Volume 1: Ye Year-End
Omaha, NE At nine days old, Abigail’s life took a sudden turn when she experienced a cardiac arrest that led to a brain injury. Now four years old, she lives with cerebral palsy and epilepsy and uses both a tracheostomy and a g-tube. Abigail loves spending me with her four lively sisters, watching her chickens explore the yard, and lights up for anything musical or colorful. Abigail’s journey with Numo on began when she was 10 months old and ready for her first piece of equipment - a stander. It was important to her parents that she experience standing at the same me her twin sister was learning to pull herself up. Abigail’s mom recounted, “From beginning to end, acquiring her stander was nothing short of deligh ul. We were treated with such care, and the end result was witnessing our daughter in a new position —upright— and able to engage with her world in a new way, while helping her body develop appropriately.”
Since that first experience Numo on has con nued to play an important role in Abigail’s growth and independence. Her family next worked with their local team to obtain a bath chair, which turned what was once a stressful part of the day into something fun and safe, and also get an ac vity chair that supports Abigail at a wide range of heights. It allows her to sit comfortably and engage with her family wherever they are, whether that is on the floor playing or at the table during meal me. Most recently, Abigail received a KidWalk gait trainer. Her mom said, “When she gets to walk, she is in charge, and she thrives on that sense of freedom. Watching Abigail be able to transform quiet wanting into steady seeking is powerful. We are so grateful for all that Numo on does, from figuring out the best accessibility aids to delivery of the life-changing equipment. They are so kind, commi ed, and thorough in their work. Everyone clearly cares, and they go above and beyond for our girl.” From taking slow, steady steps in her gait trainer to splashing safely in the tub, Abigail con nues to find moments of independence every day. “It is the difference between dependence and glimmers of utter freedom. Abigail gets to translate her desires to action, and we as her family could not be happier to watch that unfold.”
Meridian, ID
Living with cerebral palsy, David has worked with Numo on since 2011. From his first interac ons to today, David’s experience with Numo on has been overwhelmingly posi ve. According to David, “Technicians and service people have been courteous, professional and prompt in providing remarkable service to make sure that my equipment is up and running and safe to operate.” In 2024, David began the process of ge ng his new Permobil M3 power wheelchair and received it just a few months later. “Having owned wheelchairs and other specialized equipment long enough, I didn’t think I was going to be able to qualify for the Permobil M3 that I currently have, but based upon everybody on my team, we were able to get the process concluded fairly quickly.” When his chair first arrived, there were a few small issues that were resolved quickly, with David saying “Since that me, I’ve been able to use the equipment on a daily basis with almost no issues. The wheelchair is extremely reliable and helps bolster my conf idence out in the community, and it’s also a joy to operate.”
David also enjoys how his wheelchair has become a conversa on starter in his local community. “People ask me almost every day what kind of chair I have and what it offers. Many of the seat functions come standard on the Permobil M3 platform. In the context of enhancing my life, it has def initely made everyday tasks easier and more eff icient.” For David, the technicians who help maintain his equipment are a big part of what makes his experience so posi ve. “Service technicians at Numotion are the unsung heroes of the entire company. They often travel long distances and work long hours to provide help to customers and to staff as a whole.” For David, his equipment and the dedicated team behind it have given him the freedom to stay ac ve, confident, and connected to the world around him.
Mangham, LA
From mom Abbey about daughter Avery, a SpinKids customer — “Looking back to our first hospital stay, I remember wondering if my daughter would ever be able to take Dance. Fast-forward eight years, and my Avery‘s life is so full. She loves adventures, making friends, lives life to the fullest and loves taking dance classes. While her dance may look a little different than her peers, she dances more beautifully than I could have imagined. Every reach of her hand and kick of her foot takes so much effort, and I couldn’t be prouder. Life isn’t quite what we expected, it’s actually even be er. Her mobility needs shape every aspect of her daily life, from accessibility in public spaces to the ability to experience joy alongside her peers. While others may see limitations, we see possibility. With the right support, accommodations, and mindset, mobility doesn’t def ine what she can’t do — it enables all that she can. And boy, can she do so much! In the dance studio, there are no limita ons for Avery— only love. For the past six years, Avery has danced alongside a group of girls who don’t just see her wheelchair or stroller; they see her. They see the friend who laughs with them, who moves with them, who belongs with them. From the moment she rolls into the room, she is surrounded—not by ques ons or hesita ons, but by pure, childlike acceptance. The girls gather around her, they reach to hold her hands and hug her in excitement.
