Amanda Listens’
A space to share my thoughts, concerns, dreams, and aspirations for advocacy and social change.
Blog
Intersectionality is Critical in Advocacy and Activism
In the advocacy and activism space, the concept of intersectionality comes up frequently to encourage people to consider different perspectives and experiences to improve the process from a place of understanding and collaboration. Learn how you can incorporate intersectionality into your advocacy and activism work
Justice for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility | Art Piece
Like many people who work in the space of social justice and change, the situation in the United States is difficult to watch as Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is being removed from their policies. Check out the art piece and the feelings that has come up from the situation.
Advocating for Social Justice: Existing in a Society That is Not Made For You
Advocating for social justice issues that you yourself also experience is a balancing act that takes a lot of energy and effort. Learn from my experience of trying to improve accessibility while also experiencing the barriers can be difficult and the lessons I learned along the way.
Reflecting on My Time in International Development Work
Last week was International Development Week in Canada. Read about my reflection of the 4 years of being in the space as a youth advocate.
We Live in a Society That is not Built for Disabled People | A Reflection
Read my reflection of a keynote speech that I attended on International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2024, further seeing how the current society is not for disabled people yet.
How to Communicate Accessibility
In a world that is not made for people with disabilities, communicating the accessibility availability and options is a necessity for events and activities. Read how important it is to be able to effectively communicate to people with disabilities for the community’s engagement.
Life with Chronic Pain | Art Piece
I have decided to make an art piece related to chronic pain. So I created a piece of two images, one that people see and one that people do not notice.
Did I hit 50,000 words? | November Writing Challenge
I did a November writing challenge to write 50,000 words in one month. Read to learn how it went.
International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2024
International Day of Persons with Disabilities is coming up on December 3rd, 2024. This year’s theme is Amplifying the Leadership of Persons with Disabilities for an Inclusive and Sustainable Future.
Accessibility and Disability Inclusion: What is the Difference?
Accessibility and disability inclusion co-exist in the space of including persons with disabilities in society but what is the difference? Explore the difference in action and how the interconnection is the goal.
What YOU need to know about the disability community
What do you think when you see the words “disability community”? Come explore what the disability community is and why it is important to know the intersectionality and differences within the community.
Living with a Dynamic Disability
A dynamic disability is an experience that is full of ups and downs. Learn about what is it is living with a dynamic disability from personal experience.
Accessibility is Not “Extra Steps” | Disrupt the Status Quo
The attitude of status quo in accessibility is the concept of “extra steps” in the process. This is a mindset that requires rethinking of the processes that exists, especially with information. Read how it is not "extra steps."
Accessing Media and Information Literacy
We need media and information literacy. In the digital world, we are surrounded by more media and information than ever before at the tips of our fingers. As the media is utilized to connect with us, it is crucial to know how to engage with the media.
Exploring the Cost of Living with a Disability
Living with a disability can be expensive as it does come with additional costs compared to people without disabilities. Read to see how it impacts time, money and energy.
Illustrating Disability: World Mental Health Day
October 10th is World Mental Health Day which is a day to raise awareness on mental health and what still needs to be done to support mental health in society. Learn more about the connection of mental health and disability and what is still needed to be done.
Trying To Do It All?: How To Balance Advocacy with Life
Part of advocacy is knowing when you can contribute and when you may need to take a step back for your own needs. Learn the lessons and advice on balancing advocacy with life.
Grateful for American Sign Language: International Day of Sign Languages
In the spirit of Deaf Awareness Month, International Day of Sign Languages next week during International Week for Deaf People, I have written how grateful I am about learning ASL and the learnings along the way.
The Issue with One Tool for Access: The Importance of Options
As a society, we make many assumptions which influences our decisions on the decisions in our environment. Learn from personal experience of how having one reliable option for access is not ideal for accessibility and inclusion.
Connecting Community and Action
There are many ways that can be the motivation to take action. Most of the influences are connected to the community you are involved in. Learn more about how the connection to community and help people take action!