Complacency is a dangerous thing. It sneaks in when we assume progress is permanent, when we believe rights are secure, and when we ignore the steady chipping away of hard-won equity. Make no mistake, complacency is being weaponized against disenfranchised communities right now. As the landscape shifts, the need for strong voices – voices that […]
Imagine a young athlete (perhaps a little Argentinian named Messi or a young baller named Lebron) with immense potential, but limited-to-no opportunities to develop as a player. Their family is eager to help, but unsure how to navigate the complex systems of advocacy and program development. Meanwhile, a national organization wants to grow its sports […]
Inclusion in sports is not just about allowing participation – it’s about creating an environment where everyone feels respected, valued, and supported. Yet, even in spaces designed to be inclusive, systemic biases and microaggressions often undermine the very purpose of inclusion. A recent futsal game I attended revealed how these dynamics play out in real […]
In the world of disability advocacy, trust, clarity, and authentic communication are, of course, super important. But sometimes, honesty can feel like a high-wire act – one wrong move, and you’re plummeting into the land of awkward and unintentionally offensive. It’s one thing to speak your truth and it’s another to do so in a […]
Let’s talk about punishment – that tried-and-true societal tradition of using negative consequences to “teach lessons.” Detention, the schoolyard classic, is the perfect example. Take a kid with unprocessed emotions, sensory overload, or communication deficits, stick them in a room with a desk, and magically expect improved behavior. Makes sense, right? Spoiler alert: it doesn’t. […]
For many people with disabilities (or those who love and support them) the “car” we’re chasing might represent an inclusive education, an accessible workplace, equitable healthcare, or a sense of independence. When we finally catch up to these goals, we sometimes find ourselves unsure of the next step. We’re told to dream big, to aim […]
Welcome to the thrilling world of leadership, where communication can sometimes feel like trying to coach a match with a cotton ball in your mouth. With constant updates, initiatives, and “urgent” messages flying in from every direction, it’s no wonder leaders feel like they’re dodging defenders instead of focusing on their goals. If you’re a […]
If you’re not considering how your business impacts the disability community, you’re leaving money on the table. This isn’t just about doing the “right thing” – it’s a call to action for any savvy entrepreneur looking to grow. The disability community represents more than 10% of the U.S. population (and fact-checkers, take note!). Prioritizing inclusion […]
In the world of adaptive sports, education, and beyond, I’ve met individuals with incredible resilience and strength. I continually hear stories that highlight not only the challenges of living with disabilities, but also the vulnerability and raw humanity that comes with them. It’s these moments – these connections – that drive home the importance of […]
You’ve probably heard it before: when something bad happens, people say, “Let me know how I can help.” But how often do you actually take them up on that offer? It’s common not to, whether because we’re not in the right headspace, are busy caring for others, or don’t know what help they can realistically […]