Jessica Smith is not just another Paralympian. She has a unique perspective on her disability that she wants to share with the world. In a world where physical perfection is often praised and disabilities are often stigmatized, Jessica champions the idea that all bodies are worthy of love, respect, and admiration. In this Forbes feature, we get to know Jessica and learn about her journey as a Paralympian and advocate for disability rights. Join us as we delve into Jessica’s story and gain insights into why she wants people to see her disability.

Paralympian Jessica Smith On Why She Wants People To See Her Disability | Forbes

Introduction

16% of the global population has a disability, yet people with disabilities are not represented enough. Disabled individuals face numerous challenges in their daily lives, making it difficult to access opportunities and earn a living wage. However, Paralympian Jessica Smith is making a difference in the lives of disabled individuals by advocating for disabled inclusion. She is a Paralympian, author, and founder of atilus, a non-profit organization focused on empowering people with disabilities. In this article, we will explore Jessica Smith’s journey and her work towards creating an inclusive society.

Jessica Smith’s Journey

Jessica Smith was born with a rare blood disorder that required amputation of both her legs above the knee. Smith did not let her disability define her, and she pursued her passion for sports. She became a world-class Paralympian and won numerous medals in the sport of swimming. Smith also became a published author and advocate for disabled people.

Atilus and its Mission

Atilus is a non-profit organization founded by Smith in 2020. Atilus aims at empowering people with disabilities through adaptive sports and outdoor recreation. The organization’s goal is to enable disabled individuals to develop self-confidence, build a supportive community, and gain access to opportunities previously unavailable to them. Atilus organizes inclusive events, such as kayaking, hiking, skiing, and many more, which help to create a sense of belonging and promote physical and mental wellbeing.

Forbes and Disabled Inclusion

Forbes offers premium journalism for subscribers that members can access through exclusive events, video content, newsletters, and an ad-light experience . Forbes covers various topics, including entrepreneurship, wealth, technology, and lifestyle. The focus of Forbes is on people and their success stories, including disabled individuals like Jessica Smith.

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Conclusion

Jessica Smith is not just a Paralympian and author, but also an advocate for disabled inclusion. She has worked tirelessly to create opportunities for disabled individuals through her organization, Atilus. Forbes’ focus on highlighting successful people and their stories, including people with disabilities like Smith, is an excellent example of the kind of representation needed in the media.

FAQs

1. What is the percentage of the global population with a disability?
   Ans. 16% of the global population has a disability.

2. What is Atilus?
   Ans. Atilus is a non-profit organization founded by Jessica Smith in 2020.

3. What is the mission of Atilus?
   Ans. Atilus aims at empowering people with disabilities through adaptive sports and outdoor recreation.

4. What topics does Forbes cover?
   Ans. Forbes covers topics related to entrepreneurship, wealth, technology, and lifestyle.

5. Where can I find Forbes?
   Ans. Forbes can be found on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.