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PeerConnect: Disability Pride Celebration
July 19, 2023 @ 5:00 pm CDT - 7:00 pm CDT
SPECIAL GUESTS:
Sarah Ferguson
Sarah is a rising senior at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill majoring in biology and neuroscience with a studio arts minor. She is living with Ehlers Danlos syndrome, dysautonomia, incomplete paraplegia, and is a stroke survivor. Crowned Ms. Wheelchair North Carolina USA 2023, Sarah's platform focuses on accessibility in higher education. She is the first wheelchair user to march in the UNC marching band, Go Heels!
Namel Norris
Namel Norris, the paraplegic hip-hop artist, has become a beacon of hope for those who face adversity. With an impressive resume that includes speaking at the White House, performing at the United Nations, and collaborating with icons such as Snoop Dogg and Stevie Wonder. He co-founded the 4 Wheel City movement, aimed at creating more opportunities for people with disabilities and combating gun violence among youth.
Annie Streit
Annie is the Grassroots Advocacy Manager for United Spinal Association. She helps manage nearly 1,800 registered advocates across the United States, facilitates multiple working groups, and provides advocacy initiative guidance and communication support for the Advocacy and Policy Team. Annie writes children’s books and speaks to various groups about her experiences after her spinal cord injury in May 2005.
Wendy Crawford
Growing into womanhood with a disability, Wendy noticed a lack of available information for women with disabilities. She has since devoted her life to raising awareness on issues that women with physical disabilities face. Wendy has developed many empowering initiatives including mobileWOMEN.org, an online magazine for women in wheelchairs; Raw Beauty Project, an innovative art platform that celebrates women with disabilities; and Raw Beauty Project Health, focuses on the disparities in healthcare that women with limited mobility experience.