Latest news with #Inclusion
Skift
43 minutes ago
- Business
- Skift
Diversity, Inclusion, and the Outdoors: How Greater Fort Lauderdale Welcomes Everyone Under the Sun
The newly expanded Broward County Convention Center in Fort Lauderdale combines waterfront beauty, cultural diversity, and inclusive design to create an ideal setting for large, accessible events. With state-of-the-art features, on-site accommodations, and a welcoming spirit, it's a destination where creativity, well-being, and belonging thrive. Greater Fort Lauderdale's enviable weather and miles of golden beaches make it an easy choice for event planners who appreciate nature's positive impact on well-being and productivity. But beyond that postcard-perfect surface, you'll find that the region's true beauty lies in its warm hospitality and cultural diversity. And when you pair those ideal elements with the recent expansion of the waterfront Broward County Convention Center (BCCC), you've got the perfect recipe for a meaningful mega event. 'We are a sophisticated, diverse, dynamic destination that offers great airlift, world-class meeting and convention facilities, upscale hotels, and endless opportunities for activities and excitement beyond the meeting room,' said Mike Pouey, the Vice President of Sales and Business Development for Visit Lauderdale. How BCCC Prioritizes Accessibility and Inclusion Diversity and inclusion are not a passing trend in the Greater Fort Lauderdale area — they're an integral part of the destination's DNA. There's a strong history of Seminole and Caribbean heritage, and the region is home to people from 170 countries. More than 145 languages are spoken here, and you'll find Greater Fort Lauderdale's rich cultural diversity reflected in the local restaurants and cultural events. In addition, LGBTQ+ residents and visitors feel at home in Greater Fort Lauderdale. 'It's known as Florida's LGBTQ+ capital for its welcoming vibe and abundance of gay-owned bars, restaurants, and other businesses, as well as its annual Pride Festival and LGBTQ+ events,' Pouey said. Fort Lauderdale is also committed to the inclusion of travelers with disabilities. 'Accessibility initiatives implemented across the region ensure that the destination welcomes travelers with both visible and hidden disabilities,' Pouey said. 'Broward County Convention Center is accessible-friendly, the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport is part of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program that supports travelers with disabilities, and even the beaches have features for travelers of all abilities to be able to enjoy the beach and the water.' Interested in planning an event at the Broward County Convention Center but unsure how you can welcome 'everyone under the sun?' According to Pouey, the BCCC team provides a variety of resources and services for planners to create an inclusive and accessible event. 'By supporting the 'everyone under the sun' motto, BCCC offers an environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and able to participate fully.' Networking feels effortless when the ocean is your backdrop.. Photo credit: visit lauderdale. The New Broward County Convention Center: Features & Highlights Here are some key ways they achieve this: Accessibility features: The convention center is equipped with wheelchair ramps, accessible restrooms and seating areas, and other features that ensure all attendees can navigate the venue comfortably. BCCC was the first convention center in North America to participate in the Sunflower program, and an on-site Sunflower room offers a quiet place for attendees with disabilities to relax between meetings. Customizable spaces: With flexible indoor and outdoor event spaces, planners can tailor layouts to meet the specific needs of their audience, ensuring that everyone can participate fully. Staff training: The convention center staff is trained in accessibility best practices, enabling them to assist event planners in implementing inclusive strategies. Collaboration: The center actively works with event planners to understand their specific accessibility needs and provide guidance on creating an inclusive environment. Connected & Convenient: Location Advantages for Planners Located just five minutes from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, event attendees can reach the Broward County Convention Center moments after their flight touches down. And the location isn't just convenient for arrival and departure — it's also within walking distance of several hotels and a quick drive to ports (including Port Everglades, which is adjacent to the convention center), restaurants, and an abundance of outdoor activities along Greater Fort Lauderdale's 24 miles of beaches. 'There are numerous golf courses in the area, as well as watersports, such as deep-sea fishing and scuba diving,' Pouey said. 'And you can find plenty of shopping and dining options on Las Olas Boulevard, in the heart of Fort Lauderdale.' Some popular spots, like the legendary Elbo Room, a beach bar on the corner of Las Olas and A1A, have served cold drinks, warm hospitality, and live music for over 80 years. Mix business and mingling with rooftop views that inspire connection.. photo credit: visit lauderdale. Waterfront Wellness: The Value of Blue Space in Meetings Beyond the logistical ease of BCCC's location and the appeal of the entertainment options in the Greater Fort Lauderdale area, this extraordinary setting also offers natural mind and body benefits to foster engaging meetings. Studies have found that being near 'blue spaces' (bodies of water such as lakes, rivers, or oceans) promotes physical activity and has a restorative effect on the mind. BCCC offers a six-acre outdoor plaza on-site, and less than one mile away, conference goers can also access several beaches certified as 'Blue Wave' for their safety, cleanliness, and environmental standards. So, whether you host open-air meetings at BCCC or plan an off-site team building or relaxation activity at the beach, this waterfront location is ideal for event planners and attendees who value the balance of work and wellness and are interested in an environment that inspires creativity. Newly Expanded Facilities for Mega Events The recent expansion is taking the Broward County Convention Center from 600,000 square feet to 1.2 million square feet. 