Based in Delhi, India, Dr. Singh is best described as a healer, a teacher, a disability rights crusader, and an advocate for disability employment in the medical and health care industries. Acquiring a physical disability in his legs due to polio when he was nine months old, Dr. Singh went on to become a medical doctor and a professor at the University College of Medical Sciences, Delhi. A firm believer in diversity and inclusion, he fought discrimination to bring policy reforms that unlocked 1,674 faculty posts for doctors with disabilities. His tireless work also helped raise the bar for web accessibility standards in hospitals under the Government of Delhi.

As a professor, Dr. Singh strongly believes that education has the power to break down barriers in communication, attitudes, and opportunities for medical students with disabilities. Outside of the healthcare industry, Dr. Singh played an integral role in making India’s 2014 General Elections in Delhi accessible to people with disabilities. In recognition of his accomplishments, he received the State Award from the Government of Delhi. In 2017, Dr. Singh became the first Indian to win the Henry Viscardi Achievement Award. This prestigious award is given to extraordinary leaders in global disability activism. Today, he continues to work toward improved accessibility— including medical institutions, banks, and post offices — across India.

Interviewed by our Different & Able President and Founder, Alexandra Nicklas, Dr. Singh discusses how his locomotor disability was one of the factors that defined his characteristic traits of perseverance and resilience. Dr. Singh also tells of his work in advocating for equal access in medical education. In addition, he talks of his success with ensuring competencies around the care of patients with disabilities. As Dr. Singh states, ‘Don’t identify a person based on their disability. Just talk to them and respect them as human beings.” 

Born with no arms as a result of the drug Thalidomide, Alvin was adopted by a family who taught him that he could be whatever he wanted to be, and that anything was possible with hard work and a proper attitude. Using his feet for hands, Alvin found a sense of freedom. Alvin learned to perform routine activities including eating, dressing, playing sports, and becoming a musician. He also learned to play the drums, piano, and trombone. Alvin is a trained broadcaster, fundraiser, motivational speaker, award-winning musician, and bestselling author of the book, Alvin's Laws of Life: 5 Steps to Successfully Overcome Anything.

Alvin has shared his story and his mission to spark a worldwide “Attitude Revolution” since 1981. Alvin uses his story to challenge and inspire people to rewrite the negative stories they tell themselves about themselves. Over 7,500 corporations, organizations and groups on five continents have used Alvin to ignite, engage, and transform their groups. He has earned the designation of Certified Speaking Professional (CSP), an honour possessed by less than ten percent of professional speakers worldwide. In 2009, Alvin was inducted into the Canadian Association of Speakers (CAPS) Hall of Fame.

Prior to his career as a professional speaker, Alvin worked for non-profit groups, in advertising and public relations, the civil service, and has even run for public office. He has appeared on countless telethons and media features, and has been the subject of two award-winning television documentaries. In addition, Alvin has played a direct role in raising over $175,000,000 for charity.

Interviewed by our Different & Able President and Founder, Alexandra Nicklas, Alvin talks about his failures and triumphs throughout his life. He also discusses in detail his 5 Steps to Successfully Overcome Anything;  which Alvin believes are the secrets to meeting and conquering life's many challenges. Alvin proves that life may not be easy, but with the proper “road map” everyone with or without a difference can be victorious. “We all have obstacles in life. It is ultimately our attitude that determines whether they block our path to success, or strengthen us on our journey,” Alvin states. 

RJ Mitte is an actor, advocate, and philanthropist who has spent his career proving that having a disability is not a limitation — it is a perspective. Best known for playing Walter "Flynn" White Jr. on AMC's Emmy Award-winning series Breaking Bad, RJ has cerebral palsy in real life, a condition he has navigated since childhood. Rather than hiding his diagnosis, he has built a career and a platform around it, becoming one of Hollywood's most visible advocates for disability representation and inclusion.

About RJ Mitte

Born in Louisiana, RJ was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at the age of three. Cerebral palsy is a neurological condition that affects movement, muscle tone, and motor skills. For RJ, it has never been a barrier, it has been a defining part of who he is.

His path to Hollywood began when his family relocated to Los Angeles after his sister had a chance encounter with a casting director. RJ quickly found his footing, landing guest roles on Weeds, Vegas, Everybody Hates Chris, and Switched at Birth before being cast in the role that would change everything, Walter Jr. on Breaking Bad.

What many viewers don't know is that RJ's portrayal of Walt Jr. required him to actually intensify the physical presentation of his own cerebral palsy. The character's condition was deliberately more pronounced than RJ's real-life experience, meaning he had to learn to use crutches and adjust his speech patterns to embody the role authentically. It is a testament to both his skill as an actor and his deep understanding of what it means to live with a neurological difference.

