disability awareness

A Black Disability Advocate Who Changed History

02/24/25 - advocacy, disability awareness, Independence, Inspiring People, Multiple Sclerosis - 0 Comments

By Julia Swibes, Search Inc. Marketing and Communications Manager

A Black Disability Advocate Who Changed History

The Disability Rights Movement in the United States has spanned decades, experiencing significant breakthroughs in the 1960s and 1970s. Throughout this time, disability advocates showcased bravery and determination to change legislation…

The History of the Disabilities Landscape in Illinois

02/03/25 - ABLE - A Better Life for Everybody, advocacy, disability awareness, Disability in the Media, Disability Law, Uncategorized - 0 Comments

By Kamaria Kali, Search Inc. Administrative and Development Assistant

The History of the Disabilities Landscape in Illinois

As we begin another year, it’s important to take a moment to reflect on the significant strides made in recognizing and upholding the rights of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD)…

2024 Year in Review with JJ’s List

12/27/24 - advocacy, Deaf and Hard of Hearing, disability awareness, Disability Awareness Players, Disability Awareness Training, Hop on the Bus to Independence, JJ's List Fun, jjslist.com, Search, Inc., Transportation - 0 Comments

Reflecting on 2024, our JJ’s List team is proud of our many accomplishments! Our Disability Awareness Trainings trained many organizations throughout Chicagoland in 2024, including Goodman Theatre, Eicoff Advertising, Lincoln Park Zoo and Argonne National Laboratory. We were also thrilled to see our team expand…

The “R” Word’s Comeback

12/02/24 - ABLE - A Better Life for Everybody, advocacy, disability awareness, Disability Awareness Training, Disability in the Media, Education, Person-First Language, Search, Inc., Self-Advocacy - 1 Comment

By Kamaria Kali, Search Inc. Administrative and Development Assistant

At JJ’s List, we believe in cultivating understanding, inclusion, and respect for people with disabilities. That’s why it can be troubling to see the resurgence of the word “retard”, often referred to as the “r-word” in social…

The Fear of Disclosure in the Workplace: Understanding the Concerns of People with Disabilities

10/31/24 - Accessibility in Public, advocacy, Business News, disability awareness, Disability Awareness Training, Disability-Aware Businesses, jjslist.com, Search, Inc., Self-Advocacy - 0 Comments

By Kamaria Kali, Search Inc. Administrative and Development Assistant

This October at JJ’s List, we celebrated National Disability Employment Awareness Month. Our goal is to provide businesses with a toolkit to foster a more inclusive environment for people with disabilities. In the workplace, there is often…

Summer Favorites with Ignite

09/30/24 - Accessibility in Public, disability awareness, Disability-Aware Businesses, JJ's List Fun, Search, Inc., Uncategorized - 0 Comments

Ignite, one of our day programs at Search, went on many adventures this summer. They explored the Chicagoland area by visiting museums, restaurants, parks and more. Read on to hear some of their favorite summer memories, businesses they found to be disability-aware and what they…

Understanding Person-First vs. Identity-First Language: A Guide to Respectful Communication

08/26/24 - advocacy, disability awareness, Education, Inspiring People, jjslist.com, Person-First Language, Search, Inc., Self-Advocacy, Tools and aids - 0 Comments

By Kamaria Kali, Search Inc. Administrative and Development Assistant

At JJ’s List, our goal is to equip businesses with tools and trainings to become more accessible and welcoming to people with disabilities. In the pursuit of creating inclusive and respectful environments, one important aspect of communication…

Get Involved: Disability Pride Month 2024 with JJ’s List

08/01/24 - advocacy, disability awareness, Disability in the Media, Education, Independence, Inspiring People, Search, Inc., Self-Advocacy - 0 Comments

Each year in July, we celebrate Disability Pride Month in honor of the passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) on July 26, 1990. The ADA significantly improved the rights of people with disabilities across America and is considered a landmark piece of legislation for…

Mental Health Awareness Month: Promoting Inclusion and Understanding

05/30/24 - Accessibility in Public, advocacy, disability awareness, jjslist.com, Mental Illness, Person-First Language, Search, Inc., Self-Advocacy - 0 Comments

By Kamaria Kali, Search Inc. Administrative and Development Assistant

At JJ’s List, our mission has always been to bridge the gap between businesses and individuals with disabilities, fostering a more inclusive and understanding society. One critical aspect of this mission is promoting mental health awareness. Mental…

National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month 2024

03/22/24 - Accessibility in Public, disability awareness, Disability in the Media, Education, Inspiring People, jjslist.com, Mental Illness, Search, Inc., Self-Advocacy - 0 Comments

Every year in March, we celebrate National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month (DDAM). DDAM raises awareness for developmental disabilities and works to build a community where everyone is empowered to succeed, both people with and without disabilities. This year’s theme is a World of Opportunities, celebrating…