Her Convaid Rodeo Tilt isn’t an obstacle; it’s a bridge to her peers. It tilts her to their level, so when they form a circle, she is not above or below—she is with them. They don’t adjust for her. They don’t make excep ons. They simply include her, because to them, she has always belonged. Years of dancing side by side has given her something deeper than friendship—it has created a sisterhood. There are no explana ons needed, no differences to highlight. They don’t ques on what Avery can or can’t do. They just love her, exactly as she is. The Rodeo Tilt has been so instrumental in ge ng Avery on the level of her peers. The head and trunk supports are so helpful in giving her the support she needs while giving her the comfort to move as much as she is able. The lt has been instrumental to use if she is having a weaker day and needs to have extra help. The side rails being able to move up and down gives her the ability to hug her friends on their level, and that’s probably my favorite feature. Every child deserves the chance to not only participate, but to shine in their own way. Inclusion means celebra ng differences, and seeing the ability in every child, in the classroom, on the stage and every facet of life. Every ability is so beau ful in its own way.”
Chicago, IL
Becke is a vibrant 5-year-old from Chicago, who loves all things sports, spending me with his family, and snuggling with his Dalma an, Lo e. He’s happiest when he’s close to the people he loves and always finds joy in being silly and ac ve. At just 22 months old, his world changed when he experienced his first episode of acute necro zing encephalopathy (ANE), a rare post-viral reac on that causes brain inflamma on. In early 2025, Becke faced a second episode that affected his brain stem. The setback le him unable to walk, talk, eat, or move much at all. Since then, his days have been filled with hard work, courage, and countless hours of therapy. And now, Becke is making incredible progress. He’s ea ng, talking, and walking more and more every day. “While Becke was inpa ent at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, he was fi ed for his wheelchair by our Numo on team. They walked us through every op on and helped us choose the chair that best fit Becke ’s needs and our family’s lifestyle,” shared Becke ’s mother. The process of obtaining his wheelchair went smoothly. Once insurance approval came through, his wheelchair was customized quickly.
Becke ’s wheelchair has become an important part of his everyday life. He con nues to grow stronger each day, but long distances can s ll be challenging and his wheelchair gives him the freedom to keep up with his peers and stay ac ve. His mom said, “His wheelchair allows him to be independent and keep up with his peers — whether that’s playing outside, going to school, or just exploring the world around him.” And recently, when a screw on one of the wheels came loose, the family was impressed by how quickly the issue was resolved. “The repair process was quick and easy. We scheduled an appointment, visited a Numo on loca on, and were back on our way in no me.”
Los Angeles, CA
Bethany was born with mild cerebral palsy, a condi on that affects her motor skills and balance. From a young age, she faced the challenges of naviga ng a world that didn’t always understand disability, but she never let that dim her spirit. At 16, she saw a performance on TV featuring ballerina Zina Bethune dancing with a young girl in a wheelchair. Instantly inspired, Bethany knew she had to dance. With the support of her family, Bethany began adap ve ballet lessons and quickly fell in love with the art form. Dance became more than a hobby. It became a way to express herself and connect with others. Bethany’s journey hit a roadblock when her custom-made dance wheelchair began leaking oil, leaving her hands constantly covered and interfering with her ability to eat, move, and perform everyday tasks. “I was at my wits’ end. I couldn’t func on without constantly washing my hands,” she said. When she reached out to Numo on, everything changed, saying “I remember getting an email that said, ‘We can help.’ I cried happy tears. There was hope again.” The local team worked with Bethany to get her properly fi ed for a new chair that supported her needs without compromising her health and independence.
Today, Bethany con nues to share her love of movement. She launched BethAbility, a school-based program where she educates children about disabili es. “As a kid, I was asked all kinds of questions, some of them tough. Now I help kids understand disability, ask questions, and see people for who they are.” She is also nurturing a growing focus on adap ve figure ska ng. The lifelong passion was sparked by a childhood moment with Olympic gold medalist Robin Cousins, and Bethany hopes to teach other children in wheelchairs how to skate. Emphasizing her good experience with Numo on team, Bethany says “Numotion didn’t just give me a new wheelchair. They gave me back my freedom, my joy, and my ability to keep living my purpose.”
