Debra Ruh: The Digital Activist Who Won't Rest Until Technology Works for Everyone

Through the blue light of my computer screen, Debra Ruh’s eyes light up with warmth as she recalls early memories of her daughter. It's a shimmering example of how perspectives can change lives. "My inspiration has always been my daughter," she says, pausing as she revisits the past. "When my daughter, who is now 36, was born with Down syndrome, it took doctors four months to diagnose her." The beginning of this journey was anything but easy. "I got to know this baby for four months before the doctors told me she was ‘broken’. But when they told me, I thought, 'I don’t buy it. I know the soul. She's amazing.'"

It’s not just about finding inspiration, but also recognizing the beauty in every individual's journey, including our own. That’s a sentiment Debra knows well. Not only did her daughter serve as her initial catalyst, but also her late husband. "When I married my husband, we had children and a beautiful life together," she shares, her voice breaking with emotion. "What I didn’t know was that as a young child, he was hit by a car, sustaining a major traumatic brain injury. Dementia took him from us earlier than expected. His brain had been both a marvel and a mystery."

Debra’s personal experiences, woven intricately with the narratives of her loved ones, have created a tapestry that showcases a life lived with purpose. And it is her singular professional journey that has turned her personal passion into a life’s mission that has changed lives. As the Founder and CEO of Ruh Global IMPACT, a consulting firm specialising in impact investing and disability inclusion, Debra has seamlessly combined her personal experiences with a corporate mission. Not just that, as a Chairwoman, host, co-founder, and even a published author, her resume tells the story of a life dedicated to making the world more accessible and inclusive.

And while her ventures like AXSChat, a thriving online community for accessibility and inclusion, and her talk show, 'Human Potential at Work,' might seem like just professional endeavors, they resonate with the heartbeats of countless individuals who find a voice through her platforms.

"Let's come together and fix things for us that are broken. So all of society benefits."

At one point, Debra laughingly admits, "I've always had a hard time explaining what Ruh Global IMPACT does." This light-hearted confession opens a discussion about the ways in which AI is changing our lives. By consulting artificial intelligence, Debra found a mirror off which to bounce her thoughts—and in conversation with AI, she finally found the perfect description of her brainchild.

So, what is the essence of Ruh Global IMPACT? In Debra's words (facilitated by AI), it's a think tank that convenes the vast community of those with disabilities, which numbers between 1.3 to 1.7 billion people worldwide. The actual figures, Debra believes, could be even higher. Yet, a staggering 75 to 80% of these individuals have invisible or hidden disabilities. The diversity and sheer vastness of this community make it challenging for many to identify or even acknowledge their place within it.

So Ruh Global IMPACT is about connection. They rally stakeholders from various sectors: corporate brands (both small and large), United Nations agencies, government bodies, and organizations that cater to people with disabilities. Their mission? To collectively pinpoint the most pressing issues and collaboratively find solutions. "We bring the stakeholders together to say, 'Okay. What are our biggest problems that we could solve together?'" says Debra.

In sitting with Debra, I was drawn into the depth of her conviction for a community that has been perpetually sidelined. There are more than a billion humans on this planet with disabilities, and yet… our societies barely acknowledge such a huge proportion of people.

And it's jarring to recognize that people with disabilities, despite being behind numerous innovations—from Albert Einstein to Temple Grandin to Thomas Edison—remain overshadowed. Debra's frustration at this oversight resonated with me, making me reflect on how we not only take health/non-disability for granted, but also how quick we are to forget those whose experiences are different to ours.

Her passion for intersectionality, too, struck a chord. In a world where talking about inclusivity and intersectionality can often elicit negative responses, Debra’s candid and unapologetic passion felt vital. Discussing social disparities opens doors for others, not just in that it raises awareness, but also in that it helps those who would otherwise remain silent feel they, too, can speak up. Debra unpicked the layered challenges faced by women, especially those traversing the intersections of disability, and perhaps additional identities like belonging to the LGBT community or being a woman of color.

If our world's narrative is a grand orchestra, Debra wants to remind us that every instrument, no matter how subtle, is essential for the full harmony. And her insistence on inclusivity, on seeing those who might be made invisible, strikes me as a call to action in these pivotal times.

