- Disability EmpowHer Network supports girls with disabilities through mentorship, career coaching and camping programs
- The EmpowHer Summer Camp encourages girls ages 13-18 to apply.
- 100% of participants reported an increase in confidence
“As a young woman with a disability, I had no successful disabled women role models to look up to. I did not see myself represented anywhere,” says United Spinal Association member Stephanie Woodward.
Now a successful adult woman, Stephanie’s experience inspired her to found the Disability EmpowHer Network. The group supports and motivates girls with disabilities to reach their highest potential and become confident leaders.
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“Studies show that disabled girls and women need mentors,” says Stephanie. “They have lower self-esteem and a higher need for positive adult role models with disabilities because there is less visibility of successful disabled women in our culture. Women with disabilities experience higher unemployment rates and often earn less than their nondisabled peers.”
To address those issues, EmpowHer provides disabled girls with successful disabled women mentors. They form connections, learn from each other, and become more confident.
Building confidence and connections through camping
Applications are now being accepted for the July 30 – Aug. 4 EmpowHer Camp. This summer program brings disabled women and girls from across the country to New York’s beautiful Adirondack mountain region.
During the week, they learn about disaster preparedness and basic survival skills while developing independent living and leadership capabilities. Each girl is paired with a mentor for a year, and they meet regularly to talk about school and life and even complete a community impact project.
The group reunites in Washington, D.C., the following summer for participants to present their projects, meet with Congress and explore how they have grown as leaders.
“My participation in EmpowHer camp has helped me become a more flexible, more independent, more confident person. My experience in Washington, D.C., helped me gain some independence and figure out what assistive technology works best for me,” said one girl.
Learn more about EmpowHer Camp and apply for the summer of 2023!
Offering career development opportunities
EmpowHer also provides public speaking and career coaching through the EmpowHer Expressions program. The virtual eight-week course aims to help girls build confidence and skills to achieve their career goals. The next cohort begins in March, and applications will be accepted through February 20th.
“Working with Disability EmpowHer Network for public speaking class helped me land a new management-level position with a 50% salary increase! Moreover, I have been able to connect with peers with disabilities and achieve a sense of community and a greater sense of comfort with my identity as a disabled woman,” says participant Katie Shelley.
The importance and impact of mentorship
The organization also connects girls with disabilities from across the country to receive a personalized letter from a positive disabled woman role model.
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Maddie, a 14-year-old transracial adoptee who uses a wheelchair, was matched with Mia Ives-Rublee, who shares similar identities. The program has been instrumental in helping Maddie find confidence in herself and her identity, according to her mom.
“As Maddie’s mom, I deeply love all aspects of her identity, and I encourage her to take pride in who she is. I do my best to help her identify and navigate ableism and racism. The reality, however, is that I cannot know what it’s like for her to move through the world. I am so grateful that she now knows someone out there truly gets it and can reassure her it will get easier.”
Please get in touch with our Community Support team for more information about United Spinal’s chapters and programs. Join us by signing up for a free membership. To support our mission, donate here.