Raleigh, NC
Ellio is a 5-year-old from Raleigh, North Carolina. He is full of life and laughter, and has a deep love for animals - especially Komodo dragons and snakes. Diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) at 14 months old, Ellio received gene therapy soon a er his diagnosis. These days, Ellio is a busy kindergartner with two brothers, a wide circle of friends, two pet fish, and one energe c dog. He loves cheering for the Tarheels and is ac vely involved in sports. He is about to start playing power soccer and plays on both basketball and t-ball teams. Ellio has been a Numo on customer since the beginning of his SMA journey, and his family considers the Numo on team an essen al part of his care “village.” While naviga ng the insurance process and wai ng on authoriza ons can be frustra ng, Ellio ’s mom appreciates how available and suppor ve the Numo on team has been, saying, “Ellio ’s ATP, Blake is the most caring and though ul team member. He has provided Ellio with the right equipment from a stander, wheelchair, gait trainer, SmartDrive, to a treadmill. He’s always quick to repair or replace anything that breaks. He’s been incredibly helpful for a medically complex and evolving diagnosis.” Though the process of ge ng new equipment o en takes several months due to insurance approvals, Ellio ’s family has found comfort in being able to track progress through the myNumo on app.
And, when service is needed they have found the response is just as caring as the ini al support, sharing, “Shoutout to Rich, John, and Blake for keeping Elliott moving. They are wonderful, helpful, kind and caring.” Overall, Ellio ’s mom feels his equipment has been a game changer, saying, “Elliott’s life is full and powerful thanks to his medical equipment. Because he is unable to walk, the wheelchair is a crucial aspect of his independence.”
Laramie, WY
Just before turning 22, Robert became paralyzed. Originally from Denver, he spent much of his youth living on a ranch, from ten years old through his early twen es. A er becoming paralyzed, he lived with family, moved around for a while, and eventually se led in Laramie, Wyoming, where he lives today. Robert values a life built around crea vity, calm, and independence. He enjoys crea ve hobbies such as laser engraving ceramic les and pain ng them, and playing guitar. Music is a meaningful outlet for him, and he finds joy in exploring different sounds, chords, and rhythms. He describes his lifestyle as rooted in solitude rather than isola on, explaining that he does not need a crowd to feel fulfilled. His interests reflect a balance of personal crea vity and quiet connec on.
Robert shared that his supplies enhance his independence, while acknowledging the frustra ons that can o en come with insurance. Even so, having dependable access to what he needs allows him to focus on living his life, pursuing his interests, and maintaining a sense of stability. For Robert, working with Numo on Medical Supplies means having confidence, consistency, and support behind the scenes, allowing him to con nue living a life defined by crea vity, calm, and self-reliance.
Robert has been a Numo on customer since 2012 and transi oned to using Numo on Medical Supplies in 2025. Since becoming a Medical Supplies customer, consistency has brought peace of mind. He shared that even when small hiccups arise, “things have always been straightened out,” and he feels confident knowing he will receive a call to explain what is happening. That reliability, he said, puts his mind at ease and helps him feel safe and supported. Obtaining medical supplies has been a straigh orward experience, and Robert noted that communica on is quick and streamlined. When delays come up, he reaches out to his Medical Supplies Account Manager, Alexis, who helps keep things moving and answers ques ons.
R
Charlotte, NC
Jake is a happy boy who lights up every room he enters. He lives in Charlo e, North Carolina with his twin brother and parents. He loves his EC class at school, listening to music, and being around family. Despite being non-verbal and living with a progressive neurological disorder, Jake approaches life with great joy. Diagnosed with a rare form of Leukodystrophy at 11 weeks old, doctors ini ally gave him only a couple of months to live, and he is now 11-years-old! Jake has been a Numo on customer since 2013, and throughout that me he and his family have worked closely with Numo on Assis ve Technology Professional, Todd Dewey. About their real ohsip with Todd, Jakes parents said, “Todd has provided excellent assistance in not only helping us to find the best equipment to support Jake’s needs, but also on follow-up and fi ngs.” Todd listens carefully to Jake’s needs, researches the best op ons, and ensures the family understands each piece of equipment. Jakes’s parents added, “The ordering process with Todd is excep onal. He goes above and beyond to explain what is needed.”
