Hallmark Cards’ Post

As a young professional who spent most of my life with undiagnosed neurodivergence, I struggled to receive the guidance and support I needed from family, friends, and work colleagues. I didn’t know what my needs were or how to advocate for them, so how could I expect others to?   Instead, I struggled in silence and adopted strategies that helped offset my so-called “shortcomings.” Taking overly detailed notes during meetings. Asking questions incessantly to ensure I understood expectations. Requesting more check ins and feedback loops. Working slowly and methodically to ensure nothing was missed. Projecting confidence at work and at network events while spending my weekends isolated and exhausted. Offsetting my low energy days by pulling all-nighters and working weekends to meet deadlines. I had tools I could use, but I didn’t have the right ones. Every day was like trying to assemble furniture without instructions. I might be able to figure it out, but the process was tedious, time consuming, and frustrating. And I would overlook something that would affect the end result.   I had no idea that I was wired differently. I continuously labored to be “enough” for everyone else at the expense of myself. This allowed me to somewhat pass as “normal”, but I felt like an imposter in every part of my life. People valued my mask. The love, praise, and accolades I received felt conditional, part of an unspoken agreement where if I behaved as expected, I would have a place in this world.   But no matter how hard I tried to “fix” myself, I couldn’t. I’ve been labeled “slow", "combative”, “difficult to work with”, and “rigid” by previous managers. I’ve been labeled “overly emotional”, “needy”, “lazy”, and generally “too much” in previous relationships. I’ve been given ultimatums, put on performance improvement plans, and abandoned in my relationships. I’ve cried at work so many times feeling that I was broken or a failure.   When I was officially diagnosed with autism and ADHD last year, I cried not out of shame or fear, but from relief and validation. I wasn’t broken. I wasn’t a failure. I didn’t need to “fix” myself. I was just different…and that was okay.   Receiving my diagnosis was an empowering moment and I’m fortunate to have worked with a provider who took me seriously. However, intersectionality is a tool for supporting equality. Due to an inadequate amount of representation and inclusion in research, neurodivergent women are largely overlooked and remain either under-diagnosed or mis-diagnosed by professionals. I’m hoping that by sharing my story, it will help inspire others. It’s brave to show up as your authentic self. It’s brave to advocate for your needs. It’s brave to set boundaries and ask for accommodations that will ensure your success. Check out the article below to learn more about Disability Pride month and ways you can support. Let’s help each other be better.

Check out this article to learn more about Disability Pride month and what you can do to support this month and every month! https://lnkd.in/gsHP-mDS

🎉Happy Disability Pride Month! 🤔Did you know that at least 1-in-4 adults in the United States has some type of disability? 🔷Learn more about this history of Disability Pride Month and why celebrating disability helps: https://lnkd.in/gFuaY2xW #DisabilityPrideMonth #DisabilityPride #MDI

July is Disability Pride Month, a month for embracing our disabled identities as integral parts of who we are and celebrating being part of this community. Disability Pride is about accepting and honouring our uniqueness, identities, culture and achievements. What does disability pride mean to you? Please share your thoughts with us in the comments below ⬇️ #DisabilityPrideMonth #DisabilityPride #CharityTuesday #RevitaliseNow

July is Disability Pride Month, a month for embracing our disabled identities as integral parts of who we are and celebrating being part of this community. Disability Pride is about accepting and honouring our uniqueness, identities, culture and achievements. What does disability pride mean to you? Please share your thoughts with us in the comments below ⬇️ #DisabilityPrideMonth #DisabilityPride #CharityTuesday #RevitaliseNow

Watch the powerful statement made by the International Disability Alliance at the #RefugeeForum!

#DisabilityPrideMonth: Did you know that July is Disability Pride Month? 🤔 It highlights the history, achievements, experiences, and struggles of the disabled community, directly challenging ableism and discrimination > https://ow.ly/iCeF50P7wpq 🙏 #DisabilityAwareness

New Disability Action Plan to make the UK the most accessible place in the world! This month marks the publication of the Governments Disability Action Plan. A journey shaped by 1,300 voices during a 12-week consultation last year, resulting in a roadmap for 2024 that aims to enhance the daily lives of disabled people and set the stage for enduring change. Seven themes emerged within the consultation responses, and proposals have been amended accordingly where possible. The seven themes were: 🔹 Policies should be informed by disabled people’s experiences 🔹 Clear, measurable actions are needed, with clear accountability 🔹 Consideration of disabled people’s financial circumstances and the cost of living 🔹 Sufficient funding for specific actions 🔹 Ensure the inclusion of all disabled people 🔹 Improved and accessible communications about government services and resources 🔹 Equality of opportunity for disabled and non-disabled people Find out more and read the plan here: https://lnkd.in/exa8Z4Bf #IntepretingMatters #DisabilityActionPlan #BSL #BritishSignLanguage https://lnkd.in/e22H4NXA

Advisors: In honor of Disability Pride Month, here are some actionable tips for making your practice more inclusive to clients with disabilities. http://m.ct-inv.us/4dbZgRB #DisabilityPrideMonth #DisabilityInclusion

Even in today's modern world, ableism is far too common. The ABC have put together a quick online quiz about disability discrimination with answers coming from those with lived experience or disability advocates. Give the quiz a go at the link below! https://ow.ly/44LZ50QcLNF [PD: Four cartoon figures, each showcasing a different disability]