OUR PROGRAMS
“As we move forward on exciting new initiatives, our mission is to serve as a platform for women to learn, share, and grow—and to empower them to live fulfilling lives.”
– Dr. Donna R. Walton, EdD, Founder of Divas With Disabilities
Through our global efforts and programs, we are able to connect Divas with a large and growing community. Below are a few of the services and programs we offer:
Conference Calls
Our Divas conference calls are a safe space for connecting with others, networking, and having open discussions about topics that impact our lives. We often invite a guest speaker to engage us in thought-provoking conversations about the experiences of our Divas. Click HERE for a list of former speakers. If you are interested in speaking, please email us at info@divaswithdisabilities.org.
Mental Health in Action Program
DWD offers free online group meetings called Empowerment Salons to help you cope with anxiety, poor body image, low self-esteem, negative thinking, lack of hope, and other factors that may contribute to mental health issues. Tools and techniques that may be used include meditation, journaling, nutrition and group solidarity.
Global Divas Ambassador Program
Our volunteer global ambassadors carry out DWD’s mission through events, initiatives and programs in their region. Each focuses on one of DWD’s core values.
As an ambassador, you will:
Help highlight the amazing accomplishments of Divas in your community.
Help organize meetings to discuss relevant topics for those with disabilities.
Recruiter new members.
Help with fundraising efforts.
If you are interested in becoming an ambassador, submit an essay (in 500 words or less) on why you would be a good representative. Email all submissions and questions to info@divaswithdisabilities.org.
COVID Relief
This program supported food deliveries, Zoom and LinkedIn subscriptions, assistance for members, administration and programmatic costs during the COVID-19 crisis.
Donna R. Walton. Photo by Tim Coburn Photography.
Black Disability Inclusion in Media and the Arts—Black Disabled Arts and Media Representation NOW!
In addition to the ableism in the music industry and the arts in general, there has also been a push by white disabled activists criticizing black artists without a similar discourse toward white artists. Additionally, white-led organizations have dominated the space on inclusion in the media and the arts while talented black and brown disabled people have been left behind. With Amazon declaring a disability category for literature and Netflix committing to diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility (DEIA), we want to bring more attention to the lack of black disability representation in the arts and the media.
PrideAbility – Pride in Disability
This program addresses a need for support and resources for people with disabilities who are LGBTQ+. There remains a need to develop safe spaces for people with disabilities who are LGBTQ+ to connect with each other and with critical services. PrideAbility.org