Sometimes it is an incidental advocate, a teacher, a family member or friend who can change the course of our lives.. The power that one person, one experience, negative or positive can have on us cannot be underestimated. It is often not until we are old enough to reflect that […]
Platform Stories
Happy Anniversary!
Have you ever reflected on your life and thought… how did I get here? Well today is that day of reflection for me. Today, 39 years ago, my life changed forever. I was a young, confident energetic 15-year-old girl, doing what I loved the most, riding horses and hanging out […]
A conversation with Nadeera Vasu
In our latest Inspired story, we meet a young woman who came into this world a fighter, already with assumptions made by others about how her future would look. Born with a series of broken bones, and challenges for survival, this remarkable young woman has not only survived, but thrived […]
A conversation with Hannah Setzer
We’re all different – whether you have disabilities, scars, tattoos, light skin, dark skin and other outward differences or not. The point is that some of our differences are visible, and some are not. As humans, it’s natural for us to notice our differences, but for those with visible […]
A conversation with Fiona Donaldson
At the ripe old age of 19, Fiona Donaldson had to deal with being misunderstood and misdiagnosed when she was struck very suddenly with the symptoms of what was finally diagnosed as Transverse Myelitis. After rehabilitation, and in the process of adjusting to her “new” world, Fiona was able to […]
A Conversation with Ariana Garcia
This edition of Inspired has struck a chord with me, far beyond what I had imagined when I first made contact with Ariana Garcia through social media. In bringing her story to you, I make no apologies for the seriousness of my words of introduction. In days gone by, issues […]
A Conversation with Marina Nakhla
Marina has always loved science. Her long-term goal is to earn a Ph.D., so she can work as a clinical psychologist and continue conducting research in neuropsychology. Marina is using her ability and curiosity to challenge stereotypes, not only of women in science, but of women with disabilities in this […]
A conversation with Ariana Covarrubias
Our skin is a big deal – literally. It’s the largest organ in the body, has a surface area of around 2 square metres and is one of the most complicated organs we have. The skin is our body’s coat. It protects us and we probably all take this amazing […]
A conversation with Tali Maron
It is heartening to know that much is being done to create a world where women of any age, size, race and ability can be fit, strong and love their bodies. How then do you deal with discovering that your body that doesn’t want to play the game, and step up to the challenges of a diagnosis with no treatments and no cure?
A conversation with Daengmani Sibounheung
Globally, the statistics tell us that over 1 billion people live with a disability, and 80% of them live in a developing country. The cycle of poverty and disability can only be broken if the rights and needs of people with disabilities are addressed. I am so happy to know […]
A Conversation with Phoukhong Phengsy
Our latest Inspired contributor is Phoukong. This young woman has taken up the challenge of finding employment – not an easy task in a country with limited opportunities for most, and made more challenging when you add disability to the mix. Phoukhong reminds us that, with support anything is possible. […]
A conversation with Done Sayachack
Did you know that Laos is home to many rare and unique and exotic animals including tigers, black bears, elephants, deer, dolphins, gibbons, giant catfish and crocodiles? What you may not know is that Laos is also home to some of the most dangerous snakes in the world. Done Sayachak […]