Interviewed by our Different & Able President and Founder, Alexandra Nicklas, Jenni Ahtiainen, Founder & Head Designer at AIDesign and DEAFMETAL, discusses her hearing aid journey starting in 2018. Being involved with the fashion and music industry and her love for aesthetics, Jenni designed hearing aid jewelry collections for women, men, and children. The story of DEAFMETAL can be found here: The story behind DEAFMETAL® by its Designer Jenni Ahtiainen - YouTube.

Please see Jenni's photo biography below to learn more information about her work as a designer and her wearable art pieces.

Amanda Leduc is a disabled writer and author of the non-fiction book, Disfigured: On Fairy Tales, Disability and Making Space, which was published by Coach House Books in 2020 and shortlisted for the 2020 Governor General’s Award in Non-Fiction and longlisted for the 2020 Barbellion Prize. She is also the author of the novel, The Miracles of Ordinary Men, published in 2013 by ECW Press. Her new novel, The Centaur’s Wife, is out now with Random House Canada.  

Her essays and stories have appeared across Canada, the US, the UK, and Australia, and she speaks regularly across North America on accessibility and the role of disability in storytelling. She is represented by Samantha Haywood at the Transatlantic Agency. 

Born in British Columbia, she has lived in Ontario, England, BC, and Scotland, and holds a Master in Creative Writing from the University of St. Andrews. Amanda has cerebral palsy and presently makes her home in Hamilton, Ontario, where she lives with a very lovable, very destructive dog and serves as the Communications and Development Coordinator for the Festival of Literary Diversity (FOLD), Canada’s first festival for diverse authors and stories. 

Interviewed by our Different & Able President and Founder, Alexandra Nicklas, Amanda unpacks the many ingrained biases lurking in classic fairy tales, while also exploring her own experience with cerebral palsy. She also discusses the pedagogy of fairy tales, disability representation, writing tips, moving space, and responsible social media use for public figures. Amanda states, “Disability isn't visited on us in response to a grand, overarching narrative plan, but rather is a lived, complex reality that reimagines the very nature of how we move through and occupy space.”

Southern California native, Kiana Clay, has always had the need for speed since she can remember. From the time she could walk, she's always wanted to go fast. Whether it was on her skateboard, snowboard, scooter, bicycle, or roller blades, you'd find Kiana zooming around somewhere. At the age of 7, her father, Roger Clay, purchased her first motorcycle which was a PW80. She rode it in trails, tracks, and in her front yard. The first time she rode, she was hooked. By the age 11, she was competing nationwide on her KX and YZ85. Little did she know that the sport she loved would make her disabled. 

On November 18, 2006, Kiana was racing at Freestone County Raceway in Wortham Texas. As it had rained the day before, the track was muddy and deep. It was during practice when she crashed on the back side of the finish line jump from her back tire sliding out and got landed on by another rider that was right behind her. The front part of the other rider's bike landed right on her neck, which severed her nerves with a complex neck injury called brachial plexus. As she woke from being knocked out for about 4 minutes, she noticed that she could not move her arm whatsoever. After being sent to 3 different hospitals, she finally received her diagnosis which was full paralysis in her dominant right arm. About a month after her racing accident, she and her father got in a car wreck and flipped multiple times in their truck from a drunk driver. Because of that wreck, she lost all chances of her getting her arm back.

Today, Kiana has fully adapted to the one-handed lifestyle. She's learned how to write and draw again, as well as play Xbox with her feet, put her hair up with a doorknob, and live everyday life as normal as anyone else would. After being off of the bike for 7 years, she started riding again in fall of 2013 and started competing just 3 months after being back on the bike. In 2015, she also got accepted to be on the Adaptive Action Sports Team for snowboarding where she is currently training to make the USA team for the Paralympics for 2022 in Beijing. She will be the first female upper limb competitor and will create a category for other future upper limb females. Kiana was also the first female to compete in the Moto Sport Adaptive Championship Series for motocross where she placed a 3rd overall in the upper limb category against men.

When the weather is warm, you will find Kiana wake surfing at your local lake, or training with the ISA in Newport CA where she will be competing in the adaptive world circuit. She also does motivational speaking and mentoring at her church, tracks, schools, as well as some major companies. She's very positive about her injury and is actually grateful she is disabled. She stated, "I wouldn't want my life any other way. I'm grateful for what my disability has shown me and has taught me. I wouldn't be who I am today without it. It has really humbled me to be grateful and thankful for the little things".

Interview Questions and Answers

1. D&A: How did you develop your passion for being an athlete?

KC: Ever since I was little, I always wanted to go as fast as I could. I was also very competitive and tried my best to outperform the boys in every athletic situation. My dad quickly took notice and introduced me to motocross at 7 years old. The moment my leg swung over that PW80, I was hooked to speed and adrenaline ever since.

