LATEST POSTS
Turning Creativity into Opportunity — Kimo Kamakaalohaamailkalani
“One of Kimo’s favorite parts of being a business owner is seeing his artwork displayed in different places. His experience shows how the right supports can help someone pursue an employment goal.”
One Step at a Time: “My Path to Employment” — Ashleigh Rowe
“Working has taught me a lot about myself. I have hard days just like everyone else. I know I need to give myself enough time to get ready each morning so I can have a successful day. I also know that people feel comfortable talking with me. I enjoy listening, helping others, and making people feel heard and seen.”
Proud. Resilient. Unapologetically Me. — Emily Grunder
“Disability Pride isn’t about doing it all alone. It’s about knowing when to ask for help — from your doctors, your support team, your community. If I could tell anyone one thing, it’s this: don’t be afraid to ask for help. That’s not weakness. That’s pride.”
My Journey in Advocacy and Emergency Preparedness. — Eric Aguilar
“I am a passionate leader committed to ensuring that emergency management and first responders integrate accessibility into every stage of crisis planning.”
Disability Pride Month Reflections: “We Will Not Go Back!” — Sascha Bittner
“My mother had never known a person with cerebral palsy before me, and she initially bought into the “medical model” of disability, so she thought she somehow had to “fix” me. As we became more exposed to the disability rights movement, she began to see disability as a social condition and civil rights issue, which meant the solution wasn’t fixing me, but fixing the world by changing attitudes, changing laws, and creating more accessible, accommodating, and inclusive communities.”
Proud to Be Me: Why I’m Proud to Be a Woman with a Disability. — Azucena Garcia Ferro
“My life is not less. It is not a lesson in how to be thankful you escaped. It is rich, and difficult, and joyful, and ordinary, and extraordinary, in exactly the proportions every human life is.”
No Barriers. No Limits. No Stopping Rigo. — Rigo Gaona
“I am very committed to advocacy for people with disabilities. I meet with legislators and attend rallies for things I believe in. I want everyone to understand that people with disabilities are capable and smart and that we belong in every place.”
No Limits: My Journey of Love, Independence, and Advocacy. — Julie Gaona
“Being disabled is a part of who I am and I’m proud of every part of me! I will always fight for people with disabilities and encourage them to be proud of who they are.”
I Said, “I Want to Work!”—That Changed Everything
“What I want people to know is this: disability or no disability, tell people what you want. I told everyone, “I want to work!” Everything happened quickly. With the support of a job developer and a job coach, I connected with a local employer. I now work five days a week.”
Medicaid Matters: Supporting Alan’s Safe and Dignified Life
“Medicaid is what our son relies on for a safe and dignified life. He can be a bright light for all the people around him if we, the society, make good choices to sustain the essential supports and services for my son and other “different” and “able” individuals.”