A Memorable Day at Sequoia Middle School

On December 5, 2024, I had the profound honor of speaking to the entire student body at Sequoia Middle School in Conejo Valley, California. This marked my 52nd event of the year and I had the privilege of teaching students how to embrace their differences as superpowers, empowering them to reach their dreams and change the world. Through my speech and engaging Q&A sessions, I encouraged them to see their unique qualities as sources of strength, building a mindset of inclusion and confidence. The students’ curiosity and candid questions made this experience especially memorable, and I’m excited to see how they’ll use their newfound perspectives to shape a brighter future.

Connecting Directly with Students

For years, I have spoken at numerous school districts, universities, and corporate settings, but this was the first time I had the opportunity to connect directly with students. Most of my educational talks are geared toward staff and faculty, focusing on how to foster inclusive learning environments. Addressing students directly felt different—raw, genuine, and energizing. It was an experience that reaffirmed why I do what I do: to inspire understanding, challenge perceptions, and cultivate inclusion.

The Energy in the All-Purpose Room

The day began with students filing into the school’s All-Purpose Room in an orderly yet excited fashion. Teachers guided them to sit cross-legged on the floor in straight lines, preparing for the sessions. Over 400 students attended each of the two sessions—one at 8:45 a.m. and the other at 10:15 a.m. The energy in the room was palpable, a mix of curiosity and eagerness to learn.

Sharing the Heart of Inclusion

My speech blended elements from my TEDx talk, Disabling Ableism: The Modern Pathway to Inclusion, and my signature presentation, Heart of Inclusion. The message was clear: inclusion is not just a policy or a framework; it’s a mindset and a practice that transforms lives. I shared personal stories of navigating the world as a wheelchair user, shedding light on the barriers—both physical and societal—that people with disabilities often face. But more importantly, I highlighted the power of allyship, empathy, and creating spaces where everyone belongs.

Overcoming Accessibility Challenges

One of the unique aspects of this event was the setting. Due to what I would learn was an unrepaired lift that prevented me from accessing the stage, Principal Martin Nichols and I had previously arranged for me to deliver my talk at floor level, right alongside the students. His commitment to inclusivity was evident, and his efforts to accommodate me highlighted the importance of allyship in action. This setup brought an intimacy to the sessions that I hadn’t experienced before. Being at eye level with the students created a powerful connection, reinforcing the idea that inclusion starts with meeting people where they are.

Engaging in Honest Dialogue

The highlight of each session was the Q&A portion. Principal Nichols facilitated by calling on students to ask their questions, and the result was an array of unfiltered, heartfelt inquiries. “Can you drive?” one student asked. “What kind of car do you drive?” another followed. Some questions were deeply practical, like “How do you get out of bed?” while others were playful and filled with admiration: “Can you do a handstand in a skate park in your wheelchair?” and “Are you a Paralympian?”

Their curiosity was refreshing and authentic. Unlike the more questions I often receive at corporate or academic events, these students spoke from the heart. I beamed with every question, answering with enthusiasm and gratitude. It was a reminder that fostering curiosity and openness in young minds is crucial to dismantling stereotypes about disability.

The Broader Mission of Disability Inclusion

As someone who advocates for disability inclusion, moments like these underscore the importance of representation and dialogue. When we talk about creating a more inclusive world, it’s not just about policies or accessibility measures—it’s about changing mindsets. By engaging with these students, I hoped to plant seeds of awareness and understanding that would grow as they navigate their own lives.

A Day of Gratitude and Inspiration

As I reflect on this day, I am filled with gratitude. Speaking directly to students allowed me to witness the impact of my work in real-time. Their questions, their smiles, and their engagement reaffirmed my belief that the next generation holds incredible potential to drive change. If even one student left that room with a deeper understanding of inclusion and the role they can play in fostering it, then the day was a resounding success.

A Challenge for the Future

As I closed each session, I left the students with a challenge: to be curious, to ask questions, and to see the world through the lens of possibility. Inclusion starts with understanding, and understanding begins with dialogue. I’m hopeful that this dialogue will continue in their classrooms, their homes, and their communities.

This event wasn’t just another stop on my speaking tour; it was a deeply meaningful experience that reminded me of why I embarked on this journey. Disability inclusion is not just my message; it’s my mission. And days like this, surrounded by eager young minds, reaffirm that it’s a mission worth pursuing.