Sharing Stories: Discover the Power of Community

These are just a few of the remarkable individuals—people with disabilities, educators, and advocates—whose stories leave a meaningful impact. Though their experiences are diverse, each one offers powerful insight that can uplift and empower others facing similar challenges.

Your story matters. If you’re a person with a disability, an advocate, or an educator, contact us to learn how you can share your experience and inspire others.

My Husband Is Blind

"Until I met my husband, the thought of being with someone that has a disability had never crossed my mind. My husband was born with Leber’s Congential Amaurosis which resulted in him being blind from birth. Living with a very physical disability comes with it’s challenges. The most difficult one being the misconceptions people have about him, like he is less than. Many (incorrectly) assume because he is blind, he is unable to do anything independently and that I am his caretaker.

Being with and advocating for my husband has taught me a lot about myself and society. Blindness is not something that is common in people’s lives. Due to this, they don’t know how capable and independent people with visual impairments are. I hope what people can takeaway from my husband is that a disability does not mean a person can’t have a fulfilling, rich, and “normal” life. We are just like any other young couple that loves going to the movies on the weekend, traveling the world, and trying every new restaurant that opens near us! His disability has never stopped him from accomplishing his goals and it will not stop us from living the best life we can together.

-@__lilianle on TikTok

I Have Pulmonary Disease & Fibromyalgia

I am disabled as a recently with chronic obstructive, pulmonary disease due to asthma and fibromyalgia stage three. I am a mother of three adult daughters. I am currently not working and successfully just went through a separation from my spouse of nine years. I am an advocate for myself I am doing the best I can with all that I can to further learn in my journey, as well as encourage someone else to theirs. I have an incredible team of doctors who assist me along with my team of pharmacists in charge nurses. I have a good support team.

Mom of Two

"As a mom to two autistic kids with ADHD, I am always trying to spread awareness and make the world a better place for families like mine. Acceptance is the key to unlocking the potential in every person. When my oldest was first diagnosed I felt like I was going through this journey alone, I didn’t know how to navigate the school system or what therapies he should get, let alone how to parent. When we my daughter was diagnosed I knew a little more about what I was doing this time around. I think it’s important to remember it will be okay and the rest of the world may not understand all of the time, don’t let that get you down or discourage you. Keep doing the best you can for you and your child! Your babies deserve space too. Let your kiddo stim in the grocery store, bring the tablet into the restaurant, don’t be afraid to ask for accommodations and never stop advocating for your baby. Autistic people see the world in a unique way, that’s something to learn about and embrace, always, even if everyone else doesn’t know that yet.

Autism doesn’t come with an instruction guide. It comes with a family that never gives up."

-@mamaofboth27

Paraprofessional to Special Education Teacher

"I started in education as a paraprofessional and was unexpectedly placed in a special education classroom. At first, I was overwhelmed and unsure if I could handle it, but I quickly realized how much these kids needed someone to believe in them. Seeing their growth and resilience inspired me to step up and do my best for them. I wanted to create a space where kids with disabilities felt safe and capable of achieving anything. That experience sparked a passion for special education I didn’t know I had. Now, at 24, I’m proud to be teaching and making a difference for my students every day." -@nicolebops

3rd Grade Teacher

As a minority, I didn't see people who look like me in positions of authority or leadership when I was growing up. I wanted to become a teacher to provide the representation and advocacy for students who might not see themselves in the classrooms. I believe that it's important for all students to have a role model who reflects their diverse experiences.

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My Name is Lesly

I am a graduate student and a Registered Behavior Technician. I enjoy learning new things, it allows me to look at the world around me with a unique lens every day. I chose to become to become an RBT because of the fulfillment that my job provides. I was assigned to work with a child, and it was rough at the beginning because they didn’t know me and often that would lead to behavioral issues but once in a while I would see progress and we would bond which helped my client reach goals and I would get so excited. I would tell my supervisors, co-workers, and finally the parents at the end of the day and that was my favorite part because I wanted them to know that their child was in good hands. Going home after a day like that made all the days leading up to that moment worth it. I want to work hard for all my clients. Awareness and education around Autism and mental illness are at the core of who I am. I constantly feel the need to be of service to others, so I chose a path that satisfies that need. Some challenges I have had along the way are developing a learning style that works for me and creating structure around my work and life. If I can give anyone advice, I’ll say find something you enjoy. Something that brings you a smile even though you’ve had an 8-hour day and just want to merge with your bed. Here’s to always learning.

Crohn's Disease

I want people to know that even though they may have a physical or mental condition, that they can go on to living thrilling enriched lives. That a diagnosis isn’t the end, it’s just the beginning. I didn’t know when I was eight what to expect.. at that time I thought my Crohns would limit me a lot in life. At that time I was shy and didn’t know that a lot of people go through similiar health struggles. Now I know that I am not alone. That everyone with a health condition has support and is able live a life filled with priceless memories.

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