Jake’s mom also said, “his wheelchair allows him to go to school, and allows our family to include Jake in our daily activities outside of our home.” Jake’s whelechair also holds his eye gaze device, which allows him to communicate - with everyone from family to nurses to peers and teachers at school. Beyond his wheelchair, his shower chair enables safe bathing, his stander helps with muscle and bone development, and his SleepSafe bed ensures he is safe every night while sleeping. To sum up the impact his mobility equipment has had on his life, Jake’s mom said, “All of his equipment allows Jake to lead as ‘normal’ a life as possible and to safely interact with family and nurses, and the outside world, instead of being conf ined to a bed 24/7.”
Bryantown, MD
For over 25 years, Dr. Jessica built a career in marine and environmental science, diving deep into research, analyzing data, and publishing scien fic work. She’s a wife, a mother, and a passionate creator of family photo books. Jessica was diagnosed with ALS in 2007 at 30 years old. “At the time, I was told I probably had 3 years to live. I’m still here 18 years later, thanks in large part to my amazing family and support network,” she said. When typing on a keyboard became difficult Jessica turned to dicta on so ware to con nue working and crea ng. But, a sudden tracheotomy le her unable to speak, cu ng off her access to the dicta on tools she depended on. “That was a huge turning point, and I needed a new way to communicate,” Jessica recalled.
Of her journey with Numo on Speech, Jessica said, “Yvonne went above and beyond. She visited me in the hospital a er my surgery and brought a device to try. When we realized I wouldn’t get my device for a month, she lent me one for free so I could s ll communicate. She came to my house to set everything up. She was professional, friendly, and incredibly responsive throughout the whole process.” Before the Smartbox device, Jessica relied on a le er board and others poin ng to le ers, which she considered a slow-going and ring process. Now, having an AAC device that fits her needs she feels refreshed saying, “I thought eye gaze might be similar, but I was completely impressed by the technology. It predicts the words I’m typing and even learns my patterns. It gave me a voice again. It’s amazing technology that’s allowed me to keep doing what I love.”
That’s when Numo on Speech Solu ons stepped in. With help from her AAC Specialist, Yvonne, Jessica was introduced an advanced communica on device from Smartbox that uses eye gaze technology to give her a voice. “It’s been life-changing. I can tell my family exactly what I need, whether it’s about my positioning or medication. But even more, I can have full conversations again. I can text, email, post on social media, shop online, work on photo books, and listen to music. And, I can do it all with my eyes,” Jessica said.
Speech Solutions
Grand Junction, CO
Madilynn is an 8-year-old who loves dancing, gymnas cs, swimming, and playing soccer. Extremely social and happiest when surrounded by family and friends, Madilynn is a huge Disney princess fan, and proudly calls herself a “pink and sparkly girl. Madilynn was diagnosed with Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 5 at the age of 3, a condi on that presents with many symptoms similar to Cerebral Palsy. She has been a Numo on customer since 2020. Her parents described their experience with the Grand Junc on Numo on team as nothing short of amazing. Including their order for a larger Crocodile walker, saying that the process was simple and stress-free. Numo on team member Ryan met Madilynn right a er a physical therapy appointment to complete the fi ng. At first, Madilynn wasn’t too excited about ge ng a new walker. But, when Ryan asked if she would like the walker be er if it was pink, her eyes lit up and she didn’t hesitate to agree that she would ... 6 weeks later, her brand-new, bright pink walker was ready.
“Madilynn’s walker is an extension of her. She uses it every single day both indoors and outdoors. It allows her to run with friends, skip with her brother, and stay as independent as possible with her diagnosis. As soon as she realized she could be really fast with her current walker, she would not stop running. I have had many times I have had to run after her to catch up,” said her mom.
