Accessible Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging from a Disability Lens - Recognize. Respond. beResilient.
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Accessible Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging Consultation and Support from a Disability Lens
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Mission & Vision
Walking Spirit’s mission is to ensure all People with Disabilities and their loved ones feel a sense of Belonging in all aspects of life by enhancing the Accessible Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion of our communities through evaluation, education, and adaptation with a radical hospitality approach to emphasize and maintain focus on the dignity, respect, and resiliency of all people of all abilities.
Walking Spirit’s vision is a resilient world where People of all Disabilities, across all other demographics can independently interact with their loved ones and community in all aspects of life including home, school, work, travel, lodging, dinning, entertainment, exercise, recreation, and faith.
Offering You Specialized Counsel
Let Walking Spirit be your partner to help your organization assess and prepare your operations to best meet the needs of today's Diverse Accessibility challenges; with a focus on hospitality to preserve the dignity of your internal and external guests, clients, and consumers. We offer a range of practical assessments based on the real-world needs of culturally Diverse individuals who face a myriad of Accessibility challenges that present barriers to Inclusion, Equity, and a sense of Belonging.
I’ve been an advocate for accessibility since 2005. If you've followed my personal journey, you will know that I am passionate about ensuring equality and accessibility is a right and not a privilege. I believe in sharing my story and unique personal and professional lived experience to ensure that we all live a resilient life.
Lead Submissions
Do you or your loved ones regularly encounter obstacles, physical or programmatic in nature, that are insensitive or inaccessible to someone with disabilities? Is there a store, restaurant, movie theatre, bank, church, or other facility in your community that you can't access to enjoy their goods or services? Is there a job that you would like to apply for but the operation isn't accessible? Do you want to recruit and hire People with Disabilities but need help modifying jobs and identifying reasonable accommodations? Please share your experiences and needs with Walking Spirit so we can reach out, follow up, and improve Accessible DEIB throughout our community!
This virtual session, held on Tuesday, April 16th, 2024 from 2pm - 3:30pm eastern time, will focus on the importance of ensuring that the Rights and needs of diverse Guests and Associates with Disabilities are not only met but anticipated and protected to foster an equitable and inclusive sense of Belonging. Presented by Walking Spirit's CEO, hospitality professional Jeremy Warriner; learn through his lived experience about the potentially lifesaving operational benefits of embracing and implementing the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in a way that promotes Accessible DEI and why Belonging is vital to the future of every operation. This session will highlight aspects of the hospitality industry that are rarely discussed, consistently misunderstood, and poorly executed at a systemic level. Individuals may register and submit questions for the presenter in advance through the registration process. This session will have human generated real-time captioning provided. 1.5 hours of CEU's are available for attending.
The Central Indiana Amputee Support Group will meet at 6pm, on Tuesday, March 26th, 2024! This meeting will be a hybrid format, hosted by accessABILITY, Center for Independent Living, Inc. Attend in-person at their office located at:
8395 Keystone Crossing, Suite 110, Indianapolis, IN, 46240
Or join virtually by clicking the green button:
Free parking is available in front of the building with limited accessible parking near the entrance. This support group is open to all amputees and those who support them. Please contact Jeremy Warriner at jeremy@walkingspirit.org with questions! Though advance registration is not necessary to attend, the button below will connect you to the Eventbrite page where you can see all of the upcoming dates for the Support Group and add them to your calendar. If you choose to register for upcoming meetings, that will help us get a sense of how many people to expect.
Virtual Network hosted by Walking Spirit
The March 28th, 2024, session of the Disabilities & Conditions of Aging Network, hosted by Walking Spirit and facilitated by founder & CEO, Jeremy Warriner. The network strives to connect organizations and individuals working in the Disability and Aging communities throughout central Indiana and beyond. Our goal is to create a regular opportunity for individuals and organizations who work within these communities to connect, coordinate, and celebrate together in an effort to better support the people we serve. Recordings of all previous sessions can be found at the end of the section. For an invitation to future network meetings or time on an upcoming agenda, please contact Jeremy Warriner at jeremy@walkingspirit.org, or click on the button below to join as a guest!
Building an Accessible Organization - Why and How We Can Start!
Join Walking Spirit's founder and CEO, Jeremy Warriner for an engaging FaceBook Live, Live Talk conversation with Rotarian Luis Mauch, Accessability Advocate and co-founder of Mais Diferencas e Ktalise Technologias about why and how to start building an accessible organization. Ensuring accessibility is crucial for all organizations to cater to people with disabilities. It not only enhances the effectiveness of the organization but also helps in serving the world's largest minority group better. Luis leads a company that assists all types of organizations. This conversation took place at 10:30am eastern time on Monday, November 13th, 2023. For future Facebook Live conversations, watch this page, or follow the Rotary Club of World Disability Advocates on https://www.facebook.com/Rotarywda/
Accessibility in Outerspace, a live conversation with Rotarian AJ Link, JD.