2. D&A: What sports do you take part in?

KC: Snowboarding, motocross, skateboarding, surfing, and wakeboarding

3. D&A: How did you sustain your injury and how long ago was it?

KC: I was racing at Freestone County Raceway on November 18, 2006. It was raining a few days straight before the race; therefore, the track was very muddy. I went out for my practice before my moto, and when I went over the finish line jump, my back tire slid out. I was laying on the back face of the jump, and the rider right behind me didn’t see me fall or have enough time to react. So, his front tire went right over my neck, broke my neck while my nerves ripped out of my spinal cord. I was diagnosed later that week with brachial plexus injury, complete paralysis of my right dominant arm. A few months later after gaining some bicep muscle back in physical therapy, my dad and I were driving back from dinner, and we got hit by a drunk driver. We flipped multiple times in our lifted truck where I ended up losing everything that I gained. My chances of regaining any movement or feeling were very unlikely.

4. D&A: Where did you find the will to continue your athletic dreams after your injuries?

KC: To push my limits and to prove to myself and others what is possible through innovation and determination. I refuse to let my dreams be limited by a physical disability. 

5. D&A: What is the best part about competing?

KC: The adrenaline, the friends I make, relationships I build, the amazing travel opportunities and seeing myself as a person grow more in my attitude and character. It's awesome to see how much I can push myself and encourage others around me! 

6. D&A: If you had to pick one sport only to compete in, what would that sport be and why?

KC: Probably motocross… that’s where it all started for me, where I feel the most at home, where I feel I belong, and I can just be myself while geeking out over speed and motors with the same type of like-minded people. There truly isn’t anything like the moto family. It's just the best environment and my favorite to be in. 

7. D&A: What is your favorite song to listen to prior to competing?

KC: It really depends on the competition and what sport. I actually listen to music before and during my competitions to help keep my adrenaline up. It also helps me focus on my own performance and not what is going on behind me. However, my playlists are rock, classic rock and punk. Anything to keep my heart rate up! 

8. D&A: What is a moment that stands out in your mind as a turning point, when you really felt like you were doing what you were meant to do?

KC: When I was featured for the Makeup to Mud at Vegas Supercross and when I was the first adaptive athlete to sign with Burton Snowboards!

9. D&A: You are the first adaptive female motocross racer. What does this honor mean to you?

KC: As the first female adaptive motocross racer, I am helping show other riders who are abled and disabled that even with challenges, you can still participate and be successful in action sports. It not only increases participation in the sport I love, but it also removes physical boundaries and challenges that others have experienced in the past.

10. D&A: Motocross (MX) is usually known as a male sport; it is empowering to see a female MX rider like yourself. Is there a niche or unique feature that women bring to the sport of MX?

KC: The growth of any market or sport is based on inclusivity and the desire to reach others that are outside of the typical demographic. The thing I love most about motocross, is that as an individual sport, one is not limited by their gender or background, but rather by their passion for adrenaline. So, women bring the diversity and wider community of empowerment that helps encourage the growth of the sport. 

11. D&A: In your opinion, what do you think would attract more girls and women to MX?

KC: Equality of opportunity to make a career out of racing. More highlights and support of female racers. The sport needs more professional women for little girls to look up to and to encourage them what their future could look like, as well as helping lay out a path. 

12. D&A: Who or what has been your inspiration over the years? Why?

KC: My inspirations haven’t necessarily been any person; it's been the sports themselves. They motivate me to get creative, to push my limits and not only become a better athlete but a better person. To chase the possibilities of what I can accomplish beyond my physical disability. 

13. D&A: You work as a graphic designer at a print shop in Frisco, Colorado. As a graphic designer, whose work do you admire? Can you tell us about a project you are most proud of and why?

KC: I actually no longer have that job. I lost it last year during the pandemic. Currently I am a full-time athlete now, thankfully with the support of my incredible sponsors. However, I have always been an artist and have loved the way that art challenges you to innovate and to think outside of the box. Esao Andrews has always been one of my favorite artists because of how surreal his art is and how it challenges me. That type of thinking has really helped me with modifying my equipment and being a better athlete.

14. D&A: Does your artistic nature help when you are lending your opinion into designing your adaptive athletic wear? 

KC: Absolutely!

15. D&A: What are your strengths as both an athlete and a person?

KC: I have always been very determined, strong willed and strong minded. My brain is always constantly running, thinking about how I can make this better or what can I do next or progress? I am constantly pushing myself and my limits!

16. D&A: Female snowboarders with upper limb disabilities are not scheduled to appear in the Paralympics until the 2026 Games in northern Italy, but you are pushing for the sport at the 2022 Paralympics in Beijing. What efforts have you made to support your sport for competition in the 2022 Paralympics?

KC: Making my voice as loud as possible with my petition that I started as well as encouraging other upper limb females to participate globally. 

17. D&A: You are the first para snowboarder to be signed by the Burton Team. This is impressive. Can you tell us about the Burton Team and what it means to you to be a part of the Team? 

