As someone with a disability, I understand firsthand the importance of representation and inclusivity. It is disheartening to see that the emoji keyboard lacks a symbol that represents the disabled community. Therefore, I am starting this petition to advocate for the addition of the Disability Pride Flag emoji.

Growing up with a disability, I often felt isolated and misunderstood. The lack of representation in mainstream media and everyday communication only reinforced these feelings. However, emojis have become an integral part of our digital conversations, allowing us to express ourselves in ways words sometimes cannot.

The inclusion of an emoji representing disability would not only provide visibility but also foster understanding and acceptance among people without disabilities. It would serve as a powerful tool for individuals with disabilities to express their identity proudly and confidently.

According to recent statistics from reputable sources such as WHO, approximately 16% of the global population lives with some form of disability. This significant number highlights how crucial it is for us all to recognize and celebrate diversity in our digital interactions.

The Disability Pride Flag was created by Ann Magill in 2019. Its design features vibrant colors symbolizing unity, strength, and diversity within the disabled community. By adding this flag emoji to our keyboards, we can promote awareness about disabilities while fostering empathy among users worldwide.

Including this symbol on the emoji keyboard aligns perfectly with Unicode Consortium's mission statement: "To ensure universal access to information." By embracing diversity through emojis, we can create a more inclusive online environment where everyone feels seen and valued.

Let us come together as a global community by signing this petition! Together we can make a difference by urging Unicode Consortium and major tech companies like Apple, Google, Microsoft, etc., who have control over emoji implementation across platforms, to prioritize inclusivity by adding the Disability Pride Flag emoji onto our keyboards!

By signing this petition, we are not only advocating for the rights and visibility of people with disabilities but also taking a significant step towards fostering a more inclusive digital world. Let's ensure that everyone, regardless of ability, can express themselves fully and proudly through emojis!

Thank you for your support in making this change happen. Together, let's celebrate diversity and promote inclusivity by adding the Disability Pride Flag emoji to our keyboards!

Love and strength, Alice Ella @itsaliceella