Jul

Author of “A Shark Out of Water” Children’s Book; Publicist, Writer; Event Planner

[Puneet Singh Singhal @puneetsinghal22]

What do disabled people really want to hear?

It’s not, “You’re so inspiring!” or, “I see you as my equal.” Sure, those words might sound well-meaning, but let’s be real—they often feel like hollow pats on the back. Compliments like these dodge the real issues and solve nothing.

Here’s what disabled people actually want to hear:

“You’re hired.”
Not because of pity. Not because of diversity quotas. But because they’re the best fit for the job. Because their talent, drive, and work ethic are undeniable—just like anyone else’s.

“Your medical coverage was approved.”
Think about this: needing approval just to live with dignity. Healthcare isn’t some luxury. Yet disabled people have to fight tooth and nail for the basics, while many others take it for granted.

“We’re happy to accommodate you.”
Why does this still feel like asking for a favor? Accommodations are a necessity, not an indulgence. Accessible environments benefit everyone, but disabled people are still left pleading for what should be common sense.

“You got the promotion.”
Let’s talk about the career glass ceiling. Disabled people don’t want to be your diversity checkbox; they want to lead. They want their hard work to be recognized—not overshadowed by condescension or bias.

The point is, empty praise doesn’t move the needle. Disability isn’t about being someone’s feel-good story. It’s about dismantling barriers and creating systems that give everyone a fair shot. Compliments are nice, but actions speak louder.

What would happen if we built a world where disabled people didn’t have to fight for their rights, prove their worth, or demand inclusion over and over? A world where the system wasn’t rigged against them in the first place?

It’s not charity. It’s not rocket science. It’s basic decency. Stop praising survival in a broken system and start fixing it.

That’s what disabled people want to hear. What are you going to do about it?

Graphic: Kelly Bron Johnson
via @debraruh

ID: The image is divided into two sections. The top half is titled "What people think disabled people want to hear," with two bullet points below:

"You're so inspiring!"
"I see you as my equal."
The bottom half of the image is titled "What disabled people actually want to hear," with four bullet points below:

"You're hired!"
"Your medical coverage was approved!"
"We're happy to accommodate you."
"You got the promotion!"

[The Standard @TheStandard412]

🚨BREAKING🚨

The NFL announced the 2026 NFL draft will be held in Pittsburgh.

#NFL  #Steelers

[Rev. Benjamin Cremer @Brcremer]

Then Jesus said unto the sick, “you better have insurance.”

Then Jesus said unto the stranger, “are you here legally?”

Then Jesus said unto the hungry, “my taxes better not be paying for these loaves and fishes.”

Then Jesus said unto the poor, “this is your own fault.”

[sydney @ouijney]

Your chances of being able bodied your entire life are slim to none. It’s always in your best interest to advocate for a more accessible world

[Jul @jhalapch]

@sheetz @Pirates Jalapeño Hannah

[U.S. Paralympics Track & Field @USParaTF]

We want the SAME energy for the #ParisParalympics 🔥

#ShowTheWorld // #TeamUSA

[Darth Maul-tism, MLIS 🦇🐈‍⬛🧛🏻‍♀️ @RogueArtemis]

Just a reminder for those of you with post-Olympic blues that the Para-Olympics are about to start and the disabled athletes need your love and support just as much as their abled counterparts do.

[Rev. Benjamin Cremer @Brcremer]

Women in positions of power may never hear your ignorant and disparaging comments about them.

But the women in your life will.

[Gary Parrish @GaryParrishCBS]

These dudes have been calling each other the worst President in history for 80 straight minutes — and neither one of them got really offended until their golf skills were questioned. Hahaha.

[David Baddiel @Baddiel]

Frankly I don’t know why anybody of Biden or Trump’s age would *want* to be President. I’m 60 and I don’t even want to go upstairs.

[The Daily Show @TheDailyShow]

Jon Stewart wants the media to stop the wild speculation and behave more like the courts: study the evidence and present a conclusion.

[KDKA @KDKA]

BREAKING: Pittsburgh will host the 2026 NFL Draft, the league announced. https://t.co/uCt2PzeWAx

[greg @greg16676935420]

IRS: you owe us taxes

Me: how much do I owe?

IRS: you get to figure that out

Me: can I just pay what I want?

IRS: no we know exactly how much you owe but you have to guess the number too

Me: what if I guess wrong?

IRS: jail

[Scott Harbaugh @WPXIScott]

NO RAIN the rest of the day!

[Pittsburgh Penguins @penguins]

A generational talent.
An elite playmaker.
SIMPLY SIDSATIONAL 👏