Lucia Rios has been a lifelong resident of West Michigan. Born with spina bifida, she has used crutches and a wheelchair since childhood. Lucia has never seen her disability as something that limits what she can do, but it has given her many opportunities she wouldn’t have had otherwise. She feels having a disability is not the barrier, but it’s the attitudes and physical structures around her that create a disabling environment.
It was while attending college that her awareness for discrimination and disability issues took place. Having a physical disability prepared her for challenges, but it was not until she had to maneuver through an older campus that access played a key role in her life. While advocating for herself on campus, she found herself advocating for others with disabilities. Her passion for making others aware about issues people with disabilities faced on campus was so strong. Because of this she used her writing assignments as a way to reach her peers and professors without disabilities.
For the past 11 years she has worked for a non-profit disability organization. She educates the community about disability etiquette, accessibility and employment barriers, as well as provides training to youth with disabilities. She is an active freelance writer for a local publication and coordinates social media efforts for a small business.
Lucia encourages everyone to look past the exterior of someone and truly get to know the person for who he or she is. She encourages you not to let assumptions or fear prevent you from meeting some awesome individuals.
Check out her blog posts:
The Makings of an Advocate ... Part 2
The Makings of an Advocate ... Part 1
We've All Got a Story to Share, What's Yours?
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