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My Story- Accessibility with Aspen Sage Hello! My name is Aspen Sage & this is my story. In September 2021, I was inpatient for mental health after experiencing a traumatic event that led me to ask for help. On September 21st, 2021 after being inpatient for 23 days, I was forced to take a medication that I was allergic to by "medical professionals" who were supposed to be there to help me get better. My body went tingly and I lost complete movement and sensation from the neck down. About a week later, I was diagnosed with Functional Neurological Disorder. Functional Neurological Disorder is a miscommunication between the brain and the body. With FND the brain doesn't properly send or receive signals which results in my Paralysis, Seizures, Migraines, Chronic Pain, Poor Memory/ Sensory Overload, and More. In November 2021, I slowly regained movement and feeling from my neck to my waist after having Covid-19 and not being able to keep my medications down. I've been fighting for my life since this day and have at least 6 appointments a week and continue to fight to see specialists. On August 7th, 2023 after fighting to see a neurologist for 2 years, I was diagnosed with Paraplegia at a T9 level. I finally have a neurologist who is concerned about my case and is ready to find the result of the problem. I waited 2 years for a doctor to say I was paralyzed, instead of blaming everything on my mental health. These pictures/videos only show a portion of my day to day life. I continue fighting every single day. I go from traveling when I can to hospital and doctor visits. Don't take life for granted, your life can change in a snap.

A bit About me Hi, my name is Juancho. Years ago, I was in a car accident which resulted in a spinal cord injury, specifically C5-C6-C7. I would like to share my beautiful story of life traveling with my son in my wheelchair around the world. We are now training to get our certificate as PADI OPEN WATERS! This scuba certification is a huge milestone. Follow my Instagram account @aventuras.sobre.ruedas to follow all my adventures! There are many captivating reels about my adventures with my son. See you there!

Luis' Story Hello, my name is Luis Pablo Sepulveda, I am from Chile and this is my story. Due to Cancer (synovial sarcoma) in my right knee in March 2019 my right leg was amputated above the knee. At the end of April, I began to walk with my first prosthetic and in August of the same year, I started running with a running prosthetic. I later bought running prosthetics on eBay, and I soon joined a team of parathletes in Chile. A company called CliefMedical saw my athletic and motivational potential and sponsored me for a pair of athletic prosthetics which are made for running, cycling, and climbing. In November of that same year, I ran my first 100-meter race and got third place! This was my crowning achievement, for it catapulted me into the T63 category in racing and the long jump. Now, I am dedicated to running marathons and I hope to run a duathlon in the future. I also participate in other sports such as cycling, skiing, paddling, bouldering, soccer, and skating! That sums up my athletic life, but I do so much more. I work as the supervisor of operations in a mineral mine. I work for 7 days and then have another 7 days off, which lets me grow professionally and athletically. This also gives me time to spend with my family, specifically my wife Paula and my daughters Francisca and Josefa. Life does not give you obstacles without opportunities. You must try your hardest and achieve all you can because life's too short to waste it.

About Nick Nick lost his right leg in a shotgun accident at 4 years old. However, this never held him back because he found a love of sports. Nick played a variety of sports growing up and played college club baseball at Indiana University. After being the first in his family to graduate from college in 2013, Nick searched for other ways to continue to compete at a high level. Nick then found adaptive sports, and was immediately hooked. He immersed himself in the culture and community. Nick continued his education at Arizona State University focusing on the sociology of adaptive sports and athletes where he earned his Master's degree. Nick is now a Program Manager of Athletics at Ability360 in Phoenix where he facilitates, coaches, and organizes adaptive sports and recreational programming. Nick also is a Faculty Associate at ASU where he teaches Inclusive Community Sport. He coaches and plays for the Phoenix Wheelchair Suns, Wheelchair Cardinals, and Wheelchair Diamondbacks, is a member of AMP1 Basketball, and Team USA Wheelchair Softball. He also coaches at camps for NubAbility Athletics, a non-profit organization that works with limb different children. Nick resides in Phoenix with his wife, Stephanie, their son Oakland, and daughter Evelynn. Nick's message is about striving through life's adversities and never giving up.

