Jul 36 min read

Celebrating Disability Awareness Month and Independence With One of Our Co-Owners

Updated: Jul 5

Welcome Honey Enthusiasts!

July is an awesome month for celebrations. Independence Day fireworks will be lighting up the sky and it’s also Disability Awareness Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the disability community. In this blog post, we’re taking a quick peek into what Disability Awareness Month is all about, sharing the inspiring story of one of our apiary owners who has a disability, and giving some tips on running a small business with a disability. Plus, we’ll connect the themes of independence and freedom from the Fourth of July with Disability Awareness Month, all with a nod to our hardworking bees, of course. So grab your iced tea with honey, get comfy on the porch, and read on.

What is Disability Awareness Month?

Disability Awareness Month is celebrated every July to promote visibility and mainstream awareness of the positive pride felt by people with disabilities. It is a time to honor the history, achievements, experiences, and struggles of the disability community. The first Disability Awareness Day was held in Boston in 1990, the same year the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law, marking a significant milestone in the fight for disability rights.

Highlighting Our Apiary Co-Owner’s Story

Stacie, co-owner of Fingerlakes Honey Company, has been living with severe chronic illness for over five years. Her struggle with Dysautonomia, MCAS, possible Ehlers Danlos, CFS, Secondary Erythrocytosis, and a few autoimmune diseases thrown in has caused her to be homebound, "bed"bound throughout the day, and pretty isolated. Despite the challenges posed by her conditions, Stacie continues to try to work around these limitations and also uses adaptive equipment to help contribute to this small business (as well as just daily living). Being a former Special Education Teacher, she has used some of the training and skills learned to help her on this new journey.

Daily Routine and Adaptations

Stacie's daily routine is spontaneously planned to manage her energy levels and health. She uses various adaptive tools, such as ergonomic equipment, mobility aids, and assistive devices to help with her tasks if needed. On good days, she spends time organizing inventory, managing online orders, working on the website and blog, and social media marketing. Thankfully, some of her work can be done laying down. Fortunately, she doesn't have to do any of the heavy lifting or anything with smells (many smells trigger anaphylactic reactions).

Challenges and Solutions

One of the significant challenges Stacie faces is managing her symptoms, which can be unpredictable. To cope with this, she has developed a flexible work schedule and relies on technology to stay connected with the business operations. Her family also plays a crucial role, stepping in to handle tasks that are too demanding on her difficult days.

Achievements and Milestones

Despite her health issues, Stacie has achieved several milestones with Fingerlakes Honey Company. She successfully launched their website with an online store, increased their product range, and even managed to provide over 1000 wedding and shower favors for many special events over the last year alone. Each achievement is a testament to her hard work and resilience, and that of her partner and husband, Tom.

Personal Reflections

Stacie reflects, "Having this small part in the business gives me a sense of accomplishment and purpose. It’s not just about the monetary contributions; it's about feeling productive and engaged despite my health challenges. My faith and my family are my anchors, and they give me the strength to keep going. I have seen first-hand some of the discrimination and loneliness that people with disabilities experience. Together, we can create a more inclusive and supportive environment for everyone."

Her determination and love for doing things she enjoys gives her motivation, on the days she is able, to push her to do whatever she can to help blossom Fingerlakes Honey Company into a successful small business. With her strong faith in Jesus, and the help of her supportive family, Stacie’s story is a testament to the strength and capability of individuals with disabilities-- seen and unseen. And speaking of unseen, due to her health issues, you probably won't see Stacie in person if you pick up your honey order or if we have a table set up at an event. She wishes she could do those things. Please give her family grace as they navigate these new paths themselves.

*"Stepping outside the Blog" note from Stacie- Wow! Writing a paragraph about yourself in the third person, relaying facts without sounding prideful (or pitiful), is not easy. Hopefully I don't come off that way. I didn't go into a lot of depth with my struggles mainly because I don't want to bore everyone. Writing has never been my strong point. Being a perfectionist and doing this blog takes a great deal of spoons (IYKYK- I'm on the verge of a migraine as I type this). Plus I try not to focus on the negatives (I do have my moments though, believe me). Thank you, faithful readers.

Running a Small Business with a Disability

Running a small business comes with its unique set of challenges, and having a disability can add additional layers of complexity. However, with the right strategies and support systems, success is entirely attainable. Here are some tips for managing a small business while living with a disability:

1. Leverage Technology and Adaptive Tools: Utilize technology that can help streamline operations. For instance, project management software, accounting tools, and adaptive devices can make tasks more manageable. Think outside the box.

2. Create an Accessible Work Environment: Ensure that your workspace is set up to accommodate your needs. This might include ergonomic furniture, accessible pathways, and tools that reduce physical strain.

3. Time Management and Delegation: Prioritize tasks and delegate responsibilities where possible. Understanding your limits and knowing when to ask for help is crucial.

4. Build a Support Network: Surround yourself with supportive friends, family, and colleagues. Joining disability-focused business networks can provide valuable resources and encouragement.

5. Stay Informed and Adaptable: Keep up-to-date with advancements in accessibility and adaptive technologies. Being open to change and willing to adapt can lead to better ways of managing your business. Don't be afraid to do what you need to. No matter what other people say; they are not you.

Connecting Independence Day with Disability Awareness Month

Independence Day celebrates the birth of a nation built on the principles of freedom and equality. Similarly, Disability Awareness Month honors the journey towards greater independence and equal rights for individuals with disabilities. Both observances emphasize the importance of autonomy, empowerment, and the fight for equality.

Just as a hive functions through the collective effort of each bee, our society thrives when every individual can contribute freely and independently. Bees symbolize hard work, community, and resilience—qualities that resonate deeply with the disability community. For many, achieving independence is not only about physical or economic self-sufficiency but also about having the freedom to pursue passions, make choices, and live life fully.

Conclusion

July is a time to reflect on the values of freedom and independence. As we commemorate Disability Awareness Month, let’s celebrate the resilience and accomplishments of the disability community. By sharing our stories and recognizing the achievements of individuals with disabilities, we highlight the importance of inclusivity and empowerment in our society.

Disability Awareness Month is not just a time for those with disabilities to celebrate their identity, but for everyone to acknowledge and support the contributions of that community. Just as bees work together to build a thriving hive, we can create a more inclusive world by supporting and uplifting each other.

Thank you for joining us in celebrating and a huge thank you to those who support us and our business. It really helps.

Until Next Time- Stay Sweet!

Tom and Stacie

Our Beekeepers, Tom and Stacie, are co-owners of Fingerlakes Honey Company located in the bee-utiful Fingerlakes region of New York State. When they are not tending to all things bees, they enjoy spending time with their grown children, their dog, and lots of chickens on their homestead. They love learning more about the bees they foster and helping others to learn more about them as well.