Code, Cerebral Palsy, and Compassion: My Journey into Tech

The WHO estimates roughly 1 in 6 people globally have some type of disability. Those who don’t currently have a disability are all but guaranteed to have one at some point in their life. Whether facing the temporary challenges posed by a broken arm or the tenacious adaptations that accompany the journey of aging, we find ourselves interconnected by the threads of resilience and adaptability.

I was born with a disability called Cerebral Palsy (CP), CP represents a group of neurological disorders that affect muscle control. My case is mild, yet it transforms everyday tasks into intricate and unnecessary puzzles. Throughout my life, my struggles have afforded me a unique perspective on problem-solving. Meanwhile, my struggles with self-acceptance have dragged behind me like an anchor- often slowing me down more than my physical limitations.

In this session, I invite you to join me on my journey toward self-acceptance. I'll share the profound impact of the opportunities and individuals who have guided me along the way. Through award-winning poetry and personal stories, I'll illuminate my struggles and triumphs with CP. By the end of our time together, I hope that we will all leave with a deeper sense of self-love and a better understanding of the power of storytelling to bridge our shared human experiences.