Issue 110

Hello, Beyond the Label Family! 👋

We're back with another exciting edition of the Beyond the Label Newsletter, and you won't want to miss it! 🌈

We are a society obsessed with fixing things. When something is broken, we glue it. When software glitches, we patch it. But when we apply this "fix-it" mentality to human beings—specifically those with disabilities or special needs—we do a massive disservice to everyone involved.

For decades, the prevailing view of disability has been the "medical model." This lens asks: What is wrong with this person, and how can we cure them to fit the world? It views the individual as a list of deficits. It focuses on what is missing.

I believe it is time we permanently swap that lens for the "social model." This perspective asks: What is wrong with the environment, and how can we change it to include this person?

When we shift our focus from "fixing the person" to "fixing the barriers," the conversation changes entirely.

• A wheelchair user isn't disabled by their legs; they are disabled by a flight of stairs.

• A neurodivergent employee isn't disabled by their processing style; they are disabled by a rigid, open-plan office that demands constant social performance.

This shift doesn't erase the reality of medical conditions or the challenges they bring. But it transforms how we approach solutions. Instead of forcing an individual to twist themselves into a shape that fits a rigid world, we make the world pliable.

We stop seeing a "problem" to be managed and start seeing a human being to be accommodated. This unlocks resilience, unique perspectives, and creative problem-solving that was previously stifled by barriers.

Let’s discuss: Can you identify one barrier in your workplace or community that, if removed, would change the game for someone else?

Join the Beyond the Label movement and make a difference! Together, we can create a world that celebrates unique abilities and embraces diversity. 🌍

Ready to embark on this exciting journey with us? Explore our latest collection, and let's make a difference, one book at a time. 📖

Thank you for being a part of Beyond the Label! 🌟

Warm regards, Beyond the Label Team 📚🌟

PS: Stay tuned for more inspiring stories, updates, and resources in our next newsletter! 📬🎉