People often ask why I started my business, (“what’s my why?”). I am passionate about helping people learn & become successful leaders, but there is a deeper reason…
Saturday, July 26, 2025, was the 35th anniversary of The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. This legislation made many improvements possible we may take for granted today: designated/accessible parking spaces, automatic doors, braille signage, closed captioning & workplace accommodations. We don’t notice these things unless we (or our loved ones) have experienced a significant “before & after” life event that makes them a necessity.
I had orthopedic surgery on my right foot in 2017. I collapsed at home 5 days later from multiple blood clots in my lungs that almost took my life. My lungs fully recovered, but my foot surgery was deemed a failure. The surgeon did not stick to the plan we agreed on beforehand. As a result, I experienced significant nerve pain & was unable to walk, stand, or drive for any length of time. I resided on the upper floor of my home for about 2 years & I could not walk down a flight of stairs reciprocally until the summer of 2022.
After traveling the country to get several opinions, I met a pain management specialist at Cleveland Clinic who located the affected nerve in my foot. I spent 400+ days in an appeal process with my insurance company to receive approval for a temporary, peripheral nerve stimulator ( SPRINTPNS). I completed 4 trials with the device (60 days/year through 2023).
I live with what is known as a dynamic disability. Most days I do well, but the nerve pain limits my mobility on others. I use a handicap parking placard when needed & sometimes I utilize the wheelchair transport at the airport. You may see me sitting & you will notice me wearing dark tennis shoes.
I exited the traditional workforce to prioritize my recovery & began providing HR consulting services. A couple of years ago, I formed R U Ready To Achieve, LLC. This was a way for me to take back some control, as a female, disabled, small business owner. I made a goal to be more vulnerable this year & this is the first time I am sharing my story on this platform. Below is a picture of the tattoo I got of one of my favorite sayings, “Healing is Not Linear.” I learned there are often many ups & downs along the way. Things may never go back to your “before,” but it’s always possible to still have a meaningful “after.”
The saying is true, “Be kind, everyone is fighting a battle you know nothing about.” Look out for people in wheelchair/scooters, offer to open/hold a door for someone, be patient when folks are slowly making their way through a crosswalk & see if there is reasonable accommodation(s) that can be made for an employee to remain part of your company. Happy 35th Anniversary ADA – I am forever thankful!
