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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-13-26 Correspondence - Disability Rights MT - Culture is built every day and ways both large and smallFrom:Disability Rights Montana - Growth Rings To:Bozeman Public Comment Subject:[EXTERNAL]Culture is built every day and ways both large and small Date:Tuesday, January 13, 2026 7:31:48 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Forwarded this email? Subscribe here for more Every paid subscription supports Disability Rights Montana’s work across Montana. Federal funding is nowhere near sufficient to meet the advocacy and culture change work that is needed. You can help fund the future you want to see! Culture is built every day and waysboth large and small Representation, Nature, and Community - All in One Issue READ IN APP Hey friends, This week is packed with exciting updates that celebrate inclusion, connection, and community building. From a groundbreaking Barbie launch to a nature challenge designed for all abilities, plus opportunities to join our mission here in Montana— there’s something for everyone. Dive in and take action! JAN 13 Mattel has partnered with the Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) to launch the first-ever autistic Barbie, and it’s a big deal. This isn’t just a new doll, it’s a cultural milestone that signals a shift toward authentic representation. The design process took over 18 months, with ASAN providing guidance to ensure the doll reflects real autistic experiences rather than stereotypes. The Barbie features sensory-conscious details like a loose-fitting dress and flat shoes for comfort. Accessories include a fidget spinner, noise-canceling headphones, and an AAC tablet, tools that many autistic individuals use daily. Even the doll’s eye gaze is slightly averted, a subtle but meaningful nod to neurodiverse communication styles. Why does this matter? Representation shapes identity. When autistic kids see themselves reflected in toys, it sends a powerful message: you belong, and your way of existing is 100% valid. This Barbie isn’t just a toy, it’s a symbol of inclusion and a step toward a world where neurodiversity is celebrated. ASAN x Barbie: A New Era of Representation @barbie Here in Montana our public lands and our relationship with nature is a major component of our culture. Readers of this newsletter know that Disability Rights Montana is always looking for ways to show how Montana culture and Disability culture are aligned. Disabled Hikers has launched the Disability is Natural Challenge, which does this perfectly. This challenge is a beautiful invitation to connect with the natural world. The concept is simple: notice something in nature 52 times over the 52 weeks of this year. It could be a flower blooming in your yard, a bird outside your window, or the way sunlight hits your desk. The challenge is designed for all abilities, making nature accessible no matter your mobility or energy level. Why is this important? Many disabled people face barriers to outdoor recreation, from inaccessible trails to lack of transportation. This challenge flips the script by focusing on awareness rather than distance or exertion. It reminds us that nature isn’t just in national parks and it isn’t measured in feet of elevation gained, it’s in the small, everyday moments we often overlook. Joining the challenge is easy: start noticing and share your observations on social media with the hashtags #DisabilityIsNaturalChallenge and #DisabledHikers to connect with a community that values inclusion and the healing power of nature. Let’s make 2026 the year we all find joy in the world around us, one mindful moment at a time. Join the Challenge You can learn more about the work of the non-profit that created this challenge, Disabled Hikers, at their website. https://www.disabledhikers.com/ Barbie on Instagram: "Barbie and ASAN (AutisticSelf-Advocacy N… Disabled Hikers’ Nature Awareness Challenge If you read last week’s newsletter or saw one of our social media posts, you know that we’re hiring a Director of Finance and Administration. The first review of applications is coming up fast - next Tuesday. This role is critical to our mission at Disability Rights Montana. The Fiscal Manager will oversee budgets, ensure compliance, and help us allocate resources to programs that empower disabled Montanans. If you have experience in nonprofit finance, or know someone who does, this is an opportunity to make a real impact. Strong financial leadership means we can expand services, fund advocacy efforts, and create spaces where disability culture thrives. It’s not just about numbers; it’s about building the foundation for systemic change. So before the long weekend hits us, please share this opportunity widely. Every referral helps us find the right person to join our team. Applications are open now, but the first review is next Tuesday, so don’t wait. Apply now! Big news: we’re transforming our office into a Disability Community Center, and we need your help to make it happen. As recent issues of this news letter have explained, this isn’t just a renovation, it’s a complete reimagining of what community space can be. We envision a hub for art, advocacy, education, connection, and social change designed by and for disabled people. To start our path to get there, we’re forming two committees: Fiscal Manager Applications: First ReviewNext Tuesday Help Us Build Montana’s DisabilityCommunity Center Facility – Help shape the physical space with universal design and sensory- friendly features. Join Facility Committee Events – Plan events, activities, and partnerships that bring disability culture to life. Join Events Committee No prior committee experience is required, just your passion and ideas. This is your chance to influence a space that will serve generations of Montanans. Meetings will be flexible, and your voice will matter. Ready to help us open doors? Thanks for being part of this movement. Every action—whether sharing a job post, joining a committee, or simply noticing nature—helps us grow a more inclusive Montana. Until next time, keep planting those growth rings. In solidarity, David David Carlson, J.D. Executive Director Disability Rights Montana You’re currently a free subscriber to Life Beyond Compliance. Upgrading to paid subscriptions supports Disability Rights Montana’s work across Montana. Federal funding is no where near sufficient to meet the advocacy and culture change work that is needed. You can help fund the future you want to see! Thank you! 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