Join Walking Spirit's founder and CEO, Jeremy Warriner for an engaging FaceBook Live, Live Talk discussion with Rotarian AJ Link, JD about the intersection of Disability and Outerspace Law. Topics range from Disability Rights to Colonization of Mars, First Contact, and why Accessible space programs at an international level are vital to the future of Space Exploration. This conversation took place at 12:15pm eastern time on Friday, September 15th, 2023. For future Facebook Live conversations, watch this page, or follow the Rotary Club of World Disability Advocates on https://www.facebook.com/Rotarywda/
Why is Accessible Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging important in Business?
Join Walking Spirit's founder and CEO, Jeremy Warriner for a FaceBook Live discussion hosted by Ken Masson, President of the international virtual Rotary Club of World Disability Advocates. We will explore what Accessible Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging is and how it directly impacts businesses in the public sector and the consumers who rely upon them. The conversation took place on Sunday, July 30th, 2023 at 6pm eastern! Please click the button below to watch the conversation. For future Disability focused Facebook Live conversations, watch this page or follow the Rotary Club of World Disability Advocates on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Rotarywda/
International Disability Advocacy Webinar held on May 16th, 2023
For people with disabilities, navigating ableist insurance policies can be challenging. For those who persist, it can pay off, but it takes stamina and determination. And it is not just a local issue; it's global. A team of world disability advocates (including Walking Spirit's Founder & CEO, Jeremy Warriner) recently met to discuss these challenges and the possible solutions. This is a must-see for everyone because no one is exempt from needing to get insurance help. For more information about the World Disability Advocacy Group, write to Rotarydag@gmail.com
Virtual Network hosted by Walking Spirit
The Disabilities & Conditions of Aging Network, hosted by Walking Spirit and facilitated by founder & CEO, Jeremy Warriner, meets monthly. The network strives to connect organizations and individuals working in the Disability and Aging communities throughout central Indiana and beyond. Our goal is to create a regular opportunity for individuals and organizations who work within these communities to connect, coordinate, and celebrate together in an effort to better support the people we serve. For an invitation to future network meetings or time on an upcoming agenda, feel free to contact Jeremy Warriner at jeremy@walkingspirit.org.
Want to Know More?
Why Disabled People Struggle to Book Hotels
October 9th, 2023
This Washington Post Article, by Disability Reporter Amanda Morris, explores the challenges faced by People with Disabilities when attempting to travel and the obstacles to holding the Hospitality Industry accountable to the Americans with Disabilities Act. The US Supreme Court considers a case that could impact the rights of all People with Disabilities to enforce the ADA. Walking Spirit's founder, Jeremy Warriner, is quoted as a person with a disability with a unique perspective from an education and career in the Hospitality Industry.
Acquired Disability Inspires Purdue Hospitality Alumnus to Improve Accessibility Training in Hotels
August 3, 2022
After acquiring a disability, a Purdue Alumnus created his own consulting business to improve access for people with disabilities throughout the hospitality industry by offering Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion assessments and training from a Disability Lens.
More people with disabilities voting in this election nationwide
November 3, 2020
The presidential election has seen a high turnout for voters with disabilities, despite COVID-19 concerns. That’s according to a new survey from Easterseals.
Auto Industry Bankruptcies Leave Defect Victims Behind - CNN Interview
September 10, 2009
Jeremy Warriner is interviewed by CNN during the Congressional Judiciary Committee Hearings on the Auto Industry Bankruptcies, regarding the impact on pending lawsuits of people who had lost life and limb due to defects in vehicles.
Chrysler bankruptcy impacts consumer lawsuits, pension plans
June 1, 2009
Walking with hydraulic prosthetics, Jeremy Warriner can appreciate good engineering and design. He's on his third set of legs in three years. He lost his birth pair in a fiery crash in October 2005 and believes a highly flammable plastic brake fluid container in his Jeep Wrangler is to blame. Now he wants the right to face Chrysler in court.
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Acquiring a Disability
Jeremy Warriner is a consultant in accessibility, hospitality management, and outreach. Based in Indianapolis, he's a motivational speaker with a focus on Disability Awareness: Finding Strength in Traumatic Events.
Watch - Becoming Disabled - his story of before and after losing his legs in a car accident.
Building an Inclusive Community
Former Client of Walking Spirit's Outreach & Support Services:
Walking Spirit proudly provided Outreach and Support services for accessABILITY, Center for Independent Living as the organization adapted to the impact of Covid on our world. accessABILITY provides free or low-cost independent living services including Information & Referral, Peer Support, Self & Systems level Advocacy, Independent Living Skills Training (includes assistive technology), & Transition Support for any person who self-identifies as a Person with a Disability. accessABILITY also offers an Inclusive Employment Program and Visually Impaired & Blind Experience (VIBE) services for people who are blind or experiencing low-vision. They serve Marion, Hendricks, Boone, Hamilton, Hancock, Shelby, Johnson, & Morgan Counties. You can reach accessABILITY at (317) 926-1660, or by email at info@accessabilityin.org.
