Representation on International Day of Persons with Disabilities

In 2023, I became Speaker Slam's #2 Inspirational Speaker of the Year. But today, on International Day of Persons with Disabilities, this post is about more than just me.

In 2024, Paralympic multi-gold medallist, the only other person I'd ever met (at that point) also born with a neuromuscular disorder and my icon, Danielle Campo McLeod, won the title of #1 Inspirational Speaker of the Year.

A week and a half ago, fellow resilience speaker + disability advocate Michelle Weger, won the title of #1 Inspirational Speaker of the Year too.

Back in 2023, I met Chris Ruden, who was already a successful disability inclusion speaker — when I first heard him speak, I was in awe and felt such a strong connection to his journey.

Through keeping up with Chris online, I connected with Dustin Giannelli (who I'll hopefully meet someday!), and joined their Paid 2 Present program, which supports disability inclusion speakers in their business. Through the cohort, I've been able to connect with 30 other disability advocates.

When I was a kid/teenager, I didn't have a diagnosis for the muscle disability I was born with, so I didn't know how (or want) to talk about it. I also didn't know anyone else with a disability I could relate to, so I never heard other people talking about theirs either.

Until my mid-20s, I had no idea a disability community existed, so even after my diagnosis of my rare muscle disorder, it felt like a lonely experience.

Little Lauren would be shocked that not only do I talk about my disability now, I have incredible friends, mentors and peers with disabilities too.

That I turned a part of myself that I denied for so long, into a career.

And that I'm part of the representation now that I never knew back then I wanted to see.

And to me, that's what International Day of Persons with Disabilities is about: representation.

It's recognizing not just the success and accomplishments of people with disabilities, but our stories, our community, and our humanity.

So lucky to be in community with some amazing people! 🎉🫶🏽✨