Celebrating National Disability Employment Awareness Month: Inspiring Voices to Lead the Conversation
05 Sep 2025
Every October, National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) highlights the vital contributions of people with disabilities to America’s workplaces and economy. As organizations plan events to commemorate NDEAM on October 23, APB proudly represents a group of powerful speakers whose lived experiences and insights can spark transformative conversations. These thought leaders not only share their stories of resilience and achievement but also provide actionable strategies for building more inclusive environments.
Here are five keynote speakers whose voices will elevate your event:
Writer, educator, and disability advocate Rebekah Taussig is the author of Sitting Pretty: The View from My Ordinary Resilient Disabled Body. With warmth, humor, and honesty, she breaks down stereotypes about disability and brings audiences into deeper conversations about accessibility, belonging, and representation. Her talks empower organizations to think differently about inclusion in everyday life.
Paralyzed from the chest down after a diving accident at the age of 15, Torsten Gross has become an extreme sports enthusiast and accessibility champion. As one of the first quadriplegic Ironman finishers, he inspires audiences with his story of grit, endurance, and adaptive innovation. His message motivates teams and organizations to push past perceived limitations and to create opportunities where others might see barriers.
Former professional snowboarder Kevin Pearce experienced a life-changing traumatic brain injury while training for the Olympics. His recovery journey led him to co-found LoveYourBrain, a foundation that promotes brain health and supports those affected by traumatic brain injury. Kevin’s powerful story resonates deeply, offering lessons in resilience, mindfulness, and the importance of supportive communities.
Actress, writer, and disability advocate Lauren “Lolo” Spencer is breaking barriers in Hollywood. Diagnosed with ALS at age 14, she has gone on to star in critically acclaimed roles, including HBO’s Insecure. As a speaker, she challenges ableist assumptions, promotes authentic representation, and inspires audiences to see disability not as a limitation but as a source of strength and creativity.
The first blind contestant and winner of FOX’s MasterChef, Christine Ha is now an acclaimed chef, restaurateur, and cookbook author. Her story demonstrates that with determination and innovation, barriers can be overcome in even the most competitive environments. Christine speaks on perseverance, adaptive leadership, and the value of creating inclusive spaces where all talents can thrive.
Entrepreneur and disability advocate Lindsay Wrege is the co-founder and CEO of 321 Coffee, a company that employs individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. What began as a student-led startup has grown into a thriving business model for inclusion and innovation. Lindsay’s talks inspire audiences with her vision for creating meaningful employment opportunities, breaking down barriers in the workplace, and reimagining what inclusive leadership looks like.