Thor Uram Speaking Topics

• Understanding Invisible Disabilities

  In this thought-provoking educational talk, we explore the less apparent aspects of chronic illness and disability, including commonly misunderstood physical and cognitive challenges that often remain unspoken (invisible disabilities).

  Key Takeaways

  • Critical Optics: Gain insights into the widespread nature of invisible disabilities and recognize the significant impact they have on individuals’ lives.

  • Hidden Issues Revealed: Explore the profound debilitation caused by invisible disabilities, uncovering their hidden complexities that might not be immediately apparent.

  • Cold Shoulder Cure: You’ll develop a solid understanding of how shame, microaggressions, societal attitudes, preconceived notions and social norms can exacerbate the challenges faced by those with invisible disabilities.

  • Show You Care: I’ll share actionable steps you can implement to extend meaningful support to the disabled community, fostering an environment of equity, inclusion and belonging.

  • On-boarding: Learn effective strategies to challenge and overcome internalized ableism and ageism, so that you may become the best ally you can be!

• Hospitality Standards for Disabled Guests

  Companies that place accessibility at the forefront of their operations not only demonstrate a commitment to inclusivity but also position themselves to earn the unwavering loyalty of individuals with disabilities. By fostering an environment where every customer feels genuinely welcomed and can seamlessly access the products and services they desire, these businesses set the gold standard for equality and customer-centricity. In a world where diversity and inclusion are paramount, prioritizing accessibility is not just a strategic advantage but a moral imperative, ensuring that no one is left behind in the pursuit of quality goods and services.

  Key Takeaways:

  • Face to Face: You’ll learn all the subtle (and sometimes not so subtle) nuances of how to engage in a face-to-face conversation with a person of any disability.

  • How Can I Help You Today? : You work in a hotel. A guest comes up to you who is deaf. Other than sign language, what’s the best form of communication without causing confusion, frustration, or offense? A person in a wheelchair approaches the check-in counter. They are accompanied by what appears to be a non-disabled person. Which one of them do you address? These very common scenarios and more will be discussed.

  • Mobility & Transportation: How wheelchair friendly is your location? And besides wheelchairs, what about canes, walkers and forearm crutches. Should you offer them a ride? Is this service even available? How about catching a cab or ride service? Or taking one of your tour buses? What type of assistance will they require?

  • Environment: How safe in the space your staff works in? Are the floors carpeted? Is there enough room in between racks and displays? How clear is the main thoroughfare kept? How are spills and wet floors handled? Any stairs? Escalators?

  Proactive Measures: How your team can make modern adjustments and prepare, ahead of time, for the unique needs of any disabled person who comes to visit your hospitality business; including those in lodging, food and beverage, travel, entertainment, and meetings and event spaces.

Normalizing Disability Through Conversation

This engaging educational session explores the multifaceted journey towards creating inclusive environments that embrace individuals of all abilities, without judgement, harassment, fear or misunderstanding.

Key Takeaways:

• A New View: We’ll explore the subtle nuances of some of the most common misconceptions about disability. I’ll show you a different way of looking at things that will fill you with a powerful sense of knowledge and understanding.

• Making the Connection: Discover the power of reshaping societal norms to embrace diversity, thereby fostering a more inclusive and equitable workplace and school culture.

• Gain insights: The challenges individuals with disabilities will be made clear. You'll learn how to dismantle barriers that hinder the participation and growth of disabled employees.

• Strategies: I’ll give you strategies for educators and administrators to provide meaningful support, accommodations, and opportunities for employees and students with disabilities, ensuring they thrive professionally, academically and socially.

• A Welcome Environment: We’ll uncover the most effective ways to create an accommodating workplace that truly promotes accessibility, understanding and collaboration among employees of all abilities.

• Most importantly: You’ll learn the importance of empathy, awareness, and open communication in transforming attitudes towards disability, fostering an inclusive environment of powerful belonging and mutual respect.