In 2022, I had a premonition. I had just walked off stage from the Lawrence Luster Fest just down the street over here when I was suddenly hit with this overwhelming feeling that this was my last aerial performance. I had no idea why.But when a friend offered to do a professional photo shoot a few months later, few weeks later, I jumped at the chance. This is me one month before my life was completely upended. That year, I learned firsthand that we are all just one illness, injury, or birthday away from dis ...

Disability Awareness and Inclusion in Northern Ireland - One in five people in Northern Ireland has a disability [1] - One in ten young adults aged 16 to 24 in Northern Ireland have a disability, highlighting a significant portion of the youth population affected [1] - The voices of young adults with disabilities are often forgotten, neglected, abandoned, and lost, indicating a systemic issue [1][9] Call to Action for Equality and Inclusion - The speaker urges the audience to use their voice to bring hope to the one in ten young adults with disabilities in Northern Ireland [9] - The speaker advocates for important conversations about acceptance, inclusion, choice, and equality for people with disabilities [9] - The speaker emphasizes the importance of finding one's voice to help others find theirs, promoting empowerment and advocacy [10] Legislative and Support Gaps - Northern Ireland lacks post-19 special educational needs legislation for young people with disabilities, creating a "cliff edge" in provision compared to England and Wales [8] - Between the ages of 19 and 25, young people with disabilities in Northern Ireland face a gap in legal protections and clear pathways to an equitable future [8][9]

As we mentioned earlier, President Trump is expected to sign his signature domestic policy package into law today. It includes new spending, but also new cuts and changes to programs like Medicaid. Many who are enrolled in Medicaid will soon be required by the new law to prove every month that they work, study, or volunteer 80 hours a month.By one estimate, 92% of Americans under 65 who are enrolled in Medicaid are already working. One Missouri mom whose adult son requires roundthe-clock care is worried his ...

Medicaid Impact - Medicaid provided comprehensive support, covering prenatal care, birth expenses, and the first two open-heart surgeries for a child with a rare genetic disorder [1][7][8] - Millions are expected to lose healthcare access due to Congressional cuts to Medicaid [2] - Families with disabled children heavily rely on Medicaid for essential supplies like feeding tubes, incontinence products, medications, and wheelchairs [8][9] Healthcare Access & Affordability - Lack of access to healthcare can exacerbate disease, highlighting a moral failure in the wealthiest nation [12] - The financial burden of healthcare costs compounds the emotional distress of making difficult medical decisions for sick children [10] - Ensuring healthcare access for sick children should not be a financial worry in America [11] Advocacy & Future Action - Advocates are committed to fighting for continued healthcare access for children with disabilities [13][14] - Personal stories and advocacy efforts will continue to highlight the importance of Medicaid for vulnerable children [14]

Core Message - The speech emphasizes the power of choice and decision-making in shaping one's life, particularly in the context of disability [1][2][11][12][13] - It challenges societal perceptions and power structures that limit the autonomy and opportunities of marginalized groups, including people with disabilities and women [6][7][8][9][10] Personal Empowerment & Advocacy - The speaker's personal journey highlights overcoming challenges associated with vision loss through proactive choices and skill-building [2] - The speaker rejected societal expectations and stereotypes associated with disability, choosing instead to pursue education, career, and personal fulfillment on her own terms [2][3] - Founding an organization to empower women and youth with disabilities demonstrates a commitment to enabling others to make their own choices and lead fulfilling lives [4][5][12] Societal Impact & Call to Action - The speech critiques the infantilization and disempowerment of people with disabilities, advocating for equal opportunities and supportive environments [6][7][8][11] - It calls for challenging ableism and patriarchy, which restrict individual agency and perpetuate inequality [10] - The speaker's global advocacy work has impacted lives in over 35 countries, promoting the message that everyone has the power to make choices and live life on their own terms [12]