My name is Ant Bryan and this is my story On April 3rd 1996, I was diagnosed with a benign Astrocytoma brain tumor and had to undergo a craniotomy operation to remove it. I was six years old at the time. Post survey it became evident that I had suffered a stroke during surgery which resulted in a left sided hemi-plegia and left sided field defect. At the hospital doctors noticed my face had dropped on one side and I couldn't clench my fist or walk on my left leg. This meant that I lost the use of my left side and I had to learn to carry out everyday tasks with just one hand. My visual field was also affected and we realized I could not see objects on my left side either. My vision is very much like a horse in a race that has blinkers over their face, so my vision requires me to move my head in order to see (tunnel vision). I went from being a happy, energetic sporty child to the total opposite. I remember feeling confused and upset as I struggled to make sense as to what was happening to my body. After months of intensive physiotherapy, I eventually returned to school, but everything felt alien to me. I was unable to run around or keep up with my friends. Teachers were also fussing over me, insisting that I needed help and support which I personally hated. At lunch time I was not allowed to go out and play for fear of banging my head. I would sit at the window staring out watching all my friends playing football and wishing I could be out there too! Part of me wished that I hadn't survived the operation; everything became too hard to bear. But with support from school, family and friends, I gained in strength and slowly my confidence started to return. One of my strengths is my resilience in life- for me, quitting is not an option; I never give up on believing. When I turned 18, I developed an interest in running and competed in 100m & 200m in competitions around the country. I was then invited to compete at the London Olympic stadium for the Paralympic trials but unfortunately finished just outside of qualification for 2012. My running coach encouraged me to consider longer distances such as 800m& 1500m, which at the time felt like a million miles to me, but I gave it a go. At the beginning, It was extremely hard on the body, but I persevered and eventually my times increased. In 2015 my biggest achievement was being selected to represent England at the Cerebral Palsy World Games. I won 2 gold medals. I was pretty nervous before the race but I had to just give it everything I had! I had put in the hard training and just had to believe in myself. I ended up running 2 huge PBs in those races knocking off 4 seconds on my 800m time finishing with 2 mins 40 & in the 1500m knocking off 8 seconds! Finishing with 5 mins 50. The feeling after those races and smashing my PBs is probably one of the best feelings I have ever felt! You are on such a high! This was by far beyond what I thought I could ever achieve. After the World Games I had this new sense of belief in myself and thought: can I push myself further!? Can I get that buzzing feeling again? I looked up running races around London and came across 5k & 10k runs. I had never run this far before but I thought I would give it a go and see what I could do. It was extremely difficult! My weaker side really started to struggle as I got half way through the 10k but with perseverance I managed to keep going and finished with a time of 55 minutes. I then thought to myself if I can run this far with no training! How much further & faster can I go!? So I decided to do extra training sessions and put the work in. I have now managed to improve my PBs in both the 5k & 10k to 22:55 in the 5k and 48:18 in the 10k. Even though I am normally the only runner with a physical disability I am always made to feel very welcome even from other runners cheering me on as we run along during the race. I hope to be a role model to others to motivate & inspire others to do and achieve more too! Because IF I CAN DO IT SO CAN YOU! I now document my training in the gym and on the track via instagram, Facebook & more recently YouTube. I hope it will inspire people to give running a go! My message is that no matter what your disability may be, reach out and find your true potential. If you want to follow my journey then please feel free to check out and follow me on: YouTube: Ant Bryan Fitness Instagram: @antbryanfitness Facebook: Anthony Bryan Tiktok: antbryanfitness_