Since Breaking Bad, RJ has continued to build a diverse career, starring in Dixieland, The Recall, Tiempo Compartido, and River Runs Red alongside John Cusack and George Lopez. He has also made his mark in the fashion world, walking runways at Men's Fashion Week in Milan, Berlin, and New York for designers including Vivienne Westwood, and serving as the celebrity face of GAP International's Lived in Spring campaign.

Living with Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a group of neurological disorders that affect a person's ability to move and maintain balance and posture. It is caused by damage to the developing brain, most often before or during birth. CP is the most common motor disability in childhood, and it looks different for every person who lives with it, ranging from mild coordination challenges to more significant physical differences.

For RJ, cerebral palsy has shaped not just how he moves through the world, but how he sees it. He has spoken openly about the stigma surrounding disability and the pressure many people feel to hide or minimize their differences. His message is consistently the opposite: disability gives you insight, knowledge, and a perspective that others will never have access to.

Advocacy and Impact

Beyond acting, RJ has dedicated significant energy to disability advocacy. He serves as an official Ambassador for United Cerebral Palsy and Shriners Hospitals for Children, and has partnered with Shriners to lead their #CutTheBull anti-bullying campaign, focused specifically on children with differences. He is also an active member of SAG-AFTRA's Performers with Disabilities Committee, working to improve representation and opportunity for performers with disabilities across the industry.
 

In this interview with D&A President and Founder Alexandra Nicklas, RJ discusses his life with cerebral palsy, his acting career, the intersection of his diagnosis and his work, and his rise as a global fashion figure. He also shares his perspective on the ongoing debate around non-disabled actors being cast in disabled roles, a conversation the entertainment industry is still navigating.

What RJ Wants You to Know

• Disability is not something to hide. It is something to understand, embrace, and celebrate.
• Having cerebral palsy gave RJ insight and knowledge that has shaped every part of his life and career.
• Representation in Hollywood matters, seeing yourself reflected on screen changes what you believe is possible.
• Bullying and prejudice toward people with differences is a serious issue, and speaking up about it is part of the work.
• You do not have to minimize who you are to succeed. RJ built his entire career by leaning into his difference, not away from it.

RJ Mitte's story is a reminder that the qualities the world tells you to hide are often the ones with the most power to change it.

Dave Steele is an award-winning poet, author, public speaker, singer, and advocate for the blind. Diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) in 2014, this genetic eye condition left Dave “severely sight impaired.” Together with his wife, Amy, the family grappled with the difficult diagnosis as RP quickly left Dave an unemployed father of four. Feeling the stressors of financial debt and the loss of his independence, Dave turned to social media for support with his RP journey. He was also struck by the numerous misconceptions and stories of injustice being experienced by so many blind/visually impaired people all over the world. When a member in one of these online groups learned of Dave’s singing background, they invited him to perform at a meeting for those living with RP and Usher Syndrome. The experience inspired Steel’s idea for his “Stand By Me RP” song. Using the classic song by Ben E. King, Dave altered the lyrics to relate to how he felt losing his own sight to Retinitis Pigmentosa. In December 2014, Dave sought permission from the band Elbow, to alter the lyrics of their song “One Day Like This.” With the band’s blessing, Dave performed his version of the song at Joanne Milne’s “Breaking the Silence” book launch.

Dave created his own “Stand By Me RP” Facebook page in 2015. Since it’s conception, the page has become one of the largest social media RP groups in the world. As his eyesight continued to decline, the words did not stop flowing. Dave began writing two to three poems per day about his struggles and experiences. Part creative genius, part therapy, Dave’s writing became a catalyst for helping others and himself through RP. Dave’s first book, Stand By Me RP Volume I, was released in February 2016. That same day, he received the call that he had been matched with a guide dog. During its first week, Stand By Me RP Volume I, went on to become the #1 poetic release in both America and Australia.

 In March of 2016, Dave left his family for 10 days to be trained with his guide dog, Christopher, a yellow Labrador retriever. He released his second book, Stand By Me RP Volume II, in February 2017. It became the #1 poetry release in Europe within its first day. In February 2018, Dave’s third book, Stand By Me RP Volume III was released, completing his trilogy. Dave has been featured in a short film by Cambridge university called Blindsighted. He has also appeared on a special called the Blind Poet for RNIB radio, BBC TV, ITV and That’s Manchester TV news.

His advocacy work continues to be recognized both locally and internationally. In 2018 Dave was honored by Henshaws with the “Impact Award” and was the recipient of the Pride of Bury “Community Hero Award.” He currently serves as a local ambassador for Henshaws and as a global Ambassador for the American company, Two Blind Brothers.

