Visionary Solutions Newsletter #4

Meet the Disabled Leaders Redefining Their Industries This Disability Pride Month (Forbes, July 1^st 2026)

Starting around the 2010’s, July has been coined by activists as Disability Pride Month, in honor of the Americans with Disabilities Act being signed into law 36 years ago. The legislation was historic as it expanded accessibility for buildings, jobs, and education after decades of hard work, including when wheelchair-using protestors crawled up the Capitol stairs in 1990. The purpose of Disability Pride Month is to also bring awareness to ableism and to destigmatize those affected.

However, many advocates point out that disability rights are currently under attack. Examples to prove their point include, but are not limited to: the dismantling of the Department of Education with its Special Education Areas, and some states like Texas asking to strike down the Olmstead Integration Mandate that recognizes the right for disabled people in live in their community. With protection and advocacy needed more than ever, this article goes over ten disabled activists using their voice and personal experiences for change.

Read full article here: https://www.forbes.com/sites/keelycatwells/2026/07/01/meet-the-disabled-leaders-redefining-their-industries-this-disability-pride-month/

Natalie's Everyday Heroes: Visually impaired teacher shows how to be seen (CBS 58 News, June 15th 2026)

In Milwaukee’s Washington High School of Information Technology, Tony Long is a beloved English teacher who in turn loves to educate others. He reportedly lost his sight in 1999 due to reasons not shared, saying that “I took it upon myself to continue teaching because I had much more to offer the students. I didn’t know that I would go through this. But unfortunately, I did.” Long navigates his daily life and teaching with the help of his META Smart glasses that describes text and surroundings around him. He is also aided by his assistant Clementine Penner, as well as his fellow students who help read out questions and answers to him, such as during book discussions. The technique used seems to help students engage better with content and material, giving Tony Long a reputation as an inspirational, patient, and kind teacher.

Tony Long is also a part of Vision Forward, a non-profit organization dedicated to education access to those who are blind or visually-impaired. Long is specifically a part of the organization’s “Be Seen” campaign. Astounded by Long’s dedication, Vision Forward’s CEO, Jaclyn Borchardt, stated that “I hope that we can break some of the stereotypes of what jobs are possible for people with visual impairments.”

Read full story here: https://www.cbs58.com/news/natalies-everyday-heroes-visually-impaired-teacher-shows-how-to-be-seen