Participant Assistive Products On a hot Tuesday in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, Keoke visited a young girl who used a postural support wheelchair. Previously, he had observed her at school where the chair functioned pretty well. The other kids were comfortable with her and helped push her around in the classroom and on the playground. The school was a short walk from her home. Needless to say, school is immeasurably valuable for socialization and intellectual development. Everyone was pleased. Unfortunately, the young girl was at home, not at school. She had dropped out for several reasons: teasing related to her need to wear diapers (which she didn’t have), and the difficulty of transport. The school was several kilometers away, but because the chair did not fold, even this short car trip was impossible. The news was crushing. The story shows some challenges. Folding chairs are more expensive but, in her case, the lower cost, which allows more children to be served with limited budgets, did not achieve important goals. The product development process had included ‘design with’ and ‘co-creation’ principles, but the initial user satisfaction did not last when the situation changed. Keoke was a designer on that chair and he saw a need for a new product development project that tackled several unsolved problems. The updated requirements were: 1) postural support including advanced features like dynamic tilt, 2) ease of use including transportability and flexible use in a variety of environments, ages, and abilities (rear wheel with push rim or small rear wheel), 3) low cost: an low initial cost, low labor cost with faster provision time, and expandability so the same chair could expand as a child grows, 4) overall weight, finish, and function meets expectations of users in the USA, allowing cross-subsidy and tiered pricing, and 5) a development process that included co-creation but also pulled in experts who could inform us about predictable problems like various transport requirements. To foster co-creation, we posted the product requirements on Facebook and asked the community for feedback. Then, we refined our needs assessment and updated the requirements. To make the concept clear, we developed 3D drawings and sketches and shared again with the global community on social media. Facebook groups were a big help and we scheduled many one on one interview calls with individuals who had unique or well developed opinions. As we developed the concept, weaving in all the postural support and mobility features, we accidentally created a new category of wheelchair. We learned later that commercial design teams typically aim for established categories, which are reinforced by insurance systems. Our design has transportability like the “stroller” category, support and tilt like the “tilt in space” category, and allows for all terrain use as in the “adaptive jog stroller” category. And, the design is convertible with small or large rear wheels and handrims for kids who can self propel. Real feedback required a working prototype. We took the next step and tested the first prototype in Mexico with three children. Our Chief Clinical Officer, Dave Calver did the fitting process for these children and made extensive notes for changes. We traveled with a prototype to several events, including the International Seating Symposium and a World Health Organization event in Geneva. Traveling was expensive but important for the design process and it allowed us to include a diverse group of users, therapists, and customers, who commented on the acceptable price, packaging, and other critical details. From the feedback gotten up to this stage, we updated the prototype and traveled to two locations in Northern Europe, Kuwait, Turkey, Switzerland, and the United Arab Emirates. In Europe, the elevators are narrow and the wheelchairs need to fit inside. The stroller format was more acceptable in many places. Steep hills in Colombia reminded us of safety issues. And, the UAE needed wheelchairs that are fast to pack into vehicles because of the very hot weather. The visits and zoom interviews provided data for design updates. Dave took three prototypes to Columbia for further field tests that focused on clinical aspects of the chair and usability. These prototypes were functionally as good as mass production models that are currently on the market. So, we were comfortable to allow the users to keep them at home and use them as their primary wheelchairs. In Colombia, we had several Focus Group Discussions with caregivers and users, and separately with therapists. This revealed a couple critical changes related to safety issues and also over 100 change requests that were more simple refinements. After this we engaged again with our online community with online polls to choose the product name. And, Cub became the name for our pediatric wheelchair. At the time of publication, we have shipped 800 Cub chairs to a dozen countries and several independent trials have been done. We learned a lot in the first year. Thankfully, the key features work and we achieved the other requirements. We have discovered many opportunities for improvements. Kids from 4 years to 15 years old are using Cub in all kinds of environments. In all, with the Covid delay, it took 5 years but we’re glad for the progress. The co-creation process, with many more voices involved, seems to have worked out well. Thanks to all of you who contributed ideas, gave honest feedback, and helped make Cub a success!

