability Personality of the Year” at The Empowerment Awards 2026 — and I cannot think of anyone more deserving.

The Empowerment Awards is the first ceremony dedicated to recognising people with additional needs, organisations, and community changemakers who are pushing inclusion forward and amplifying lived experience in powerful ways. To see Kris’ name on that list feels like a win for all of us who believe in disability leadership, authentic storytelling, and community-driven change.

Kris has poured his heart into Project Nemo and so many other initiatives. Anyone who has worked with him knows the depth of his compassion, his courage, and his unwavering commitment to making this world kinder and more accessible. 

This nomination is not just a recognition of his work, it is an acknowledgement of the light he carries into every room he walks into.
Celebrating you today, my friend. And cheering loudly for what comes next.

Keep watching The Empowerment Awards socials for details on when and where to vote.

#DisabilityLeadership #EmpowermentAwards #Inclusion #CommunityChange #WeAreBillionStrong

ID: This image features an official Empowerment Awards graphic announcing Kris Foster as a nominee for Disability Personality of the Year. The design has a black and gold geometric background with a framed photograph of Kris standing by the River Thames. He is wearing a tan jacket and smiling slightly at the camera, with the London Eye and city skyline visible behind him. His name, “Kris Foster,” appears in bold white text beneath the image, along with The Empowerment Awards logo.

AI Is Reshaping Humanity — And Most People Aren’t Paying Attention

A post in my ongoing AI series: Humanizing AI — The Heart in the Machine #WeAreBillionStrong

I just finished an episode of my favorite show, The Diary Of A CEO with  Steven Bartlett, with Tristan Harris, Cofounder of Center for Humane Technology, and I need to say this clearly:

AI is not a spectator sport. This is the fight for the future of our societies — and
for humanity itself.

AI is already influencing how we think, learn, vote, connect, and form beliefs. It
is shaping our children, our workplaces, our democracies, our relationships —
often invisibly, and often without any human guardrails in place.

AI has brought extraordinary benefits.

But it is also advancing faster than human institutions, faster than regulation,
and faster than our understanding of its long-term consequences.

And when people with #disabilities, older adults, #neurodivergent thinkers, and marginalized communities are not represented…

AI does not simply “fail.” It becomes unsafe. Not just technically unsafe — humanly unsafe. Tristan Harris explains this with exceptional clarity.

Tristan’s most urgent warning?

We have created technologies capable of shaping human behavior more quickly than society can protect itself.

That gap — between exponential AI growth and slow-moving societal safeguards — is where exclusion, exploitation, misinformation, and inequity expand.

As someone who has spent decades advocating for disability inclusion and ethical technology, this resonates deeply:

Human inclusion IS AI safety.

When humanity is not included, humanity is endangered.

This includes the 1.3+ billion disabled people worldwide whose voices must be part of the design, governance, and testing of AI systems.

So here is my challenge to every leader, policymaker, technologist, educator, and global citizen:
·     Pay attention.
·     Participate.
·     Use your voice.
·     Help shape this moment — before it shapes us.

A few ideas to show up — today:
1️⃣ Center for Humane Technology (Tristan nonprofit) - They are doing critical work to help the world understand the societal and psychological impacts of AI.
2️⃣ Join us at Billion Strong, a global, disability-led movement committed to ensuring Human Inclusion becomes the blueprint for the AI era.

If AI is learning from humanity, then ALL of humanity must lead, guide, and shape it.

We need every voice — especially those historically excluded.

Please join us — and help create a future grounded in humanity.

#BillionStrong #AIForHumanGood #HumanInclusion #DisabilityInclusion #EthicalAI #AISafety #AIEthics #InclusiveAI #HumanCenteredAI #ResponsibleAI #TrustworthyAI #AIEquity #AIForAll #TechForGood #DigitalWellbeing #AIImpact #FutureOfHumanity #AIandSociety #AccessibilityMatters #InclusionRevolution #IDPD

Celebrating an Extraordinary Woman: Rosemary Musachio, CPWA 
#WeAreBillionStrong

I am honored to share something very close to my heart.

Rosemary Musachio is one of the most extraordinary accessibility leaders I have ever met. Rosemary was born with Cerebral Palsy #CP.  

