Our Diversity Equity and Inclusion committee had the privilege to hear from Dr. JR Harding in one of our recent webinar series. His session, “A Disability Perspective with Dr. JR Harding” was thoughtfully put together to educate our group on the business case to advocate for a more inclusive community. He drew specific points on how to communicate to our clients on why being leaders for greater inclusion mitigates their company’s risk. His humor and charisma engaged the group as he discussed his personal story of living with a disability, and how he has been able to make positive changes nationally and locally to benefit those with or without disabilities. During and following the presentation, I received feedback from the participants on asking for the recording so they can share his message with their colleagues, friends, and family. I feel so fortunate to have been connected with JR and to have had him as a speaker for my colleagues!
Catherine Bertron, CLCS, MasrchMMA.com
Thank you for coming to West Palm Beach to meet with us last week. Our team from the City of Boynton Beach, including plan reviewers, inspectors, a Community Outreach Coordinator and an engineer enjoyed your presentation. It provided a deeper understanding of the importance of their job and ensures accessibility throughout our beautiful city.
Dr. Harding’s expertise has been an invaluable tool in training our team members in ADA standards. His personal insights and stories from his own life have given our Associates a deeper understanding of the daily challenges one faces when traveling with a disability. In doing so, he has not only taught our Associates to have a greater awareness of ADA requirements but to have a greater sensitivity to the needs of the community.
“I recently had the pleasure of working with Dr. Harding, and he may be the finest disability advocate I have ever met. Dr. Harding’s entertaining and inspiring speeches highlight the importance of tenacity in the face of disaster, a crucial lesson for people with and without disabilities. Hopefully I will get to work with him again in the near future.”
“[Now What? is] a great read and story about a determined young man. An inspiration to us all. A MUST READ when you’re feeling sorry for yourself.”
“JR is a friend and a tenacious advocate for opportunities for people with disabilities.”
“As Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives, there was no greater advocate for persons with disabilities than JR. He was my leader of choice for dependable, reliable and current information affecting persons with disabilities. Together we did good things for the state of Florida.”
“Dr. Harding was the keynote speaker at our system-wide Academic Advising conference three years ago and I still hear comments about his inspirational story. He’s extremely engaging as a speaker and was kind enough to stay afterwards to mingle and speak with us individually.”
“I’ve called upon JR Harding to assist in the presentation of leadership development information on several occasions. His extensive background in public policy development – combined with his personal experience and advocacy – proved to be right on target for those of us who share his commitment to accessibility. He’s a proven resource!”
“I have known JR for nearly 20 years and he is not only a friend, but a leader within the disability community. My general managers and I frequently count on him for expert advice on accessibility standards, equipment and related sensitivity issues for persons with disabilities. I would recommend JR to any business regarding their ADA needs.”