b'Natalie BlakeKasey Minnis Executive Director Executive DirectorAs women with chronic illnesses, andunderstanding and empathy for the needs of as parents of adults with disabilities, thetheir companys clients. accessibility of the world we live in is importantYet despite the benefits, inclusion for to us. We believe each person has a right toindividuals with disabilities is still an uphill equal access, opportunity, and acceptance.battle. There are many systemic issues facing Creating a more accommodating world forthe chronic illness and disability community. peoplewithhealthissuesanddisabilitiesThese inequities affect all areas of life, from benets everyone. work to healthcare to recreation.One example of how this is true is referredLegislative threats to disability rights also to as the Curb Cut Effect. This describes theexist. For example, Texas v. Becerra is an phenomenon where design features meantongoing court case that could have a profound for people with disabilities benet society as aeffect on the civil rights of individuals with whole. For example, when the law required curbdisabilities. A group of 17 states is suing the cuts be made in city sidewalks to accommodateUnited States government. The states are asking wheelchairs, it also beneted parents pushingthe court to get rid of Section 504a law that strollers, delivery men using carts, people onprotects people with disabilities in educational bicycles, and travelers rolling luggage. Automaticand healthcare settingsbecause they disagree doors offer similar benets. with federal guidance on how the law should But the benets of inclusion go beyond design.be applied. Recent studies showed that companies that areTo help you stay up-to-date about the issues leaders in disability inclusion outperform theirthat may directly affect you or other people competitors by 25 percent. By hiring andwith MS, the Foundation has rebooted our accommodating individuals with disabilities,advocacy newsletter. Sign up for this monthly these companies benet from a wider range ofemail to learn about happenings that could experience and ideas. In fact, studies indicateaffect your access to care. Go to msfocus.org, thatindividuals withdisabilitiesaremoreclick Publications, and select MS Focus on likely to share ideas that drive value for theirAction. Now more than ever, its important for company, perhaps because they see the worldeach of us to have our voices heard about the from a different perspective, or have a uniqueissues that are important to us.5 msfocusmagazine.org'