Disability Rights & Diversity Equity with Prasanna Ranganathan

In a world where diversity, equity, and inclusion are critical aspects of our society, the conversation around disability rights and inclusion remains vital. Prasanna Ranganathan, a multifaceted professional, including being a human rights lawyer, diversity, equity, and inclusion practitioner, accessibility advisor, documentary filmmaker, and author, sheds light on these essential topics in a recent podcast episode. Let us explore the key insights and takeaways from the podcast, delving into disability rights, self-identity, overcoming barriers, and fostering a sense of belonging for individuals with disabilities.

Prasanna 's journey into the world of advocacy and storytelling is rooted in a deep curiosity about the experiences of others. Growing up, he realized the lack of representation of people like him in movies and on television, which fueled his passion for telling stories that could bridge this gap. Throughout his career, Prasanna found himself often being the first person with multiple intersecting identities in various spaces. His mission has always been to unlock opportunities and remove barriers for individuals who face similar challenges.

Understanding Disability Rights

Prasanna emphasizes the importance of understanding disability rights. These rights are part of the broader human rights discourse, aimed at addressing the needs of marginalized groups. While we have fundamental human rights, specific instruments like the International Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and anti-discrimination laws highlight the need for equal access, freedom from discrimination, and an inclusive society.

The Four Barriers to Accessibility

Prasanna introduces us to a holistic approach to accessibility, which encompasses four key barriers: physical, information and communication, systemic, and ableism. Physical barriers involve infrastructure, while information and communication barriers relate to how information is shared. Systemic barriers pertain to policies and accommodations, and ableism refers to prejudiced attitudes that can exclude individuals with disabilities.

The Importance of Self-Identification

Prasanna  discusses the challenges of disclosing disabilities, particularly when they are invisible. He shares personal experiences of applying for jobs and facing discrimination when disclosing his visual impairment. It is essential to self-identify when accommodations are needed, as this ensures that you can navigate a workplace that truly values inclusion. Self-identification allows you to assess whether a potential employer is genuinely committed to fostering an inclusive environment.

When and How to Disclose

Prasanna recommends self-identifying when accommodations are necessary for the interview or job. However, the timing may vary based on the organization and your level of comfort. You should provide essential information about functional limitations and required accommodations without disclosing the specific nature of your disability. Organizations must recognize the responsibility of creating an enabling environment rather than placing the burden on individuals to prove their disabilities.

Navigating Accommodations as a Long-Term Employee

For employees with many years of service, disclosure can be complex. You might have earned trust and built relationships in your organization. The decision to self-identify and request accommodations depends on your unique circumstances. In some cases, colleagues may be supportive, but you must consider the specific policies and culture of your workplace.

Ableism and Its Impact

Ableism, a concept not often discussed, is identified as a significant barrier to inclusion. It encompasses assumptions, biases, and exclusions that hinder individuals with disabilities from accessing opportunities and fulfilling their potential. Prasanna underscores the importance of addressing all four barriers to accessibility: physical, information and communication, systemic, and attitude. These barriers collectively impact the lived experiences of people with disabilities and require comprehensive solutions.

Navigating Disclosure

One challenging aspect of the disability journey is knowing when and how to disclose one's disability. Prasanna shares his own experiences, highlighting the importance of self-identifying when accommodations are needed. He emphasizes the agency of individuals in choosing when to disclose their disability, encouraging them to be mindful of employer policies and societal contexts. Prasanna's advice is to self-identify when accommodations are required, focusing on functional limitations without necessarily revealing the specific nature of the disability. However, he acknowledges that the decision may vary based on individual circumstances and the organization's inclusivity.

Challenging Limiting Beliefs

The journey of challenging limiting beliefs is a daily process.There's a need to differentiate between one's inner voice, which empowers and guides, and the inner roommate, who often perpetuates self-doubt and internalized societal biases. It's essential to recognize that the inner critic is often a product of external influences, making it vital to assess and change these internal narratives.

Fostering Inclusion and Belonging

In the quest for inclusion and belonging, we shift the focus from diversity to inclusion as the starting point. Prasanna challenges the notion that the world is fair and neutral, emphasizing that if people with disabilities exist everywhere, teams and organizations should reflect this diversity. Inclusion should be viewed as an innate human need, and fostering a sense of belonging is the responsibility of everyone. Accessibility should be seen as the foundation for creating an inclusive environment, with Prasanna  stressing that the conversation about inclusion and belonging begins when we're in the space, not when we get there.

Prasanna Ranganathan's insights in the MSing Link podcast provide a valuable perspective on disability rights, self-identity, and the path to inclusion and belonging for individuals with disabilities. By recognizing the systemic nature of disability barriers, differentiating between inner voices, and understanding the importance of inclusion and accessibility, we can work together to create a more equitable and inclusive world for everyone. This conversation serves as a powerful reminder that inclusion and belonging are the birthright of every individual, regardless of their abilities.

Listen to the full podcast episode here: 

https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/podcasts/the-msing-link/episodes/2148237710 

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