As the Disability Diplomat™ I work with organizations that want to grow profits and transform cultures by increasing disability access and inclusion. I serve as co-founder and leader of the Accessible NSA community group (promoting disability access and inclusion in the professional speaking and events industry). I am the former chairperson of the Arlington Mayor’s Committee on People with Disabilities and founder and past chairperson of the Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Committee for NSA-NT. I’ve served on advisory committees for national employment, regional transportation, and ADA Access for both AT&T Stadium, and Globe Life Field.

What audiences you speak for?

Because my topic area is very niched down, my audiences are broad. I speak mainly to municipalities, and those in the sports & entertainment, meetings & events, and travel & hospitality industries.

What led you to this career?

 With a lifetime of disability experience and the goal of “making accessibility accessible,” I’ve been a leader in the cross-disability community for the last twenty-nine years. I began singing professionally in high school, working as a private vocal coach while earning my master’s degree in Counseling. My greatest joy and strength as a personal and career counselor were equipping clients with the skills and resources necessary for self-empowerment. I began volunteering with various disability nonprofits and soon became both passionate about and recognized for my work as an advocate, rather than a therapist. I began receiving invitations to speak on the topic of disability access and employment locally, regionally, and nationally. This, combined with my early experience as a performer, made the  transition to professional speaking and consulting a natural one.

What’s one professional skill you’re currently working on?

Besides networking and follow up, I’m focusing on providing more visual accommodation to my clients in terms of PowerPoint and other forms of visual media (in which I don’t excel).

What’s your go-to productivity trick?

I am so *not* the productivity queen! I’m learning to calendar everything and break down tasks into easily attainable, quantifiable steps.

Who has influenced you most when it comes to how you approach your work?

There are SO many generous peeps in our industry who have mentored (and continue to mentor) me. A few who come to mind are:

• Ruby Newell-Legner (for her timeless generosity and presence).
• Jennifer Darling (for her excellent coaching and uncanny discernment to know when it’s time to hold my and when it’s time to kick my backside.

and

• NSA-Nt’s amazing Peggy Edge (for her generosity of spirit in sharing her wealth of networking, entrepreneurial, and LinkedIn wisdom, reveling with me in my celebrations and continuing to challenge me to go beyond my comfort zone).

What’s a mistake you made early on in your career, and what did you learn from it?

I’m still learning from this one. I let it paralyze and keep me stuck for years. Recognizing that none of us has all the answers. I guess it’s a lot like “shiny object syndrome” or thinking that everyone had the magic pill but me. This business is not a “plug-n-play” formula. No matter how put together others appear, we’re all still testing things (to greater and lesser extents) as we go along. “Not knowing” outcomes and best approaches is OK and to be expected–no matter how long you’ve been in this business. Keep pitching ideas and generating approaches. The right one for you will eventually stick.

What’s a work-related accomplishment that you’re really proud of?

In November 2021, I was appointed “Disability Access Lead” for the Dallas World Cup 2026 Human Rights Leadership Team (developing the first human rights plan for sport).

What being a member of NSA-NT means to you (testimonial) 

In my experience, there’s no other industry where successful members share both their expertise and time  so readily with other association members.   Have never known a group of individuals who are more thoughtful, caring, and generous of spirit than my NSA-NT family!

Something personal you want us to know- can be about family, a vacation, a favorite food- anything you care to share.

I’m the proud mom of three compassionate and successful young adults (including my new daughter-in-love). I love people, parties, dark chocolate, karaoke, and walks and snuggles with my rockstar guide dog and canine partner-in-crime, Wella.

Contact info and Social Media info:

Website:

https://disabilitydiplomat.com/

Email:

Donna@DisabilityDiplomat.com

LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/disabilitydiplomat/

Newsletter Subscription:

https://disabilitydiplomat.com/newsletter-subscription/