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This is an old revision of this page, as edited by Zeinalmaha994 (talk | contribs) at 15:46, 7 December 2017 (More diverse information added on the about section and new section added on Employment and Education for people with disabilities). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.

RespectAbility[1] is an American nonpartisan nonprofit organization dedicated to empowerment and self-advocacy for individuals with disabilities. Started by one-time political consultant Jennifer Laszlo Mizrahi and philanthropists Donn Weinberg and Shelly Cohen in 2013. Its chairperson is Calvin Harris, who has a background in social justice, public policy and philanthropy. RespectAbility is currently headquartered in Rockville, Maryland.

RespectAbility is led by people with disabilities and those who love them. The organization has been recognized by Slingshot at the highest level and recognized by Guide Star at the Platinum level for its inclusion, transparency and excellence.

Advancing Opportunities: Education & Employment for Persons with Disabilities:

RespectAbility is working to expand education and employment opportunities for people with disabilities and its president, Jennifer Laszlo Mizrahi, has published hundreds of articles on disability issues. On CSPAN she outlined many of their goals.[2] RespectAbility has worked with 46 governors to help advance and realign state programs to help people with disabilities obtain competitive, integrated employment opportunities[3].[4] RespectAbility has provided testimony on disability employment in all 50 states and at the federal level.[5]

One of RespectAbility’s main projects focuses on employment for people with disabilities in Long Beach, California. In November 2017, a first-ever resource guide was published on resources for people with disabilities in Long Beach.[6] This was made possible by Long Beach Community Foundation and a grant from the Knight Foundation.[7]

Disability fellowships

The organization offers Fellowship opportunities for individuals with disabilities and those without disabilities interested in contributing to the cause. The Fellowship program enables individuals both with and without disabilities to take a proactive role and gain valuable experience in the policy development, fundraising, publicity, and general political discourse surrounding individuals with disabilities and their integration into the community.

Controversy

The organization has come under fire due to its CEO Jennifer Laszlo Mizrahi's comments about race and the 2016 election.[8] Multiple disability rights bloggers objected to Mizrahi's comments.[9][10][11] After Mizrahi's September 21, 2016 comments on her personal Facebook page, the organization stated Mizrahi did not speak for the organization.[9] However, the following day, Mizrahi spoke on behalf of RespectAbility USA when she was quoted on CNN about white disabled voters.[12] In response, RespectAbility issued an apology quoting Mizrahi stating, "I made mistakes. I am very sorry."[13] Later the organization issued a more detailed apology.[13]

References

  1. ^ "About Us - Respect Ability". Respect Ability. Retrieved 2017-12-07.
  2. ^ "RespectAbility President Jennifer Laszlo Mizrahi's Opening Remarks". C-SPAN.org. Retrieved 2017-12-07.
  3. ^ "RespectAbility Advances Job Opportunities for People with Disabilities - Cure Medical". Cure Medical. 2017-08-02. Retrieved 2017-12-07.
  4. ^ "RespectAbility Advances Job Opportunities for People with Disabilities - Cure Medical". Cure Medical. 2017-08-02. Retrieved 2017-12-07.
  5. ^ "RespectAbility – Public Testimony Submission: The Department of Labor Advisory Committee on Increasing Competitive, Integrated Employment for Individuals with Disabilities" (PDF). {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |dead-url= (help); line feed character in |title= at position 79 (help)
  6. ^ "First-Ever Community Resource Guide for Residents of Long Beach with Disabilities Released - Respect Ability". Respect Ability. 2017-11-16. Retrieved 2017-12-07.
  7. ^ "Home - Knight Foundation". Knight Foundation. Retrieved 2017-12-07.
  8. ^ An Open Letter To The Disability Organization RespectAbility On Racism And Apologies [1]
  9. ^ a b Intersectional Justice: Jennifer Laszlo Mizrahi's Post on White Voters and Disability [2]
  10. ^ RespectAbility, Class and Race Privilege, and Leveling the Erring Field [3]
  11. ^ What's the Problem?
  12. ^ Clinton ignores Trump, delivers speech on helping disabled
  13. ^ a b Respectability Public Apology


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