The sheer magnitude of the numbers has stayed with me: over a billion people with disabilities. It was this number that led to the name of her nonprofit birthed in 2021: Billion Strong. More than just an initiative, it's a rallying cry for unity, an embrace of diversity and a beacon for recognition. The dual objectives—identity and discoverability—are not just goals but imperatives. "We want employers to find us, funders to find us, governments to support us," Debra says.

Yet Billion Strong isn’t just about identity. It is a vision and a strategic framework. By harnessing the collective strength of this vast community, people with disabilities can not only support one another but also redefine societal perceptions. It's not about creating an isolated niche but fostering a collective front where empowerment and support are inherent.

It is hard to put into words the kind of empathic power Debra harnesses as a leader. She carries an air of wisdom, compassion, and empowerment—the kind that comes from years of working for a cause, of overcoming personal challenges, and of constantly pushing the boundaries to benefit others.

Her philosophy towards disability inclusion reminded me of the classic wisdom of Audre Lorde, who said, “I am not free while any woman is unfree, even when her shackles are very different from my own. And I am not free as long as one person of Color remains chained.” Apply that wisdom to disability, and you have Debra Ruh’s “why.”

"I've been left out. For silly reasons, because I’m a woman, and even because I’m an American," she confesses. Her eyes grow somber when she speaks of her daughter's experiences, a vivid testament to the universality of this issue.

And emphasizing the commonality of this experience, Debra also focuses on our shared vulnerabilities. “We all have abilities, and we all have disabilities. Sometimes, it’s worse than others. Debra points out that even a lack of sleep or a stressful day can affect our capacities. The question then arises, why aren't we allowed to be human? “

"We need to humanize our conversations.”

As we live in an increasingly digital age, the importance of making digital media more inclusive is undeniable. Debra's perspective is powerfully simple: all digital platforms should be fully accessible to all humans. Whether it's buildings, washing machines, or digital marketing—inclusivity should be paramount. And as Debra puts it, if we truly wanted it, we would've already achieved it.

The alarming statistics about the aging population, across much of the West and East Asia, are another call to arms. With age, many will find themselves on the spectrum of disability. Are we prepared to leave them behind?

Drawing upon her experiences with AXSchat, a digital platform promoting accessibility, Debra speaks of the potential and challenges of digital advocacy. While technology has evolved and platforms like Twitter have changed over the years, the core mission remains—making technology accessible for all.

In a world increasingly influenced by AI and digital perceptions, Debra stresses the importance of being genuine. "Your vibe brings your tribe," she quotes, emphasizing that in this era of digital noise, genuine voices are the signal. As she emphasizes the importance of authenticity, I can’t help but feel that she herself is a lesson in it—not only is she unapologetic in her mission and values, but she palpably holds space for others. Her desire to empower others is clear in the minutest of interactions.

Whether it's her personal journey, her advocacy for inclusion, or her stance on authenticity, Debra's perspectives are a mirror to the aspirations of countless souls striving for a world where no one is left out. In her words and actions, Debra Ruh embodies the hope for a future where every individual, irrespective of their abilities or disabilities, finds their rightful place.

Debra’s story champions the inclusion of people with disabilities. But it does so by recognizing the potential in everyone—and the value they bring to our shared human experience.

"The reality is this: we really are more alike than we realize."

While many tread a manufactured line between self-interest and collective growth, Debra reminds us that our self-interest should be collective growth. Success isn't solely about profit, but about the lives touched and transformed along the way. It's a refreshing perspective in a world that often seems driven by the bottom line. Her approach serves as a compelling reminder that true success, perhaps, isn't gauged by numbers or accolades but by the positive ripples one creates in the world. If Debra's ethos were more widely adopted, one can't help but ponder: would business, as we know it, transform into something more profound, nurturing not just enterprises but souls?

And as the light of the screen dims, and the call ends, that question lingers, reminding us that in a world filled with myriad stories and experiences, it’s shared humanity that truly binds us all.

Images courtesy of: Debra Ruh