Huntsville, NC Four-year-old Myles of Huntersville, North Carolina brings joy and determina on to everything he does. He is living with SLC35B2 deficiency with hypomylena ng leukodystrophy, an ultrarare gene c diagnosis shared by only one other child in the United States. Myles especially enjoys being outside, working hard in all his therapies, spending me with his sisters, and anything involving balloons. Myles first became a Numo on customer when he was two, and his family describes their experience with the company as overwhelmingly posi ve. “Experience with Numo on has been incredible, everyone is so kind and responsive,” they shared. That support has been consistent as Myles has grown and as his equipment needs have evolved. The process of obtaining equipment has been smooth and collabora ve. His family works closely with their physical therapist, Mckenzie, from Milestone. “James from Numo on comes out with a demo or just to measure and fit, then James comes back out when the equipment is ready,” they explained. This hands-on guidance has helped ensure that each piece of equipment meets Myles’ needs.
Every device Myles uses plays an important role in his daily independence. His stander helps him work on strength and allows him to play in a more upright posi on. His wheelchair is something he relies on throughout the day. It helps him get around, and the tray provides a stable surface he uses as an ac vity chair during play me and therapy sessions. His bath seat, Splashy, is essen al for helping him sit safely in the tub. He also uses the Upsee with his mom and dad during therapy sessions, which helps simulate walking and gives him opportuni es to join in ac vi es like exploring the park, playing games, and even par cipa ng in Easter egg hunts. Myles’ equipment has remained dependable from the start. His family shared that they have never needed to request service or repairs and that everything has been great a er final fi ngs. Surrounded by a dedicated support system and a family that celebrates every milestone, Myles continues to make meaning ful progress while doing what he loves most — learning, playing, and working hard through every adventure.
Kansas City, MO Born and raised in Blue Springs, Missouri, Sarah has always lived life with passion and purpose. A lifelong sports enthusiast, she recalls spending much of her childhood on the ball fields of her hometown. She became a police officer the day a er her 21st birthday. For Sarah, joy comes from simple yet meaningful moments, especially me spent with family. “No matter what we’re doing, the time we get to enjoy together is the best time.” In 2018, Sarah was diagnosed with ALS but she has con nued living her life with as much passion as ever. “Over seven years later, I am blessed to say I am still living an incredible, fulf illing life,” she said. Sarah has been a Numo on customer for around seven years. As her ALS progressed quickly, the need for mobility equipment became urgent. Speaking about the impact the equipment has made in her life, she said, “Change is hard for anyone, but losing your mobility is even more diff icult. The staff at Numotion helped me recognize the independence and comfort I would gain from my power wheelchair.”
Sarah now uses an advanced wheelchair operated through eye gaze technology, saying, “For years, my wheelchair had to be being able to get out of the house, I deeply desired the freedom of adjusting and moving my wheelchair on my own. Now I can do that again. I can move through gatherings, talk and interact with others, and even give the little ones in my life a ride on my lap. They love it. It’s been truly life changing.” From the ini al ordering process to ongoing service, Sarah says the Numo on experience has been smooth and reliable. “The team is present at my clinic appointments to gather everything needed, and the office staff keeps me informed about deliveries and repairs. Everyone is always friendly and helpful. Tyler, my ATP, has become a friend. I’m so grateful for him and everyone at Numo on. Numotion helped give me my freedom back, and that’s something I’ll never take for granted,” she said.
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Alexander Get. The. Freewheel.
Theo Theo is diagnosed with spas c quadriplegia cerebral palsy. With years of hard work in occupa onal and physical therapy, Theo has been able to navigate the world using both his wheelchair, and now his walker. We are so grateful for the wonderful equipment he has, and to Numo on for providing that to him. Now we can safely say we have a very mobile toddler!
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Dave There’s nothing like a new set of wheels!
Adalynn Whether it’s story me, movie night, or hanging out with the family, her P Pod is the perfect place to stay supported without missing a moment.
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Katherine I have some exci ng news! A er nearly 7 months of paperwork, appointments, phone calls, and fi ngs, I FINALLY have my new wheelchair! It’s a PermobilF5. Isn’t it beau ful!? I love this chair. I love the way it drives. I love the lt and recline features. I love how stable it is. I can even charge my phone on it! Thank you to my Numo on team for making this a reality!
Chad The collabora on between care partners Accura HealthCare, Blue Stone Therapy, Numo on and Woodlyn Heights Senior Living community is a reflec on of community, compassion, and teamwork ... inspired by Chad, a resident facing the challenges of living with Mul ple Sclerosis. Chad’s diagnosis had significantly limited his mobility, and wheelchair became essen al for him to regain independence and enhance his quality of life.