KC: The Burton Team has truly become family to me within a quick period of time. They are incredibly supportive, encouraging, inclusive and always excited to find new innovations with me to make gear easy and accessible for not only myself, but for everyone. To be a part of the team is just mind blowing. It helps re-define what it means to be a global team rider and the progression of snowboarding in general. It's truly an honor to be the first and to set the standard for not only adaptive riders, but also snowboarders as a whole to push the limits of what's possible.  

18. D&A: What is next for you?

KC: To push for my class to be included for the 2022 Paralympics, and to compete in the 2026 Paralympics in Italy!

Dr. Junella Chin is an integrative cannabinoid medicine physician, having received her Medical Degree from Touro University and her BS- Nutrition & Food Science, Biochemistry from Cornell University. She is a Board Member of American Academy of Cannabinoid Medicine, Association for Cannabis Health Equity and Medicine (ACHEM), Co-founder & Medical Director at Medical Cannabis Mentor, ​Chief Medical Advisor at CannabisMD.com, Miraculo, and Chief Medical Advisor at Artemis CBD Shop. 

For over a decade, Dr. Chin lived and practiced medicine in California, a state with legalized medical cannabis since 1996. Her integrative medical practice focuses on children and adults with intractable epilepsy, autism, cancer, and chronic pain. She has seen firsthand just how much medical cannabis can benefit patients. 

Dr. Chin is a chronic pain survivor. Doctors suggested opiate pain medications, steroids, epidurals, and ultimately surgery to fuse the spine. As a result of her experience, Dr. Chin decided to dedicate her medical career to finding effective, integrative and holistic approaches to patient care. She has been an advocate for better understanding of the science and medicine of cannabis and has been profiled for her work in St. Jude’s Medical Center, Huffington Post, Cornell University, Good Housekeeping, USA Today, and NBC TODAY. 

Dr. Chin and her team of doctors are now bicoastal, servicing patients of California and New York. They have been integrating medical cannabis since 2001. She is a frequent keynote speaker on the science and medicine of cannabis and has spoken at hospitals, conferences, and events all over the world.

Interviewed by our Different & Able President and Founder, Alexandra Nicklas, Dr. Chin discusses her experience with chronic pain, the intricacies of cannabis and cannabidiol (CBD), and how important it is that patients form a relationship with their doctor while being treated. She also talks about how tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) can be used to support our sleep. In the interview, viewers will see how Dr. Chin is a powerhouse of knowledge in medical and consumer perspectives about CBD applications in modern medicine and culture.

Victoria Arlen's life drastically changed in 2006 at the tender age of eleven when she developed two rare conditions known as Transverse Myelitis and Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis. This was an incredibly rare scenario and Victoria quickly lost the ability to speak, eat, walk and move. She slipped into a vegetative state in which doctors had written her off as a lost cause. Victoria spent nearly four years “locked” inside her own body completely aware of what was going on, just unable to move or communicate. Doctors believed there was little hope of survival and recovery was unlikely. Victoria, however, was not ready to give up. In 2010 after almost four years, she began the nearly impossible fight back to life. Learning how to speak, eat and move all over again. 

Victoria went on to exceedingly defy the odds and not only recovered but has since become an accomplished Motivational Speaker, Television Host and Swimmer. Her swimming resume includes three Silvers and a Gold medal from the London 2012 Paralympic Games as well as multiple World, American and Pan American Records. 

In April 2015, Victoria made the transition from professional athlete to sportscaster and joined ESPN as one of the youngest on air talents hired by the company and reports and hosts across all platforms. In the Spring of 2016 Victoria defied yet another odd and after spending nearly a decade in a wheelchair paralyzed from the waist down was able to learn how take one step after another and eventually not only did she learn how to walk but within a year and a half in the Fall of 2017 she learned to dance as a contestant on Season 25 of Dancing with the Stars. Victoria and her dance partner Val Chmerkovskiy quickly became fan favorites. 

Victoria is also carrying out her dream of helping others, serving as the Founder and Co-Chair of Victoria's Victory Foundation, a nonprofit that assists those with mobility challenges to achieve their own personal victory. 

Victoria’s book, titled Locked In, hit stores worldwide in August of 2018. In July of 2019 in addition to her ESPN duties, Victoria was announced as the new host of American Ninja Warrior Jr, Season 2 which launched in February 2020. In the last year Victoria has branched into more creative spaces in both acting, producing, fashion and hosting with a variety of projects currently in the works. 

Interviewed by our Different & Able President and Founder, Alexandra Nicklas, Victoria opens up about the importance of creating a bucket list, the smartest ways to stay physically strong, and her tactics for facing and embracing challenges. In the interview, viewers can clearly see that Victoria continues to push the boundaries of what others see as impossible. Victoria has become world famous, not only for her story and accomplishments, but for her message: “Face It, Embrace It, Defy It, Conquer It.”