In November 2019, Dave landed in the USA to kick off his first American Book Tour sponsored by Low Vision Specialists of Maryland & Virginia and The Low Vision Shop. The three week tour included a wide variety of speaking engagements (keynote speeches, book readings/signings, meetings, and more) and visited major cities throughout the Northeast. Dave’s presence uplifted the crowd throughout every step of the journey. Some of the book tour visits included  the New York Public Library, Rhode Island College, Blind Industries and Services of Maryland (BISM), National Federation of The Blind Maryland Conference, Maryland Department of Rehabilitation Services Conference, The Sight-Loss Support Group of Greater Baltimore, VisionCorps, and much more. 

Interviewed by our Founder and President, Alexandra Nicholas, Dave Steele discusses his diagnosis with Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP),  his self-authored collection of  700 poems and songs dealing with the fears and struggles associated with sight loss, a bit about his guide dog, Christopher and how they became partners in navigating Dave’s world. Through his works, Dave hopes to erase many of the misconceptions associated with blindness.  Dave’s mission is an inspiration to all those with a difference; he states that his work “helps those who are being isolated by a condition that strips us of our independence, lets them know that they aren’t alone, and helps educate loved ones on how we feel.”

Dr. Gregory Snyder majored in Molecular Biology with certificate programs in Neuroscience and Spanish at Princeton University. In June 2013, Greg suffered a traumatic fall while hiking with his dog, which resulted in broken vertebrae and a spinal cord injury. After two spinal fusion surgeries and a lengthy Intensive Care Unit (ICU) stay, Greg got stronger each day and learned how to adjust to a life as a T9 paraplegic – to become independent again. The experience of immediately becoming a patient with a chronic health condition enlightened Greg as to the real difficulties and inefficiencies of our healthcare system. After rehabilitating for one year, Greg finished medical school at Jefferson Medical College. 

Currently, Greg  is an Attending Physician of General Internal Medicine in the Department of Medicine at Newton-Wellesley Hospital, which is part of the Mass General Brigham Health System. He is also an affiliate faculty member at Ariadne Labs, an entity that studies the implementation of best practices for healthcare delivery and works for innovative startups that are attempting to improve the quality and access to health care, including through telehealth.

Interviewed by our Different & Able President and Founder, Alexandra Nicklas, Greg shares his story and the lessons he has learned as a paraplegic doctor. He discusses how as a patient, along with his perspective as a doctor, he was able to gain an understanding of the requirements one must need to receive quality care. Greg is a strong advocate for doctors to see differences in today’s medical field. He states, “We could find value in the subtle difference between being a patient learning from a doctor and being a doctor learning as a patient. This will make for good, patient doctors.”

Daniel’s Music Foundation was founded by the Trush family in 2006 to empower individuals with developmental and physical disabilities by combining music programs with community and socialization. We believe in inclusion, diversity, and the right of all individuals to creatively express their best selves.  

Music in various forms played a critical role in every phase of Daniel’s recovery. From the songs that kept him connected to reality during his coma, to the keyboard playing that helped him regain his motor skills; and even the music history class he took that ultimately inspired him to help others. Most importantly, it was music that maintained his connection to the people around him – and to the very essence of life. 

Interviewed by our Founder and President, Alexandra Nicholas, Daniel and Ken Trush share about Daniel’s difference and how he recovered against the odds with the healing power of music. Daniel and Ken additionally discuss the mission of Daniel’s Music Foundation, their online episode series Smile-O-Meter Friday, and next steps for Daniel's Music Foundation, which recently celebrated its fifteenth anniversary. The interview also highlights the Trush family's strong advocacy for disability awareness.

You can find out more about Daniel's Music Foundation and Daniel’s journey by  visiting: Daniel's Music Foundation (danielsmusic.org).

Daniel Trush: President and Co-Founder for Daniel’s Music Foundation

Daniel is the President and Co-Founder of and inspiration for Daniel’s Music Foundation and along with his family, is actively involved in all aspects of the organization. Surviving a ruptured brain aneurysm at the age of 12, he is a talented songwriter and performer and is the man responsible for naming DMF’s key performance indicator, the “Smile-O-Meter,” which focuses on the changes in attitudes and outlook reported by DMF participants—a measure the organization takes very seriously. Most importantly, Daniel is the life force that drives DMF and he serves as the ambassador for the mission. He is a living example of acceptance, kindness, and joy.

Ken Trush: Co-Founder/Chair of Board of Directors for Daniel’s Music Foundation

Ken Trush is a non-practicing CPA and is a partner at Spring Advisors, an M&A advisory firm that works with marketing agencies, design & development firms, and consultancies. Prior to Spring, Ken was a founding shareholder, CFO and EVP of Corporate Development at Agency.com, a digital agency that grew to 1,700 employees in 14 locations in 6 years (1995-2000). 