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Connor A big thank you to Numo on for delivering and se ng up Conner’s new chair! It’s amazing to see him so independent!
Emersyn School days are Emersyn’s favorite days! And, it’s spirit week for our li le preschooler. And, walking into school made possible by her amazing support - all of you!!! - and every single therapist, teacher, para, caregiver and family member who has reached out for her hand along the way!
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Emma Us!
Camila My beau ful daughter in her NXT wheelchair!
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Ezra Walking into physical therapy and occupa onal therapy today like a big stepp-aaa!
Gabe Numo on customer, Gabe, had always dreamed of going on a boat, and thanks to his ATP, Robert, that dream came true! Robert invited Gabe and his family out for an evening on the lake, filled with laughter and games! According to Robert, it was a highlight of the summer for his family and they were thrilled to share the experience with Gabe and his parents.
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JoJo Happy Friday from Numo on customer JoJo, Sea ng Tech Bobby, and furry friend Choco! Bobby paid JoJo and Choco a visit for an equipment adjustment day keeping him comfortable and moving.
Cage Walker delivery days are the best kind of days. Cage received his brand new KidWalk, a mobility device designed to support children who can’t walk on their own … yet. Watching him light up as he moved across the gym floor, chased a er a basketball, and played on his own terms—it was nothing short of magical.
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Keatley Keat took a stroll to try out her new wheels this evening. She loves it, but why does she have to look like such a big girl lately? Numo on is the best hands down. They’re always so great with Keatley.
Logan Logan brought a birthday cake to celebrate his ATP, Jeremy, at his Numo on appointment!
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Trinity Miss T-Sue got some new wheels and she’s been wai ng a while for this new chair. Watch out for her because now she has some speed!
McKenzie I had a blast compe ng at Na onal Championships! Preparing for my biggest compe on of the year takes serious me and dedica on, and to perform at my best, I need the right tools to support me. Comfort and durability are non-nego ables, and my Axiom G Wheelchair Cushion from SpinLife delivered ... Having mobility equipment I can trust means I can put all my energy into compe ng, making all the difference.
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Tanner This is my new chair! Been wai ng pa ently for 6 years to get my new chair that’s custom built streamlined for my body and adap ve challenges. It’s balanced perfectly. It’s truly an extension of my body! I’m done banging up doorways. It’s those li le things worth living for, get all of it you can! Thank you Luke at Numo on! You got that eye and dialed me in to perfec on. Far beyond expecta ons I could have had!
Callie Callie received her adap ve tricycle, and she’s OVER THE MOON!!
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Tammy I’m so grateful for SpinLife and my Baja Bandit. They’ve given me the freedom to take paths I’m not yet able to walk, keeping me independent and connected in ways that truly ma er.
Mattix I finally got to see the light at the end of the tunnel and celebrate #NewChairDay! I have been wai ng 9 months for this special day to happen. I want to thank everyone who has helped and supported me through this journey. I also want to thank my friend Gibbs who came with me to celebrate as well as @gonumo on for assis ng ge ng my new chair! Here’s to many years of rolling with the magic! Let this adventure begin!
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Torei Torei is the one and only driver I have met who can drive and sleep at the same me!
Myles The smile on Myles’ face says it all! This Up-themed costume was pure happiness. (Push play to watch!)
Our Customer Advocacy Board members provide valuable insight and words of wisdom helpful to both those newly injured or diagnosed and those who have been living with a disability long-term.
Empowerment in Action: Changing How the World Sees Disability One of the most impac ul acts of advocacy I’ve been involved in, and the one that con nues to stand out, was running as the first disabled candidate for mayor of Charlo e, NC. That moment wasn’t just about politics; it was about visibility, representation, and breaking barriers for people with disabilities, especially in leadership roles where we are often overlooked or underestimated. While I’ve been proud to serve as the first Black disabled model in NYFW, become the first adap ve model on QVC, and lead the Novant Thanksgiving Parade as the first disabled grand marshal, my mayoral campaign was deeply personal. It was a declaration that our voices matter, and that disability does not mean disqualif ied. That campaign sparked conversa ons in my community about accessibility, inclusion, and strength— not despite our challenges, but because of them. It reminded me and others that we don’t have to be anyone else’s version of perfect to lead, inspire, or make change.
