Debra Ruh: We All Have Value To Share

One billion people, or 15% of the world's population, experience some form of disability.Disability refers to the interaction between individuals with a health condition (e.g., cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, and depression) and personal and environmental factors (e.g., negative attitudes, inaccessible transportation or public buildings, and limited social support). Almost everyone is likely to experience some form of disability - temporary or permanent - at some point in life.But having a disability does not mean you don't have value to offer to this world.Debra Ruh fights to make sure everyone gets to share their value, regardless of their disability.Debra Ruh is a Global Disability Inclusion Strategist, Market Influencer, internationally recognized keynote speaker, published author, branding expert, successful entrepreneur, and exceptional mother. Debra is the host of a popular program: Human Potential at Work (Audience in 92 countries and 113 Regions). Proud to be the founder and CEO of Ruh Global IMPACT and the Co-founder and Executive Chair of Billion Strong.She is also an author of three books, Inclusion Branding (available in English, Spanish, Arabic, Voice via Audible), Tapping into Hidden Human Capital and Finding Your Voice Using Social Media.Debra Ruh received her call to action when she was told by so-called “experts” that her daughter, Sara, who was born with Down Syndrome (Trisomy 21), would never walk or talk. She refused to accept the prognosis and perception of this condition. Driven by her unshakeable faith in the power of human potential and the love for her daughter, Debra was determined to dedicate her life to create a path to empowerment and success for all those with disabilities. Her husband aged into disabilities due to a TBI sustained when he was hit by a drunk driver as a child. Sadly, his brain aged into Dementia due to the TBI.Debra had built a multi-million-dollar firm focused on ICT accessibility. Debra was convinced that "the real disability is being unable to see human potential" formed Ruh Global IMPACT. This social enterprise and think tank focused on Global Disability Inclusion Strategies, Digital Marketing, and Branding among many other services. Billion-Strong.org is a global identity organization focused on disability identity and empowerment.Debra consults with Multi-National and National Corporations and the United Nations. Debra is now internationally renowned global keynote speakers and travels the world inspiring and advocating for governments and corporations to include people with disabilities.In this episode, Debra shares her story and how she's changing the world.Listen to this episode and learn about:Debra giving credit and thanks to her Mother (4:58)Controlling your perspective and reaction to tough times in life (8:22)How Debra found her life's work (8:58)The misconceptions around disabilities (13:20)Does DEI include disabilities (17:11)How to include disabilities in DEI programs (19:25)The importance of community for advocacy (23:24)The power gratitude has to change perspectives (27:31)Billion Strong and how to join (31:34)Debra's message to her Mother (43:06)LinksConnect with Debra on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/debraruhRuh Global - https://www.ruhglobal.comBillion Strong - https://www.billion-strong.orgAXSChat - https://twitter.com/AXSChatInclusion Branding - https://www.ruhglobal.com/inclusion-branding/