LET'S TALK ABOUT THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM Hello everyone, my name is Catarina! I am from Porto, Portugal. I am a Nutritionist and a Disability Advocate. I have been a person with a motor disability since 2016. Today I want to talk with you about what I consider to be the elephant in the room: D I S A B I L I T Y. Every day, at my work with companies, schools, universities, promoters, and stakeholders I realize that the theme "disability" is the elephant in the room in this ableist society where we live. Disability is in the room, on the table, but the vast majority of us don't want to connect with this subject, because we are afraid, because we don't have information, or because it seems distant to us. Part of my work, and the message that I want to give to you, should be a simple one, but I notice that the ableist stigmas, stereotypes, and biases don't allow us to understand it easily. Disability is part of human diversity, it is a characteristic and doesn't define all of me, but defines a part of me- and is part of me and that is perfectly ok! Although society tends to see disability as a bad thing, it is not. Disability itself does not limit us: ableism, physical barriers, and organizational barriers are the real limits. Because of ableism, society understands my existence through the lens of pity or super inspiration. People see me as inferior, not valid, and extremely dependent BECAUSE of my disability and not because of the barriers that I face WITH my disability. I don't live DESPITE my disability, I live WITH my disability. We are human. With specific, and not special, needs. Accessibility and equity are human rights! And although we are not elephants, I challenge you to "speak" with the elephant in the room... but don't forget our motto: nothing about us, without us!

My Story My name is David Munya. I was born in 1995 in Nakuru County, Kenya. I am the lastborn in a family of four. I was born with a condition known as Spina Bifida. In my early days, I could walk without any difficulty; however, as I grew up, my legs began to weaken. Due to frequent falls, I started using crutches at the age of 11. After using crutches for about three years, I switched to using a wheelchair in 2011. Using a wheelchair for the first time was very stressful, especially when going out and having people stare at me. I have had several surgeries on my back and legs to try and rectify that problem, though I still couldn't walk. For my schooling, I went to Joytown Primary and High School. Joytown is a special school for students with physical disabilities. I completed my high school education in 2013 and in 2015, joined KCA University in Nairobi, where I studied Certified Public Accounting and received Bachelor of Commerce. I work as an accountant at Participant Assistive Products. At Participant, we are on a mission to democratize high-quality and affordable assistive products, such as wheelchairs. Our goal is to leave no one behind, specifically those unserved in low and middle-income countries. I enjoy being part of a company that is working towards bettering the lives of people with disabilities such as myself. Despite my condition, I have been able to accept myself and understand that disability is not an inability and that despite the obstacles in life, we can always go beyond the limits and achieve our life dreams.

Michael Korins and his dad Dan would like to share a story with us "I am a young autistic man who communicates better with music than with words. I hope to inspire everyone to embrace their strengths to overcome whatever challenges they may have. Whenever I leave my home can’t I help feeling that I don’t belong. That’s why I love the song “Man In The Mirror”. It reminds us that we all need to help build an inclusive world for everyone." We would like to thank Michael and his dad for reaching out, you need to hear Michael sing and check out his channel where you can subscribe for more. We hope to get an update from them soon.

My Journey with Wheelchair Basketball Hi, I'm Panagiotis. I became paraplegic 28 years ago after a car accident. As a kid, I always loved sports and played soccer and basketball. After my injury, I tried many types of athletics, but I found wheelchair basketball to be something special. I've been playing for 10 years now and I love to compete. I think of myself as one with the sport- it gives so much energy and inspiration to my life.

Australian open national swimming record holder I recently turned 50 and reflected on my life, including being a husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, and uncle. However, my life changed dramatically just before I turned 40 when I started experiencing symptoms of a neurological condition, including facial palsy and loss of function in my left and right sides. Despite challenges like fatigue, pain, and memory loss, I found solace in swimming, a lifelong passion of mine. I went through the Swimming Australia classification process and received an S9, SB9, and SM9 classification, paving the way for me to compete in various championships. Along the way, I had the opportunity to meet and befriend Olympians and Paralympians who supported and encouraged me, including Tim Hodge, Jesse Singles, Josh Alford, Ashley van Rijswijk, Ella Jones, Liam Schulter, and Taylor Cory. With the guidance of my coach Yuriy, and the support of my team at momentum sports and rehabilitation, as well as sponsors like TYR Australia, Audio-technica, Barney Cools, and Swim Skin Body, I've been able to achieve remarkable feats in the pool. At 48 years old, I even broke the S9 open 1500m short course freestyle Australian national record. My disability has opened doors to opportunities I never would have imagined, and I am proud of what I have achieved. Through perseverance and a "never give up" attitude, I've learned that nothing is impossible. My message to others is to not stop when you are done, but rather, stop when you are finished, and keep pushing forward no matter the challenges you face. Nothing is impossible.