Breaking Silence: Making Government Communication Accessible When I think about my work, one of the things I’m most proud of is the cultural shi we’ve created within emergency management. For too long, the needs of people with disabilities weren’t fully understood, identif ied, or integrated into disaster planning. For the past decade, I’ve had the privilege of leading California’s mission to advance inclusive emergency management. In this role, I’ve partnered with emergency managers, community-based organiza ons, legislators, and individuals with lived experience to flip the script in meaningful ways. We’ve moved from planning for people with disabilities to planning with them. Through reless effort—mee ng with emergency managers from every county across the state, in mes of calm and in mes of crisis—disability integra on has come to be recognized as one of the most essen al, human aspects of emergency management. Today, it’s no longer an a erthought; it’s viewed as a core part of the system itself. We conduct whole-community outreach, establish advisory commi ees, and recognize the cri cal role of Independent Living Centers as force mul pliers in ensuring that everyone can be safe, secure, and healthy before, during, and a er disasters. This cultural shi has taken root in tangible ways. American Sign Language interpreters are now a standard feature at emergency press conferences. Coun es are legally required to integrate access and func onal needs into their communica on, evacua on, and sheltering plans. We’ve developed specialized training for emergency managers, hosted statewide symposiums and webinars, and built systems designed to ensure that no one is le behind when disaster strikes. The results speak for themselves: stronger emergency plans, deeper partnerships between government and community, and most importantly, fewer lives lost and less suffering among people with disabilities. Emergency management is bigger than any one person, agency, or department. It takes a whole community working together in innova ve and dedicated ways. I’m proud to see this work continue, and prouder still to know it’s making a real difference in people’s lives.
Accessibility Isn’t Always Cheap: But It’s Always Worth It Sometimes advocacy feels like a marathon. The days are long, and the process can be slow. But every now and then, a project comes to life that reminds me why I put in the work. As one of the Directors of the Chicago Transit Authority Board, I recently had the immense pride of helping open four new, fully accessible sta ons on one of our oldest rail lines. For over a hundred years, these communi es were inaccessible to so many like me who use a wheelchair. But now, thanks to a monumental $2 billion project, these neighborhoods are connected. We’ve brought more than just elevators and escalators to these stations; we’ve brought a new reality of accessibility. Now, more people can commute to jobs, access healthcare, and connect with their community in ways they couldn’t before. And the beauty of accessibility? Everyone benefits. This victory is for the en re city, not just for those of us who use mobility aides — making travel easier for all of us. I couldn’t be more proud of this moment for Chicago, and it’s a powerful reminder that while the journey is long, the results are truly worth it.
Quiet Impact: Advocacy Without Seeking Recognition I didn’t set out to be an advocate at all. It wasn’t anything I ever thought about or wanted to do. I was kind of reserved and didn’t really want to talk about my disability that much. Through my work as a broadcast journalist, I started interviewing people in the tech world and the gaming world, and I’d always add to our conversa ons and ask them, ‘How could I use something like this, or how could people in my community use this?’ Over the years, I kept asking those ques ons, and one day someone said, ‘Do you want to help us desiAgn things that can help out your community?’ I said, ‘Sure, let’s do it.’ I still didn’t recognize what kind of impact my advocacy might have, until we started designing certain things and seeing how they worked, but the real impact was when we were able to see how the community looked at it. For example, with Spider-Man 2, someone came up to me and said, ‘Hey, you know that project you worked on? That allowed my younger brother to play video games now.’ And, that blew me away, seeing the impact this work can have. Now, people in the industry come to me and ask how to make things more inclusive, or how to raise the bar. And even working with mo on capture studios, they’ll ask me how to make a disabled character authen c, and then people in the community will say, ‘Hey, I like how real that looked’ when the character would do a certain task. I was at Comic-Con on the press line for the Hulu show Paradise, and the PR team made enough space for me to interview Sterling K. Brown, but also le room for others to go around. My whole goal is to make it easier for the next person like me, so it’s not so challenging. That’s the kind of advocacy I’m most proud of. You never know how much impact you really have and how many lives you are affecting. Even if people never come up to say thank you, you never know who you might be impacting. We don’t do it for recognition; we do it to make people’s lives better.