'We're doubling in size,' said Richard Fredette, BCCC's Director of Facilities. 'We'll have a six-acre plaza in front of the building with an acoustical amphitheater and a couple of areas where we can add enclosed tents. And we'll have the 801-room Omni hotel at our door, connected to the existing building. It's a game changer for Fort Lauderdale.' The updated developments are indeed catapulting BCCC into an entirely new category. 'Our newly expanded convention center and the Omni hotel are ideal for large conventions that need to occupy several overflow hotels,' Pouey said. 'Our expanded expo hall puts us in the 'mega convention center' category, allowing us to accommodate more attendees and huge trade shows.' According to Pouey, the expansion, coupled with the availability of the area's high-end hotels, 300 sports venues, numerous parks and recreation facilities, beaches, pleasant weather, and entertainment, also makes BCCC a perfect fit for incentive trips, large medical and healthcare conventions, and sporting events. But growing in size doesn't mean sacrificing the welcoming vibes Fort Lauderdale and BCCC are known for. In fact, the expanded space is creating even more opportunities to share that hospitality with more people through highly customized large events, indoor and outdoor meetings, and memorable dining experiences. Inspiring Events Start Here: Tailored Experiences at BCCC From the initial site visit through the closing event, Fredette said the BCCC team presents meeting planners with tailored options and advice down to the smallest details, such as mocktails that are inclusive to attendees who don't drink alcohol and tropical touches that take meals beyond typical trade show eats to exceptional fare that reflects the flavors of Fort Lauderdale and the event. Now, there's more room to enjoy it all at BCCC. 'The new tropical outdoor waterfront event area can host welcome receptions and other meals, entertainment functions, and activations,' Pouey said. 'The convention center will also have one of the largest waterfront ballrooms (65,000 square feet) in the state and numerous branding opportunities for planners, including over 85 digital monitors.' photo caption: The Broward County Convention Center boasts a 6-acre outdoor plaza and multipurpose venue. photo credit: visit lauderdale In addition to acoustical architecture, LED color-changing lighting, and other state-of-the-art technology, Fredette said the ballroom has another extra special feature. 'On the east side of the Atlantic Ballroom is a floor-to-ceiling glass wall that overlooks the Intracoastal Waterway, where you can see boats and cruise ships going in and out.' This is yet another way BCCC connects meetings — even those held indoors — to the stunning setting outside. This is an ideal home base for meetings and events that prioritize inclusivity, diversity, accessibility, well-being, and creativity. Now, with the expanded facilities and the on-site Omni hotel, Fort Lauderdale and the Broward County Convention Center are ready to welcome 'everyone under the sun.' This content was created collaboratively by Visit Lauderdale and Skift's branded content studio, SkiftX.
BBC News
18 hours ago
- Politics
- BBC News
Reform-led Durham County Council scraps diversity training
Diversity training for councillors at a Reform-led council has been equality, diversity, inclusion and climate change modules were removed from the Member Induction and Development Programme on 13 June following a request from the leader of the council, Durham County Council Andrew Husband told a full council meeting earlier this month that there was "no requirement in law for councillors to complete equality, diversity and inclusion training".Former Labour councillor Rochelle Lainé said the move risked "undoing years of progress". Reform gained political control of Durham County Council after winning 63 seats out of the 98 elected in the recent local comes after the party's national leader Nigel Farage said members would boycott the training because "all people should be treated equally".Ms Lainé, a teacher and former county councillor, had submitted a question for the meeting on 16 July asking how a refusal to attend training would impact councillors' ability to make "legally informed and compliant decisions".Husband told the full council meeting that EDI training for councillors had been local authority then later added that, in making the request, the leader asked the council's monitoring officer what other arrangements could be put in place to assist councillors in discharging the public sector equality duty. Ms Lainé said she believed that Reform was "reintroducing casual racism, sexism, and discrimination by outright refusing to participate in training that promotes fairness".She added that the party was "pushing a rhetoric that is dangerous and divisive".Deputy leader and Reform councillor Darren Grimes said the claims were Grimes said: "I removed the module on unconscious bias because it's uniquely racist, peddling the idea that people are inherently prejudiced based on race."Our Reform caucus, many of us descendants of miners, have no time for this divisive notion of privilege based around immutable characteristics such as skin colour," he said. Follow BBC North East on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram.
