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:
Diva Calls
Our DIVA Calls are a safe and welcoming space for connecting with others, networking, and having open discussions about the topics that impact our lives. Each call offers meaningful opportunities to learn, share, and engage in conversations that reflect the lived experiences of our Divas.
We often invite guest speakers — including subject‑matter experts (SMEs), educators, practitioners, creatives, and storytellers — to lead thought‑provoking discussions that center disability culture and community.
Click HERE to view our list of former speakers.
If you are interested in being considered as a future speaker, please click here to complete our DWD Call Submission Form.
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.
DWD Creatives & Influencer Program
The DWD Creatives & Influencer Program is a development pathway for black and brown disabled women who want to grow their voice, build their creative confidence, and step into their influence.
Whether participants are new to content creation or already building a platform, DWD provides the tools, support, and community to help them shine.
Divas With Disabilities Mentoring Program
Every Black and Brown girl and woman with a disability deserves a space where she is seen, affirmed, and supported by someone who understands her journey.
The Divas With Disabilities™ Mentoring Program was created to build that space — a circle of connection, confidence, and community.
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.
DWDPrideAbility – Pride in Disability
Black and Brown LGBTQIA+ individuals with disabilities deserve safe, affirming spaces to connect, build community, and access empowering support. PrideAbility, a program of the Divas With Disabilities Project™ and supported by the Urgent Action Fund, was created to meet this need.
PrideAbility offers curated resources, community-centered content, and opportunities for connection designed specifically for LGBTQIA+ disabled individuals. Through visibility-driven storytelling, shared learning, and accessible support, PrideAbility uplifts voices that are too often overlooked and strengthens belonging across our intersectional community.
COVID Relief
This program supported food deliveries, Zoom and LinkedIn subscriptions, assistance for members, administration and programmatic costs during the COVID-19 crisis.