A More Accessible Travel Experience: Improving Airport Facilities I’ve done quite a bit of advocacy on behalf of those with disabili es, like my son, over the years, both statewide and na onally—and primarily with large advocacy organiza ons for the purpose of legisla ve change. My favorite experience advocating, however, was on our own, just my son and me, in New Orleans when the city was building a new airport. Our family loves to travel, but one of the things we have really struggled over the years are family changing areas where we can change our son if needed when we are in airports or other public places. As a young man, it is not possible to change him on a baby changing table and it is disgus ng thinking about changing him on a public restroom floor. I had heard of adult changing tables in some progressive loca ons but had not seen them in any US airports. So, I did a li le digging and reached out to the contractor and architects for the New Orleans airport. I explained the situa on, and they were amazed that no one had thought to include adult changing tables in family restrooms. The architect even commented ‘I am embarrassed, we think more about where the pets need to go than adult travelers with disabili es!’ And with that, she worked with me to design two family restrooms with adult sized changing tables to accommodate those who need the extra space and help. They added one outside of TSA and one centrally located once through TSA. At the me, it was only the third airport in the US to have them. It makes me so happy, because I know how much that helps families, but it is also a benef it to the community and the city, as it allows more people with disabilities to travel!
The Domino Effect: Changing Lives, Changing Policies Two families. Two states. One problem worth changing. In Rhode Island and Tennessee, families reached out with the same heartbreaking dilemma—a loved one with a disability wanted to build a career and share a life with the person they love, yet doing either risked losing Medicaid and the long-term services and supports (LTSS) that make independent life possible. In Tennessee, a husband broke his back and was already married—and that status, combined with outdated income and asset rules, kept him out of Medicaid and the caregiving he needed. The system effec vely forced him to stop working and get divorced just to access care. In Rhode Island, a dad recognized that his son, recently paralyzed, wished to work and to marry someday, but the current rules made that dream dangerous, threatening both Medicaid and LTSS if they pursued work or marriage. I shared my Maryland blueprint—how we removed income and asset limits for workers with disabili es so they could keep Medicaid and the caregiving they rely on. Together, we translated that model into each state’s reality, built simple, values-based talking points for a jobs-and-marriage bill, and anchored lawmakers in a core truth—no one should have to choose between earning a paycheck, committing to their partner, and accessing essential care. On their first try through the state legislature, both states moved. Rhode Island’s reforms are in full effect. Tennessee’s reforms were signed into law by the Governor and are now awai ng final CMS approval. The result? Families no longer have to choose between love, work, and care.
Photo: Leslie Kiefer
Changing Perspective: Slowing Down to See the Bigger Picture There are thousands of advocacy stories I could tell, but one that really was most impac ul on my life came very early in my career from my boss. I was maybe 20 years old and had completed an internship in Washington working for my local congressman. He had then hired me part me back in his district while I was going to college at the same me. I had been told that part of my job was essen ally to keep him on me and on schedule. One cold and rainy winter day, he visited the local district office where I was to take him around town. First, he wanted to go across the street to the courthouse and shake hands with local officials and employees. As we were leaving the courthouse to head to his next appointment, I realized my boss was not with me. He had stopped to talk with a man who was laying on one of the benches outside of the courthouses. My boss would shake hands with everyone, so I waited and waited while they con nued to chat. Finally, I went over saying, ‘We’ve got to go now, it’s me for our appointment,’ but I was quickly brushed off by my boss, telling me that he would be done in just a few minutes. Finally, they finished with their talk, and then I heard the full story. My boss had learned he was a veteran, but he didn’t have a home nor medical care coverage. We were able to connect him with many resources. Eventually, we were able to get him housing and medical care coverage he desperately needed. This man’s life was turned around from a single handshake. I had let my ‘job’ get in the way of what the job really is: representing people, ALL people. That is a lesson that I will never forget, and it has had a meaning ful impact on my life pretty much every day since then. It shapes how I see this work today. Take the time to keep a steady eye on the mission, the bigger picture — to advocate for those in need, and the little inconveniences will take care of themselves.
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