Healthcare Disparities & Advocacy - The healthcare industry needs to recognize and address the unique needs of patients with disabilities to avoid misinformed decisions and improve quality of care [3][7][8] - Negative assumptions about patients with disabilities can affect their care, as evidenced by historical eugenics movements and contemporary rationing plans [10][11] - Documenting disability in medical charts is crucial for healthcare organizations to identify gaps, provide necessary supports (accommodations), and improve care quality [15][16][17] - A study involving 53 primary care clinics in Colorado showed that asking patients about disability-related accommodation needs is feasible and doesn't cause patient complaints [17][18] - The story of "David" highlights the potential for medical teams to misunderstand the value and contributions of patients with disabilities, leading to suboptimal care decisions [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][12][13][14][15][20][21][22] Disability Statistics & Awareness - Approximately 27% of adults in the United States have a disability, highlighting the prevalence and importance of addressing their needs [9] - People with disabilities are often described as the "invisible minority," indicating a lack of recognition of their value and contributions [9]

Overcoming Adversity and Mindset - The speaker experienced a spinal cord injury following a motorcycle accident on October 30, 2006 [1][2][3] - The speaker emphasizes the importance of shifting from a mindset of limitations to one of opportunities after the accident [5] - The speaker highlights the power of mindset in shaping one's future and the world around them [29] Sports and Paralympic Journey - Sport played a crucial role in the speaker's life before and after the accident, becoming a central part of her rehabilitation and identity [5][10] - The speaker transitioned from athletics (pole vaulting) to wheelchair basketball and later to para-alpine skiing [10][12][16] - The speaker participated in three Paralympic Games in wheelchair basketball, winning two bronze medals, and later competed in para-alpine skiing at the Beijing Paralympic Games [15][19][20] Role Model and Social Impact - The speaker believes elite athletes have a responsibility to be role models for people with disabilities and society as a whole [24] - The speaker is an ambassador and board member of the Dear Kite Foundation, promoting sports for people with disabilities [26] - The speaker conducts school clinics to inspire children to overcome challenges and embrace essential life skills through sports [26][27]

Forbes’ first-ever Accessibility 100 highlights the biggest innovators and impact-makers in the field of accessibility for people with disabilities. https://t.co/ePqH5CVaQ0 https://t.co/zBgcTntjGX ...

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]

Policy Changes & Impact - President Trump is expected to sign a domestic policy package into law, including changes to Medicaid [1] - The new law will require many Medicaid enrollees to prove they work, study, or volunteer 80 hours a month [1] - Approximately 185 million Americans will be required to prove they work, study, or volunteer at least 80 hours a month, with some exceptions [5] - The Congressional Budget Office estimates $325 billion in savings from the work requirement change [8] Medicaid Enrollment & Challenges - An estimated 92% of Americans under 65 enrolled in Medicaid are already working [2] - Individuals, including caregivers, disabled people, and working people, risk losing Medicaid coverage due to work requirements [6] - In Arkansas, over 18000 people lost Medicaid coverage when the state implemented similar work requirements in 2018 [7] Individual Stories & Concerns - Kimberly Gallagher, a mother caring for her disabled son, fears losing Medicaid coverage due to the new work requirements [3][4] - Gallagher relinquished custody of her son in 2019 to receive payment from Missouri for being his full-time caregiver [9] - Gallagher expresses concern and seeks guarantees that the new policy will not affect disabled individuals relying on Medicaid [10]

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]