5 Things / Karen
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We’re setting an example, whether we like it or not.
My son Patrick and I were waiting at a fast food restaurant, that, on this occasion, was not very fast. We were on the way to an appointment and I was growing impatient. Patrick, 13, turned to me and said, “Mom, don’t go all Karen on them.”
Ouch. It’s true that he’s a sassy teenager. But let me tell you that the LAST thing I want to do is go all Karen on anybody – or even be perceived by my son as someone who could! He checked me, though, and that was the gift.
The gift of mindfulness, awareness of my privilege, and the reminder that he’s watching…after all, I’m still setting an example. And so are you, in every single relationship you have.
This Week’s Good Vibes:
SFMOMA’s New Exhibit Celebrates Inclusion
San Francisco Museum of Modern Art is now showcasing over 80 pieces by artists with developmental disabilities in "Creative Growth: The House That Art Built." This exhibit, featuring acrylics, pastels, ceramics, and film, highlights works from Oakland’s Creative Growth Art Center. Last year, SFMOMA acquired 150 pieces by artists with disabilities, becoming one of the largest holders of such works globally. This exhibit celebrates the immense talent and creativity of these artists and aligns with SFMOMA's mission to engage diverse artists and audiences and enhance museum accessibility.
Frontier Co-Op’s Values-Driven Approach
Frontier Co-op, an Iowa-based herbs and spices manufacturer with 550 employees, cares for 110 children and offers affordable, quality childcare onsite to its employees. This subsidized onsite childcare program began in the 1980s to support working parents and is not run by a third party. Today, it still only costs employees about $2 an hour and includes before and after-school care and a summer camp. Frontier also reimburses up to 55% of offsite childcare expenses. This program has helped Frontier maintain a low turnover rate and fill job openings quickly, illustrating the power of creative solutions in promoting workplace equity.
Kaylynne Truong Becomes the First Vietnamese Athlete in the WNBA
While Caitlin Clark was getting all the hype, Kaylynne Truong made history as the first Vietnamese athlete to play in the WNBA, drafted by the Washington Mystics. She was the 21st overall pick in the second round and is ready to break down the model minority myth and show that Asian-Americans can excel in professional sports. With just 1.4% of WNBA players being Asian, her presence as a possible model for young Asian athletes is vital.
Sesame Place Is More Inclusive of Neurodivergence
Liechtenstein's parliament has passed a bill legalizing same-sex marriage, making it the 22nd European country to do so. The Landtag voted overwhelmingly in favor, with 24 out of 25 members supporting the bill, set to take effect in early 2025. This vote came just in time for the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia. Note that about 34/195 countries have marriage equality and several dozen still ban LGBTQ+ activity and relationships.
Apple Products Grow More Accessible
Apple has unveiled new accessibility features, such as Eye Tracking for iPads and iPhones, Music Haptics for the deaf and hard of hearing, Vocal Shortcuts, and Vehicle Motion Cues. Eye Tracking uses AI to help users with physical disabilities control their devices, while Music Haptics provides tactile feedback for music lovers who are deaf. By integrating AI and machine learning, Apple enhances device usability for those with physical disabilities, hearing impairments, and motion sensitivity. More joy for everyone!
Call to Action:
Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD) was last week. Get your organization a free accessibility assessment by our friends at Ablr, who train visually impaired folks to perform accessibility audits (among other amazing things).