She is #nonverbal, and once told me that when she lies completely flat, the only movement she can control is the blinking of her eyes. And yet — that has never stopped her. Not once.

Rosemary has built an amazing life and career. She was a key part of our work at TecAccess and later at Ruh Global IMPACT, she then joined us at Billion Strong and today she leads her own company. Her brilliance, determination, and creativity continue to inspire everyone who knows her.

And now, she has added something truly beautiful to the world:
Her full-color #poetry book, Soul of a Rose — 163 pages filled with 84 stunning paintings and poetry written using a head-pointer keyboard. Her words carry love, reflection, strength, and an artistic voice unlike any other.

This book is a wonderful gift — for yourself, for your family, and for anyone who appreciates art born from resilience, beauty, and truth.

I am so proud of Rosemary and thrilled that Billion Strong will be featuring her as one of our authors. Stay tuned, because in 2026 we will be highlighting many more talented artists with disabilities from around the world.

Rosemary, thank you for showing all of us what perseverance, passion, and human inclusion truly look like.

Purchase Link for Rosemary’s Book

Here is the Amazon link where Soul of a Rose can be purchased:
https://lnkd.in/eZ969NZY

(ISBN: 979-8273559677)

#WeAreBillionStrong
#DisabilityTalent
#Accessibility
#Inclusion
#ArtistsWithDisabilities #HolidayGifts #ADA #Accessibility
 
Image description:  The flyer promotes Soul of a Rose, a full-color inspirational poetry book by Rosemary E. Musachio with 163 pages and 84 paintings illustrated by Colleen Butcher. It features the book cover, a photo of Rosemary, and a short description of how she writes using a head-pointer. It highlights the six poetry themes—Faces, Celebration of Life, Sentiments in Play, Thoughts in Kneeling, Souls of Animals, and Nature’s Song. A QR code links to the Amazon page, and pricing is listed: $25.99 paperback, $9.95 Kindle. Contact info and her website are at the bottom.

Absouletly brilliant Eng. Nabil Eid, thank you for leading the world forward on this.

You are one of the true global leaders in this field, and your voice is helping move #accessibility from “nice-to-have” to non-negotiable infrastructure.

#ISO21902 isn’t just another standard.
It’s becoming the baseline for dignity, economic growth, and inclusive innovation across tourism, hospitality, and digital ecosystems. As you highlight:

   •   The European Accessibility Act (June 2025) explicitly aligns with ISO 21902.
   •   Canada, South Korea, Japan, Spain, Australia — all hard-coding it into national policy.
   •   UNWTO and the European Commission now using it as a funding and recognition benchmark.

This is the direction the world must go.

And you are 100% right:
This is not “add a ramp and move on.”
This is end-to-end, whole-journey accessibility — from booking to transport to wayfinding to emergency response.

Destinations that get this right aren’t just doing the ethical thing…
They’re building economic powerhouses.

With USD $13 trillion in global disability-influenced spending, accessible tourism isn’t a niche market — it’s one of the most powerful customer bases on the planet.

At Billion Strong, we are seeing exactly what you’re describing:
Cities and companies embracing accessibility as a competitive advantage are becoming the new global leaders — Barcelona, Seoul, Singapore, Toronto, Dubai. And as AI accelerates transformation across every sector, these standards must shape how technology, platforms, and digital services evolve.

We have a once-in-a-generation chance to get this right.
Accessibility must be built into the foundation — not bolted on after the fact.

Thank you, Nabil, for your leadership and partnership in this vital global movement.
Let’s keep pushing the world forward — together.
#WeAreBillionStrong #AIEthics #AISafety #AIInclusion #AI4Good #AccessibleTravel #Travel #Musuems #accessibleTourism #TourismForAll

https://lnkd.in/eivjnDWt

#BillionStrong welcomes this moment as a turning point for global tourism, where accessibility is no longer a courtesy but a governance reality tied to economic, social, and reputational value. 
#ISO21902 has shifted the conversation from compliance “checklists” to full-cycle inclusion, and destinations aligning early are already leading global demand.
#Accessibility is now shaping market competitiveness, workforce readiness, visitor loyalty, and international recognition. Cities that embed ISO 21902 across digital channels, transport networks, emergency planning, and frontline training are not only compliant, but they are also becoming the standard others benchmark against.
The real winners will be those who commit to inclusive journeys before, during, and after travel, ensuring that every visitor—regardless of mobility, sensory, cognitive, or communication needs—experiences dignity, autonomy, and ease.
This is how world-class destinations are built.
And it is how the tourism industry becomes truly global.
#ISO21902 #InclusiveDestinations #TourismForAll #AccessibilityLeadership  #WeAreBillionStrong Debra Ruh Steve Tyler Puneet Singh Singhal Jasmin Ambiong Richard Streitz

