Wrapping Up Disability Pride Month: A Year-Round Commitment
Alexa Orban • July 31, 2024

As seen on cephable.com

As Disability Pride Month comes to a close, I’ve been reflecting on the significance of this month and what it means to me personally. While disability is a central part of my life, it might not be for many of you—and that’s okay! 

From my journey with cerebral palsy, my advocacy and education efforts, to my role at Cephable, disability is a constant presence in my life. It shapes my experiences from the moment I wake up until I go to sleep. 


As we wrap up this month, I’d like to share a few things that can help us all keep the momentum and action of Disability Pride alive throughout the year. 


1. Education 


If you’re not sure where to start learning about disability, I highly recommend these books: 

  • Emily Ladau’s Demystifying Disability: This book provides an excellent foundation for understanding the broad spectrum of disability and the experiences of those within the disabled community. 
  • Alice Wong’s Disability Visibility: First-Person Stories from the Twenty-First Century: A powerful anthology of essays by disabled authors, offering a wide range of perspectives and experiences. 
  • Rebekah Taussig’s Sitting Pretty: The View from My Ordinary Resilient Disabled Body: A collection of essays that offer a nuanced and engaging perspective on life as a disabled person. 

 There are so many more resources that I can list- it’s always great to see what others are sharing and talking about in the community. 


2. Stories 


Five years ago, I began sharing my personal story of living with cerebral palsy. While my perspective is just one among many, it’s crucial to recognize that disability is not a one-size-fits-all experience. I encourage you to explore and learn from the diverse stories and experiences of others within the disabled community. 


Here are a few ways to explore these stories: 

  • Social Media and Blogs: Follow disabled creators and activists who share their experiences and insights online. 
  • Podcasts: There are numerous podcasts hosted by disabled individuals, covering a wide range of topics from daily life to advocacy and activism. Some notable ones include Disability Visibility by Alice Wong and The Accessible Stall by Kyle Khachadurian and Emily Ladau. 
  • Documentaries and Films: Visual storytelling can be a powerful way to understand the lived experiences of disabled people. Films like Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution and documentaries available on various streaming platforms offer compelling insights. 
  • Community Engagement: Attend events, webinars, and discussions. Engaging in these conversations can provide deeper, firsthand perspectives on the diverse experiences within the community. 

3. Accessibility 


Disability Pride Month is deeply rooted in the concept of accessibility, defined as “the quality of being able to be reached or entered.” The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), signed into law in 1990, was a monumental step toward accessibility. However, we still have a long way to go. Through my work at Cephable, our team is committed to enhancing digital accessibility, and contributing to the broader movement for a more inclusive world, but it doesn’t stop with us. 

Accessibility is more than just checking the box for an accommodation. A great take on accessibility can be found on Julia Franklin’s blog post: Is Creativity Accessible in the Workplace? The Power of Playfulness & Inclusion   


4. Support 


Reflecting on the support I’ve received from my family, particularly my mom, reminds me of the importance of allyship. Her unwavering encouragement has been invaluable to me. Becoming an ally to the disabled community can take many forms, from supporting loved ones to engaging with and sharing content from disabled creators on social media. 

As we conclude Disability Pride Month, let’s remember that disability and accessibility are not just topics for one month—they’re year-round commitments. Thank you for taking the time to reflect with me. Let’s continue to advocate for and celebrate accessibility every day. 

Stepping into Someone Else’s Shoes: A Journey with Mild Cerebral Palsy and Adaptive Footwear

By Alexa Orban • August 12, 2024
Imagine stepping into someone else’s shoes for a day. How would it change your perspective? This idea isn't just a metaphor for me; it’s a daily reality. Living life with mild cerebral palsy has transformed how I view disability, accessibility, and the importance of mobility aids. There's a stigma that disability is something you can see—a visible marker that someone might need accommodations. But not all disabilities are visible. My journey with mild cerebral palsy has taught me that what you see on the surface doesn’t always tell the whole story. On the outside, I might look like I don’t need any accommodations, but the truth is, accessibility tools and mobility aids help me navigate my day-to-day life effectively and comfortably. The Impact of Accessibility: Why Mobility Aids Matter Mobility aids aren’t just tools- they help maintain independence, comfort, and confidence. When you think about accessibility, it’s not just about large-scale changes, like ramps or elevators. For many people, the smaller, personal tools can have the most significant impact. Adaptive footwear has supported my ability to stay active and mobile. It’s about more than just walking; it’s about moving through life with ease and reducing the physical impacts that can come with cerebral palsy. For such a long time I didn't want to use mobility aids. I felt like I didn't 'need' them, and I didn't want to stick out for wearing an AFO or adpative shoe. What I was holding myself back from was more comfort and less recovery. If you've been thinking of adding mobility aids into your life- I say go for it. A piece of advice that I received from an older person living with CP is that he wished he took care of his body when he was younger. My motto is to make the changes now so I can stay mobile tomorrow. People with CP use 3x to 5x more energy than people without it, and yes, that includes mental energy, as we have to think more about every move we make. -CPARF Cadense Adaptive Footwear: A Game Changer One product that has truly made a difference for me is the Cadense adaptive shoe . Designed with inclusivity in mind, Cadense shoes cater to a wide range of mobility, making them an essential part of my daily routine. Because I have drop foot on one leg, these sneakers help correct my gait and stop me from tripping multiple times a day. Cadense understands that disabilities exist on a spectrum, and their footwear reflects this understanding with features like easy entry and exit, enhanced stability, and support. If you asked me 10 years ago if I would've called an adaptive shoe stylish I would've told you 'no way!,' here I am today loving the look and fit of these shoes. You can learn more about their innovative designs and commitment to accessibility by visiting Cadense . Changing the Narrative: Disability on a Spectrum When you step into someone else’s shoes— you begin to see life through their perspective. You start to understand that disability is not a one-size-fits-all model. Disabilities exist on a spectrum, and each person's experience is unique. For me, that experience includes navigating life with cerebral palsy, and finding the right tools to help me along the way. This journey is about changing the narrative—one step at a time. It’s about recognizing that everyone’s path is different, and that’s okay. I'd like to leave you today with a message that having mobility aids or adding them to your accessiblity suite is OKAY! If it changes the quality of your life for the better, it's worth it every time. A Personal Thank You to Cadense I’m incredibly grateful to Cadense for partnering with me and supporting this piece of my story. Their commitment to accessibility and inclusivity has made an impact on my daily life, and I’m excited to continue this journey, sharing my experiences and advocating for a more inclusive world.

Alexa, You have Cerebral Palsy?

By Thomas Karas • December 12, 2022
"I didn’t know that these sneakers would forever leave a memory as I walked onto the bus for the first day of first grade. That day was the first time I knew I was different."