The Emotional Risk of Advocacy

Seeking new opportunities is hard. I think we can all agree on that. But when you have a disability there are often a multitude of factors that make seeking new opportunities hard in ways that the non disabled world around us doesn’t seem to pick up on. Low expectations is part of it. But that’s…

The Power of Expectations

Expectations are powerful, really powerful. But they are more than just powerful on an individual level. Expectations permeate all levels of relationships. Expectations shape how society as a whole views people. We tend to view people through the lens of our preconceived expectations based on outward appearances. People with disabilities are typically viewed with low…

Recommended Reads: Disability Edition

These were all shared over on Instagram throughout Disability Pride Month in July. What are your favorite books from disabled authors or with disabled characters? Sitting Pretty by Rebekah Taussig Sitting Pretty by Rebekah Taussig Being Seen: One Deafblind Woman’s Flight to End Ableism by Elsa Sjunneson Being Seen: One Deafblind Woman’s Flight to End…

15 Powerful TEDx Talks About Disability, Accessibility and Inclusion

Society likes to shy away from the topic of disability. Learned behaviors, misconceptions and misunderstandings abound. However, in order to create a world where all people are valued and accepted we need to have open and respectful conversations about disability. It is then that we can deal with breaking down physical and attitudinal barriers at…

11 Travel Reflection Questions to Spark Positivity Right Now

The world feels so upside down this year. We don’t know what normal is right now. We want things to go back to how they were but have no idea when that might happen. At times it feels like we take a step forward but then the next week we take two steps back. And…

Disability Inclusion as Part of Your International Education Brand

Disability is a natural part of diversity. But could it be that it's such a natural part that we've nearly forgotten it at times? Or perhaps there is an unconscious bias that influences the lack of disability inclusion? Why is it that even when diversity is discussed the conversation rarely addresses disability? Why is that…

Debunking 7 Myths About Disabled Students and Study Abroad

Myths develop most when a topic isn’t well understood. The lack of understanding often comes from a lack of communication about the topic. Myths about people lead to inaccurate assumptions and acting on those assumptions. There are a lot of myths out there about disabled people. I’ve gathered 7 common myths related to people with…

TEDx Talk Roundup Part 2

I'm back with another TEDx talk roundup! For those that haven't watched before, TED talks are short, influential talks on a variety of topics designed to motivate and influence change. A TED talk is presented at a TED conference whereas a TEDx talk is independently organized to be a TED-like experience in a local community…

6 Ways Travel Changed My Everyday Life

It's been said time and again that travel changes you. It's true. Travel changes you in so many ways. It's easy to get romantic about it and talk about the intrinsic ways you feel different after traveling. That seems to be a required thing to talk about a lot of the time. But what about…

A Letter to Parents of Kids with Disabilities

I've been privileged to talk with and get to know many parents of kids with disabilities over the years. These conversations and relationships have given me insights and knowledge that I truly appreciate. I'd like to share with you a few topics that stand out to me as important as someone who has grown up…