Events
Unlearning Ableism: Disability in the Age of Social Media
Event Start Date: Thursday, July 17, 2025 - 1:00 pm
Event End Date: Thursday, July 17, 2025 - 2:00 pm
Location: Virtual / Zoom EST
In celebration of Disability Pride Month, the National Organization on Disability is sitting down with a panel of disability influencers, activists, and personalities to discuss what it means to be truly inclusive, combat ableism, and the role mental health plays in online advocacy.
MODERATOR:
Paulina Romero | Senior Manager, Partnerships, NOD
PANELISTS:
Cole & Charisma Sydnor | Roll with Cole & Charisma
-
As an interabled, interracial couple, Cole and Charisma aim to challenge stereotypes, promote understanding, and highlight the realities of navigating life and dating while using a wheelchair. Despite the differences they face, their relationship is rooted in joy, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to positivity. Their platform reflects their shared belief in embracing life fully, fostering connection, and maintaining an uplifting outlook—regardless of circumstance.
Catarina Rivera | Blindish Latina
- Catarina Rivera, MSEd, MPH, CPACC is a public speaker and DEIA consultant with over 14 years of experience in the public sector. Catarina works with companies to improve disability awareness, inclusion, and accessibility. She is the founder of Blindish Latina, a platform smashing disability stigmas through storytelling and advocacy. Catarina has worn hearing aids from a young age and was diagnosed with a progressive vision disability at 17 years old. She has a BA from Duke University, an MSEd from Bank Street College of Education, and an MPH from Hunter College. Catarina is a Certified Professional in Accessibility Core Competencies (IAAP).
Accessibility:
Captions and ASL Sign Language Interpreter will be provided.
Accommodations + Questions:
Please contact events@nod.org with your request or inquiry.
In celebration of Disability Pride Month, the National Organization on Disability is sitting down with a panel of disability influencers, activists, and personalities to discuss what it means to be truly inclusive, combat ableism, and the role mental health plays in online advocacy.
MODERATOR:
Paulina Romero | Senior Manager, Partnerships, NOD
PANELISTS:
Cole & Charisma Sydnor | Roll with Cole & Charisma
-
As an interabled, interracial couple, Cole and Charisma aim to challenge stereotypes, promote understanding, and highlight the realities of navigating life and dating while using a wheelchair. Despite the differences they face, their relationship is rooted in joy, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to positivity. Their platform reflects their shared belief in embracing life fully, fostering connection, and maintaining an uplifting outlook—regardless of circumstance.
Catarina Rivera | Blindish Latina
- Catarina Rivera, MSEd, MPH, CPACC is a public speaker and DEIA consultant with over 14 years of experience in the public sector. Catarina works with companies to improve disability awareness, inclusion, and accessibility. She is the founder of Blindish Latina, a platform smashing disability stigmas through storytelling and advocacy. Catarina has worn hearing aids from a young age and was diagnosed with a progressive vision disability at 17 years old. She has a BA from Duke University, an MSEd from Bank Street College of Education, and an MPH from Hunter College. Catarina is a Certified Professional in Accessibility Core Competencies (IAAP).
Accessibility:
Captions and ASL Sign Language Interpreter will be provided.
Accommodations + Questions:
Please contact events@nod.org with your request or inquiry.