From Resilience to Revolution

As we approach Disability Pride Month this July, I’ve found myself reflecting deeply—not only on how far we’ve come, but also on how urgently we must protect what we’ve built. Disability Pride is more than a celebration. It’s a declaration. A resistance. A reminder that every person with a disability deserves dignity, visibility, and access to a full life.

When I started Disability Partnerships, it was personal. After surviving a devastating natural gas explosion and living with a spinal cord injury, I experienced firsthand the systems that weren’t built for people like me. I had undergone more than 50 surgeries and returned to work to serve the public, only to face a world that still didn’t see or value my full humanity. I started this organization because no one should have to fight that hard just to be included.

Since then, we’ve built something I’m truly proud of. From our adaptive health and wellness programs to our Disability Ambassadors Program, we are empowering people with disabilities to live boldly, lead in their communities, and change the narrative about what disability means. We've seen mothers and daughters join our fitness classes together. We've helped young adults find their voice in advocacy. We’ve created spaces of joy, strength, and belonging.

But we are entering a dangerous season. Right now, there are efforts to dismantle the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)—a foundational civil rights law. There are proposed policies that would allow new federally funded buildings to be constructed without ramps or accessible bathrooms. Shame on you @energy. There are attempts to defund the very programs that keep people with disabilities safe, healthy, and independent.

Let me be clear: anyone can become disabled at any time. It is the only identity group that crosses all lines—race, gender, class, and age. Disability rights are human rights. And when we protect accessibility, we build a better world for everyone.

As we prepare to honor Disability Pride Month, I ask you to stand with us. Share our stories. Join our campaigns. Support our mission. Disability Partnerships was built out of both pain and purpose—but we’re not done yet. We’re just getting started.

Let’s enter July with pride—and power.