AccessibiliTEA

In Episode 4 of AccessibiliTEA, we sit down with Mindy Henderson—Vice President of Disability Outreach and Empowerment at MDA, Editor-in-Chief of Quest Media, author, speaker, advocate, and longtime member of the SMA community.Mindy shares her journey of being diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) as a toddler, overcoming low expectations, navigating imposter syndrome in the workplace, and building a career centered around disability advocacy and empowerment. Together, we discuss representation in media, internalized ableism, accessible air travel, the importance of community, and why people with disabilities should never feel the need to "shrink to fit."Whether you're living with a disability, supporting someone who is, or passionate about creating a more inclusive world, this conversation is full of wisdom, encouragement, and practical insights.Topics discussed:• Living with SMA• Disability advocacy and empowerment• Imposter syndrome in the workplace• Internalized ableism• Representation and inclusion• Accessible travel• Building confidence and resilience• The power of disability communityTune in for an inspiring conversation about embracing who you are, challenging barriers, and creating meaningful change.

"Just when you think you're okay, you lose another ability."In this episode of AccessibiliTea, Becky Taylor shares her journey of living with Friedreich's ataxia for nearly 30 years while building a career she loves as an educator.From navigating mobility aids and maintaining independence to coping with grief, relationships, mental health, and the realities of a progressive condition, Becky offers an honest and inspiring look at life with FA.Whether you're living with a disability, supporting someone who is, or simply looking for a story of resilience, this conversation is one you won't want to miss.🎙️ Watch the full episode and hear Becky's incredible story.Subscribe on Youtube and follow us on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2tLDCmkJvG8CPEHd8LhswZ?si=c92e85bbb78c446f#FriedreichsAtaxia #FA #RareDisease #DisabilityAwareness #ChronicIllness #Accessibility #AdaptiveLiving #MentalHealth #RareDiseaseCommunity #DisabilityAdvocate #AccessibiliTea #RareDiseasePodcast

In Episode 2 of the AccessibiliTEA Podcast, Lauren and Kiersten open up about real-life experiences with ableism while living with Friedreich’s ataxia and other disabilities. From being mistaken as “drunk” in public to insensitive comments, inaccessible spaces, awkward interactions, and the emotional impact of constantly having to explain their disabilities, this episode dives into the realities many disabled people face every day.The conversation also highlights the importance of representation, accessibility, adaptive fashion and products, invisible disabilities, and how small acts of kindness and understanding can make a huge difference. Lauren and Kiersten share vulnerable personal stories, discuss frustrating public experiences, and react to powerful stories submitted by members of the disability community.This episode is honest, emotional, educational, and at times humorous — all with the goal of creating more awareness, understanding, and inclusion for people with disabilities.✨ Topics discussed:• Ableism and public misconceptions• Being mistaken as intoxicated because of disability symptoms• Invisible disabilities and mobility aids• Accessibility and adaptive products• Disability representation in media• How to respectfully interact with disabled individuals• Community-submitted ableism stories• Why advocacy and awareness matter🎙️ Follow AccessibiliTEA Podcast:Instagram & TikTok: @accessibilitea.podcastNew episodes every other Sunday at 6 PM Central.

Episode 1: Our Diagnosis Story | AccessibiliTEA Podcast ☕️In our very first episode of the AccessibiliTEA Podcast, we’re sharing the beginning of our journeys — our diagnosis stories.What started as small, confusing symptoms turned into life-changing news: a diagnosis of Friedreich’s ataxia (FA), a rare, progressive neuromuscular disorder. From doctor visits and misdiagnoses to finally getting answers, we open up about the fear, uncertainty, and emotions that came with it all.We talk about what it felt like to go from being active, able-bodied athletes to navigating life with a disability, the challenges of not having answers, and the moment everything changed. We also share how we each coped differently, the impact on our mental health, and how finding community completely shifted our perspective.This episode is raw, honest, and just the beginning of creating a safe space to talk about disability, raise awareness, and connect through shared experiences.Whether you’re part of the disability community, newly diagnosed, a caregiver, or just here to learn — you’re welcome here.☕️ New episodes bi weekly on Sundays 6pm central — don’t forget to follow and stay tuned.

Welcome to the AccessibiliTEA Podcast with Lauren & Kiersten ☕️A space for real stories, real experiences, and real conversations about disability.We’re starting at the beginning—our diagnosis stories 💬Episode 1 drops Sunday, May 3rd at 6PM CT.