[Music] I'm going to start off by asking us some questions that I want us to reflect on and stay with it while I do my session. Have we ever had to learn in the same classroom with somebody living with disability. Have we ever had that one classmate that always repeated every class. [Music] Have we always had that classmate that when it is time for us to get our results, we already know the person that will carry the class and we know the person that will have all the awards.If you have all those answers, p ...

Learning Disabilities & Education - Learning disabilities affect approximately 15% of the US population [5] - Significant gap exists in graduation rates between students with and without learning disabilities, highlighting the need for improved support systems in higher education [6] - Educators should be trained on different types of learning disabilities and adapt teaching styles to students' needs [17] - Students should openly discuss their learning styles with instructors to find the best solutions for success [17] - Schools can incorporate technology like speech-to-text software and interactive learning tools to improve student engagement and comprehension [23] - With accommodations like speech-to-text, extra time on exams, and note-taking assistance, students can significantly improve academic performance [24] Mentorship & Support - Mentorship is key to success, helping individuals transform weaknesses into superpowers by fostering unique problem-solving skills and creative thinking [25][26] - Embracing different learning styles can lead to innovative ways of learning [26] Overcoming Challenges & Building Resilience - Overcoming challenges associated with learning disabilities builds resilience and adaptability, turning perceived limitations into strengths [27] - Patience and understanding are needed for individuals with learning disabilities, avoiding labels like "slow" or "lazy" [21][22] - Challenges are neurological or cognitive and can be supported with the right accommodations or strategies [22]

Personal Background & Challenges - The speaker's early life was marked by instability, violence, and exposure to drug cartels, leading to a search for belonging in harmful environments [1] - The speaker was diagnosed with ADHD and learning disabilities, which initially made school difficult until academic accommodations were received [1] - The speaker experienced a significant decline in academic performance and self-worth at Berkeley after discontinuing academic accommodations, leading to feelings of being a fraud [1] Turning Points & Community - Community college provided a transformative experience through mentorship and student leadership opportunities [1] - A youth mentoring program invitation from UC Berkeley Disability Service Office became a pivotal moment, leading to self-acceptance and community involvement [1] - Attending a national student conference revealed the potential of neurodiversity and the importance of embracing differences [3][4] Neurodiversity Advocacy & Impact - The speaker emphasizes the importance of building communities where individuals can be authentic and accepted for who they are [8] - The Neurodiversity Alliance aims to rewrite the narrative around neurodiversity, promoting dignity and potential fulfillment [9] - The speaker advocates for owning one's true self rather than masking differences to defy the odds [11]