Why I don’t need you to "fix" my disability | Sara Minkara | TEDxMidAtlantic
Sara Minkara, a blind Muslim diplomat, discusses the pervasive misconceptions surrounding disability. She highlights how society often views disabled individuals through the lens of pity or unrealistic inspiration, rather than recognizing their multifaceted identities and contributions. Sara advocates for systemic change, emphasizing the economic and social benefits of inclusivity, not just for disabled people but for everyone. She calls for difficult conversations, shared responsibility, and the sharing of best practices to dismantle societal barriers and achieve genuine inclusion. Ultimately, she urges the audience to work towards a world where the contributions of the disability community are valued and incorporated into all aspects of society. Sara Minkara joins the U.S. Department of State as Special Advisor on International Disability Rights. The senior diplomat for disability rights, Special Advisor Minkara leads the U.S. comprehensive strategy to promote and protect the rights of persons with disabilities internationally and across our foreign policy.As a Lebanese-American Muslim woman who acquired her disability at the age of 7, Minkara incorporates her personal experience with disability in all of her work. She has dedicated her life to promoting inclusion as a value, and to empowering others to reach their potential.Ms. Minkara developed a unique approach, her In the Dark Methodology, to introduce concepts of adaptive design, leadership, and inclusion, and to address workplace and social challenges.This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
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