In continuing my celebration of Disability Pride Month this July, I seized on the incredible opportunity to once again speak and attend the Rollettes Experience, a powerful event that empowers women with disabilities to live boundlessly and shift perspectives through dance. It was my second year participating as a special guest speaker and panelist, and this year was made even more special as I was joined by my twin sister, Regina, and her daughter, my niece, Ella!

At the Rollettes Experience, I led a Teen Talk as a follow up to the last year’s successful engagement and heartfelt moments with the young girls sharing stories about school, fitting in, family and finding friends. This year I also acted as moderator for the “Beyond the Vows” panel, which opened the discussion for the young women to hear stories from disabled adult women on dating, relationships, finding our partners and the perspectives of the well-rounded variety of the guest panelists ranging from inter-disability partnerships as well as me sharing how dual-disabled couples can also thrive in lasting bonds. Both sessions were filled with vulnerability, smiles, tears, laughs, commonality, and a strong sense of community. This event is a unique chance for us as disabled women to come together as a community, a rare opportunity to not be the only one. It’s a freeing and invaluable experience that I cherish deeply.

Family, Dance, and Community: Reflections on the Rollettes Experience

Together, we danced, rolled the red carpet, attended seminars, and enjoyed various events, all while coming together as empowered disabled women. Seeing Ella experience her first red carpet walk and wheelchair dance class was a highlight. She adapted her moves effortlessly, felt completely included, and became part of the community. It was a beautiful, full-circle moment that reminded me of when Regina and I were kids, and she would come to wheelchair sports camp with me.

Empowerment and Community at the Rollettes Experience: A Year of Growth and Connection

The Rollettes Experience, hosted by Chelsie Hill and the Rollettes, is more than just a dance event. It’s a four-day celebration of fun, community, and inspiring moments for women and girls with disabilities from around the globe. With seminars, dance classes, panels on advocacy, health, wellness, business, and much more, it’s an event that leaves a lasting impact.

Thank you to all the incredible women, including Andraéa LaVant, Ali Cameron, Chelsie Hill, and Ali Stroker, who made this year’s experience unforgettable.