Thank you for raising this critical truth. Billion Strong stands fully aligned with this call to action — and I want to underscore something essential:

When climate conditions shift, disabled people are not an afterthought.
We are the first point of vulnerability and the first test of whether a society values human life equitably.

The climate crisis is accelerating, and it will not pause while institutions “evolve” or “modernize.” As floods, extreme heat, fires, and infrastructure failures reshape daily life, accessibility must be treated as a core resilience measure, not an optional upgrade.

Because you are absolutely right:

#AccessibleHeritage is not a privilege. It is a human right.
And human rights do not disappear when environments become unstable.

The standards you referenced — ISO 21542, inclusive evacuation pathways, resilient surfaces, continuity of movement, multisensory emergency systems — are not design preferences.
They are operational readiness for a world already in motion.

We cannot allow governments, cultural institutions, or climate planners to create “resilient” strategies that protect buildings while leaving people behind.

That is not resilience.
That is abandonment.

As a global movement representing more than one billion people with lived experience of disability, we call on:
   •   Ministers of Culture & Tourism
   •   National climate adaptation teams
   •   Heritage councils & urban resilience planners
   •   Museums, cultural networks & community stewards

to embed accessibility into every climate-response document, every emergency protocol, and every cultural preservation plan.

This includes:
   •   Continuity of access and safe movement
   •   Multi-sensory alerts and communication systems
   •   Accessible emergency transportation
   •   Digital and physical assistive-tech-ready environments
   •   Inclusive evacuation strategies that never rely on “good intentions”

We cannot save heritage and sacrifice humanity.
We cannot build resilience on the backs of those most at risk.

Resilience must be inclusive by design —
or it is not resilience at all.

Billion Strong is ready to champion this integration globally, amplify best models, and ensure that cultural access remains protected even as our environments shift.

#BillionStrong #WeAreBillionStrong #AccessibleHeritage #ClimateResilientAccessibility #InclusiveByDesign #AccessIsAHumanRight #HumanInclusion #DisabilityInclusion #AIForHumanGood

Senior Expert in Accessibility & Inclusive Design | Accessible Tourism | AI & AT Innovator | Inclusive Museums & Cultural Innovation | Global Speaker & Author | UAE Golden Residency Holder

#BillionStrong stands firmly behind this call to action. When climate conditions shift, accessibility is not a secondary consideration; it is the first point of vulnerability and the first test of equity.
The climate crisis will not wait for institutions to “adapt at their own pace.” As rising temperatures, floods, and environmental disruptions reshape cultural landscapes, accessibility must be embedded into every resilience strategy, not added as a corrective measure later.

#AccessibleHeritage is not a privilege; it is a human right. And when environments become unstable, that right must be safeguarded, not postponed.
The alignment you’ve outlined, ISO 21542, inclusive evacuation protocols, resilient surfaces, and continuity of movement, is precisely where global policy must evolve. This is no longer a design ambition; this is operational readiness.
The world cannot afford plans that protect buildings but exclude people.
Climate resilience without accessibility equals abandonment.
As a global movement representing more than one billion people, we call on:
Ministers of Culture and Tourism
National climate adaptation teams
Heritage councils and city planners
Museums and cultural networks

to ensure that every climate-response document includes continuity of access, multi-sensory emergency systems, accessible transport pathways, and assistive-tech-ready environments.
We cannot save heritage and leave its people behind.
Resilience must be inclusive by design, or it is not resilience at all.
Billion Strong is ready to advance this integration, amplify global models, and ensure that future cultural access remains intact, even when environments change.
#BillionStrong #AccessibleHeritage #ClimateResilientAccessibility #InclusiveByDesign #AccessIsAHumanRight

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