"Life is a gift and what we do with our life is our gift back to the world, to others and to ourselves." The moment I opened my eyes in the hospital and looked up at that ceiling it felt like "deja vu". As if I had been there before- unable to move or feel anything from the neck down. The first thought, "I'm Alive!" The second thought I knew was for a reason, that I had a mission to fulfill and be a voice for others in the same predicament. I had a premonition at 17 that I'd be in a car accident but unbeknownst to me I'd sustain a spinal cord injury at 26 changing my life instantly. Imagine being an adrenaline junkie, motorcycle racer, martial artist, and runner, instantly transported into the realm of the paralyzed from a horrific accident while planning your wedding, all a week before 9/11. When I woke up from the accident, there was an inner voice that spoke to me and a vision flashed before my eyes. My father sat by my bedside to write word for word what I saw and I can tell you I'm living it till this day! I'm Angela Rockwood, a POSITIVITY influencer who is a #RollingEmpire and has been in the entertainment industry for over 30 years. I was born in Clovis, N.M. and experienced the world as the child of a career military man before modeling at 17. In 2001 right before my injury, I was launching an acting career, with small roles in The Fast and the Furious and the TV series V.I.P.. The doctor gave me a 3% chance of moving or feeling anything from the neck down but I didn't allow his prognosis to hinder my spirit and decided I was going to "move" and "feel" another way. I picked up my life, focused on my vision and never looked back! Today I'm a model, actress, TV producer, TV host, a speaker, manifestation life coach, disability advocate, domestic violence activist, innovator, and entrepreneur. I'm a spokesmodel for Spinergy and worked as a model for Target, Nordstrom, and Toyota while I energized my acting career by landing in three national commercials for AARP, Maybelline, and Sony. I've been on Larry King Live, and in People Magazine sharing my journey. With my ultimate mission of pushing boundaries, I co-created, produced and starred in the Sundance Channel's, ‘’Critic’s Choice Awards’’, Best Reality series Push Girls with Gay Rosenthal and David Hurwitz. Humbly I've shared my message on Ellen, Jeff Probst, Marie Osmond, Access Hollywood, Inside Edition, Good Day LA, Extra, Huffington Post Live, Kcal 9, Katie Couric, Good Morning America, and had a return segment on Entertainment Tonight. I've had the honor and blessing to showcase "Push Girls'' at The White House! I'm diligent in creating a shift and breaking stereotypes all over while being passionately relentless in manifesting change and implementing ideas through my classes teaching ‘Manifestation’ at the Joey Travolta Theatre and one on one. As a speaker, I've successfully spoken about ‘Pushing the Limits’ for Rancho Los Amigos, L.A. Rescue Mission, Edwards Air Force Base, Miss Global, Next Home and to 4,000 Paul Mitchell students in Las Vegas to name a few. I was chosen by Brig Gen Michael Brewer of the 412th Test Wing Commander to be an Honorary Commander for Edwards Air Force Base after speaking about Resilience. I've returned to the modeling world at 47 to prove ‘’Beauty comes in ALL shapes, sizes, color, age & in EVERY vessel.’’ I'm currently filming Pen Pals, directed by Marem Hassler playing a bisexual sex therapist named Otilia. Tune in to the World Poker Tour on Fox Sports Networks to see me interviewing and diving into the soul of champion poker players. Deep within my soul I carry this mantra daily: "Life is a gift and what we do with our life is our gift back to the world, to others, and to ourselves." It goes to show that no matter what catastrophic event happens in life you can push through it. Nothing is permanent, it's only temporary..."If You Can't Stand Up, STAND OUT!" ~Angela Rockwood Follow me on Instagram! www.instagram.com/therealAngelaRockwood