The Hindu
2 days ago
- Health
- The Hindu
Over 10,000 people with disabilities newly identified in Coimbatore
Over 10,000 people with disabilities have been identified in Coimbatore district through a door-to-door survey being conducted as part of the Tamil Nadu RIGHTS (Rehabilitation, Inclusion, Governance, Holistic Empowerment, and Transformation for Social Change) Project. The initiative, which began in June this year, is being implemented by the District Differently Abled Welfare Office in coordination with the project team. A total of 193 community rehabilitation workers and facilitators have been deployed to collect data from households across the district. The survey, based on a 77-point questionnaire, gathers information on the type and degree of disability, educational and employment background, and access to government support. According to P. Sundareswaran, Project Officer for the T.N. RIGHTS Project in Coimbatore, 10,268 individuals have been newly identified so far. While official records list around 24,568 persons with disabilities in the district, the actual number is expected to be higher. 'Our challenge is identifying individuals who have not disclosed their disabilities due to stigma or lack of awareness,' Mr. Sundareswaran said. 'Some have acquired disabilities due to accidents but have not come forward to seek support. We are addressing this through focused awareness efforts.' The data will be used to update the Social Registry Enrolment, link eligible individuals to government schemes, and support future policy planning. According to officials, around 33% of the survey has been completed so far. Once the exercise concludes—expected by the end of September 2025—medical camps will be organised to assess individuals and issue disability certificates.
Zawya
6 days ago
- Politics
- Zawya
‘We Are Inclusion' to convene specialists and officials in Sharjah to enhance the lives of people with intellectual disabilities
Sharjah, The emirate of Sharjah continues its preparation to host Inclusion International's 18th World Congress 'We are Inclusion,' which will be held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah from September 15 - 17 September. Taking place for the first time in the Middle East and North Africa region, the congress is organised by Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services (SCHS) in strategic partnership with Inclusion International. The official three-day programme will feature 83 insightful and proactive sessions, in addition to key events held prior to the official opening. These include the Self-Advocacy Summit on September 14, bringing together 280 advocates from around the world, and the Families Summit, which gathers 140 families of people with disabilities on the same day, with the presence of dignitaries and senior officials. The congress is the premier event of 'Inclusion International', held every four years since its inception in 1963, with previous editions hosted in the UK, Mexico, Australia, and Kenya. Hosting the event in Sharjah this year reflects the international community's confidence and the emirate's pioneering role in supporting and empowering people with intellectual disabilities. 'We Are Inclusion' motivates collective action This year's congress will bring together a diverse range of participants from the five major continents, including representatives of self-advocacy organisations, family organisations, healthcare and education providers, social institutions, inclusive businesses, development organisations, along with government leaders, and policy experts from around the world. The theme also dedicates central space to self-advocates; individuals with intellectual disabilities speaking for their rights; who will lead sessions and share experiences directly with decision-makers. The congress focuses on a number of key pillars, strengthening self-advocacy, training advocates, raising family awareness, amplifying voices to policymakers, supporting people during crises, enhancing mental health, planning for the future after parental loss, and implementing international conventions. Sue Swenson, President of Inclusion International said: "This World Congress marks an important milestone in our movement. For the first time, we gather in the MENA region to work with our member Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services to bring our global network together.' 'Our partnership shows what's possible when regional leadership and global advocacy come together with a shared purpose. At the heart of it are self-advocates, families, and organisations leading real change. This is what inclusion looks like in practice. We are Inclusion," she emphasised. Through these pillars, the World Congress in Sharjah builds upon the emirate's reputation as a global hub for humanitarian and rights-based impact, and as a gateway to a new era of international cooperation for the empowerment of people with intellectual disabilities. 200 member organisations from 115 countries 'Inclusion International' comprises over 200 member organisations from 115 countries, spanning five key regions: the Middle East and North Africa (8 countries and 11 organisations); Europe (16 countries and 20 organisations); Africa (14 countries and 19 organisations); the Americas (16 countries and 34 organisations); and Asia and the Pacific (10 countries and 23 organisations). The organisation also serves as the official representative of people with intellectual disabilities and their families at the United Nations and other global forums. In addition to being a platform for sharing experiences and policies, the congress aims to highlight the achievements of Inclusion International's network over the past decades, such as the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) in 2006, and the endorsement of the Sustainable Development Goals in 2015. Other notable achievements include the contribution of members to successfully amending national laws in favour of people with disabilities, which positions the congress as a new milestone in advancing the global vision of inclusive and equitable societies. SCHS invites all stakeholders, governmental and private entities, civil society organisations, academic centres, parents, and experts to participate in this global event, engage with its themes and recommendations, and contribute to building inclusive and just environments founded on the principles of justice, equality, and human rights.
Washington Post
20-07-2025
- Sport
- Washington Post
Rainbow armbands are dividing opinion at Euro 2025
Some captains are wearing them, some are not. Rainbow armbands at the Women's European Championship are proving more divisive than perhaps intended for a symbol promoting tolerance and inclusion. UEFA is giving team captains the option of wearing armbands with the bright colors of the rainbow flag or plain monocolored versions with the word 'respect' when they play.