Ken is also a Co-Founder of Daniel’s Music Foundation (DMF) and serves as the Chair of the Board of Directors. Ken works closely with his son Daniel, the DMF management team, and staff (20 total employees; 6 full-time), in the development of the music programs and in the marketing, development, and operational areas of the foundation. He developed the concept of "The Danny Awards" during the summer of 2019, an annual celebration of musical talent from around the world and is the driving force behind their Virtual Community.

Kendall Renee is a singer, songwriter, recording artist, and Lola’s dog mom from Southern California. Her music is her greatest passion, but Kendall’s music is all about the message. She strives to write songs that resonate with her listeners. Kendall strives to make others feel understood and less alone with her songs, as she felt these emotions in regards to her food allergies. Kendall is anaphylactic to 95% of all foods and must use a feeding tube in her stomach to receive nutrition. Kendall is also severely allergic to airborne particles of all nuts. Kendall carries auto-injectable epinephrine with her at all times – and has used it to save her life eight times to date.

None of this has stopped Kendall from pursuing her dreams and career. She released her first album, Original in 2016, dedicating its message to individuals with various differences. Alongside her career as a songwriter and artist, Kendall travels around sharing her songs and story in the hopes of inspiring others going through their own medical struggles. She believes that disabilities can be turned into “superpowers” and can be used to do great things in this world.

Aside from her music career, Kendall was also a highly competitive US Figure Skater for thirteen years. She is currently working on a project to showcase the stories of different individuals with disabilities. Kendall has partnered with Aerie by American Eagle Outfitters, as a changemaker to create a music video showcasing the stories of individuals with special needs. The song and video, for Aerie, focus on bringing hope and inspiration to others worldwide.

Kendall is also a food allergy awareness advocate, working to educate the public about food allergies. She has been a powerful voice within the food allergy community for many years. Kendall serves as a FAACT Ambassador, for the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Connection Team. She has shared her story in the media on several occasions including: Good Morning America, The Young Icons, ABC7, KTLA, Ability Magazine, and more. 

Interviewed by our Different & Able President and Founder, Alexandra Nicklas, Kendall discusses her life with anaphylaxis, how she advocates for individuals with differences, the body positivity she exudes on social media platforms, and her music.  Through her songs, Kendall hopes that every listener realizes that it is okay to be different and that there is nothing wrong with the original. As Kendall states in her song, Original, “Wise beyond your fears, resilient beyond your years. Don't forget you’re original.”

Kendall Renee | (kendallreneemusic.com)

Jay Blake is the founder and president of Follow A Dream. Established in 1999, Follow A Dream is a non-profit 501(C)3 organization with the mission of demonstrating the “Power of Positive Thinking, Self-Determination, and Teamwork.” He is also the only totally blind crew chief in the worldwide sport of auto racing. Jay has more than 15 years experience as a professional auto mechanic and more than 25 years in drag racing

While working as the head mechanic of a transportation company in 1997, Jay was involved in an industrial accident that caused him to lose complete vision, smell and taste. At the age of 31, he was faced with relearning how to live as a completely blind person.

Refusing to give up on life, Jay aggressively participated in rehabilitation. After being released from Massachusetts General Hospital, he enrolled in an intensive program at The Carroll Center for the Blind in Newton, Massachusetts. With renewed self-determination, Jay began to follow his dream: owning a professional auto-racing team.

He soon learned that even without his sight, he was still able to do what he loved most - work on racing engines. Turning his dream into a reality, Jay combined his renewed participation in drag racing with his desire to spread his true-life success by inspiring others, both with and without disabilities, to accomplish their goals through the power of positive thinking and self-determination.

Today, Jay is responsible for Follow A Dream organization’s management, operations and community outreach programs, as well as performing mechanical work on the race car. He leads his team of racing professionals in NHRA Top Alcohol Funny Car competition, where they won the 2012 East Region championship and finished the season ranked 11th in national points. When Jay is not racing, Jay spends time at vocational schools all across the country, speaking to students, and spreading his message of inspiration. 

Interviewed by our Different & Able President and Founder, Alexandra Nicklas, Jay shares his personal experience of overcoming adversity, the story of how he achieved his dream of auto racing, and how he motivates others through his speaking engagements. He also discusses his “5 Tools for Life Success,” which are meant to encourage individuals to pursue their life goals with passion, self-determination and a positive attitude. Jay’s mantra is full of zeal and purpose. He states,  “I actually had a choice to live or die, and it was an amazing experience. And I chose to live, and the rest is history.”