Having people with disabilities in leadership roles is the true litmus test of acceptance and inclusion, advocates declared today.

Accessibility groups came together on the steps of City Hall to celebrate the United Nations’ International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

Sherrie-Lynn Lilley, the executive director of the advocacy charity Inspire Bermuda, reminded attendees that people with disabilities could offer valuable input in professional spaces.

Ms Lilley, who is blind, added: “I do not wish to have a seat at your table out of pity — I want to have a seat at your table if you recognise that I have something powerful to say.”

The theme of the day was “amplifying the leadership of disabled people for an inclusive and sustainable future”.

Ms Lilley said that she created and managed her charity with four other people — three of whom were also blind.

Despite her accomplishments, however, she added that some were put off by her disability.

Ms Lilley explained: “In the beginning, I thought ‘Well, Sherrie, if you show up then that’s going to be what opens the door’.

“But you know what I found? I found that when I showed up big in my disability, with my skill set, people felt even more threatened and began to close doors.

“So I had to understand that, in order for my leadership to be influential, I had to be a leader, I had to be an advocate, I had to be bold and I had to be courageous.”

She added: “To people with disabilities who are in this space today — whatever your skill set is, whatever your dream is, do not let anyone tell you that you are not influential.

“Do not let them stick you at the table to fulfil their diversity and inclusion policies, but then don’t actually listen to your voice.”

Representative of the autism charity Tomorrow’s Voices and Ageing and Disability Services also took to the stage, as well as Special Olympian Solay Thomas.

Accessibility advocates set up tents across the City Hall lawn to hand out pamphlets.

Lisa Reed, the executive officer of the Human Rights Commission, said that those with disabilities were constantly forced to navigate a world that was “not designed with us in mind”.

Ms Reed, who is wheelchair-bound, said that the HRC received more complaints on ableism since 2018 than any other form of discrimination.

She added: “I have used a wheelchair for most of my life and, while I don’t always think of my disability, society reminds me on a daily basis when I am unable to fully access a restaurant, or a public sporting event like Cup Match, or a home that is not fully wheelchair accessible.

“Living with a disability often means physical, societal and attitudinal barriers that seek to define or limit our potential and quality of life.”

She reminded attendees that disabilities could strike anyone in any form, at any time.

Ms Reed said that she had “pride in my disability and the uniqueness of my perspectives”.

She explained that her experiences contributed to her larger sense of purpose.

Ms Reed added: “Disability inclusion reflects a commitment to understanding the relationship between the way people function, how they participate in society and ensuring everybody has the same opportunities to participate in every aspect of life to the best of their abilities and desires.”