Partner Organization and Photographer of Choice for Walking Spirit:
DCM Photography Studio specializes in capturing stunning moments and turning them into lifelong memories. The premier photography company founded by Doug Moneer, an experienced photographer, brings over 13 years of experience and a BA in Studio Art with an emphasis in photography and graphic design to the table. DCM takes pride in providing high-quality photography services to their clients, and specializes in sport action, dramatic sports portraits, fine art studio portraits, senior photos, business, and family portraits. Every moment is worth capturing and DCM is committed to making sure that their clients receive the best possible results. Their state-of-the-art equipment and expert photography skills ensure that each photo they capture is of the highest quality. Whether you're celebrating a milestone event or simply want to capture a special moment with your loved ones, they will work with you every step of the way to ensure that you get the photos you want.
Former Client of Walking Spirit's Outreach & Support Services:
Advocate's Personal Care provides Attendant Care services under the Aged & Disabled Medicaid Waiver. This service allows Advocates to employee the family and friends who are Caregivers for their Medicaid Waiver eligible loved ones. Ensuring that those who provide "non-skilled" services like meal planning & prep, assisting with transfers, medication organization & reminders, household chores & laundry, transportation to medical appointments and community events, etc. are compensated for their time and effort helps people with disabilities and conditions of aging maintain their independence and reinforces their sense of dignity and respect in their community. Walking Spirit was pleased to represent Advocates at resources fairs, in senior living communities, and to provide Outreach Consulting and Support as they expanded their service area to include many rural counties in Central and Northwest Indiana!
Community Connection of Walking Spirit's Quality of Life Consulting & Advocacy Services:
While Walking Spirit can help you improve your quality of life through setting goals and accommodating disabilities to meet those goals, Journey Well Coaching picks up where the proverbial ramp ends. Offering services such as:
Contact Stevie Cromer to schedule a discovery call with Journey Well at https://www.steviecromer.com/contact
Recent Client of Walking Spirit's Inspirational Speaking Service:
Walking Spirit happily developed and facilitated a presentation focused on talking with children about disabilities, for Child Care Answers. Your trusted source for all things child care. Since 1985, Child Care Answers has been a go-to resource for all things child care: an advisor, a collaborator, a guide, and—most importantly—a hand to hold. Their goal is to create seamless experiences for you, working together to minimize any unnecessary hoops. All of the services they provide to families, child care programs, employers, and community partners are completely free to anyone who lives or works in the counties they serve. Child Care Answers currently serves Marion, Hamilton, & Hendricks Counties and can be reached at (317) 636-5727, or by email at info@childcareanswers.org.
Walking Spirit's Presentation: Growing an Inclusive Society through Educating Children
Presentation Inspired Infographic by Child Care Answers: Talking with Children About Disabilities
Recent Client of Walking Spirit's Inspirational Speaking Service:
Walking Spirit was honored to develop a presentation for the May 2022 meeting of the Diversity Roundtable of Central Indiana. The 90-minute presentation, "Diversity Equity, & Inclusion from a Disability Lens", focused on five learning objectives:
Diversity of Disabilities
Language of the Disability Community
Connecting with People with Disabilities
How Disabilities Benefit our Society
Finding & Connecting with Resources
The Roundtable provides a forum for leaders, advocates, and supporters of organizational diversity, equity and inclusion efforts to network, enhance diversity competencies, and advocate for diversity inclusive policies and practices. Connect with them through their website: https://www.drtci.org.
Regular Client of Walking Spirit's Inspirational Speaking Service:
Walking Spirit proudly works to grow inclusive communities through educating the next generation to embrace the diversity of disabilities with compassionate inclusion and equity. The Kindergarten Teachers at School 91 host Walking Spirit on an annual basis to speak with their students about Disabilities, recovering from and adapting to trauma, and to demonstrate how prosthetics can accommodate limb loss. You can connect with School 91 through their website: https://myips.org/rousseaumcclellan/
Recent Client of Walking Spirit's Inspirational Speaking Service:
Walking Spirit proudly works to grow inclusive communities through educating the next generation to embrace the diversity of disabilities with compassionate inclusion and equity. The Principal at School 87 utilized the International Day for Persons with Disabilities (December 3rd) as a learning experience for the entire school by engaging Walking Spirit for presentations to grades K-3 and 4-8 including a Prosthetics Demonstration, Q&A, and a Lunch Visit with all grades. You can connect with School 87 through their website: https://myips.org/georgewashingtoncarver/
Recent Client of Walking Spirit's Inspirational Speaking Service:
Walking Spirit was honored to represent People with Disabilities on a panel discussion about Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility, & Belonging for Nexus' December Powerhouse Cohort session. The goal of the Cohort was to advance equity and inclusion on diverse boards in order to more effectively and efficiently get to root causes of social problems. Nexus Impact Center's mission and programs are focused on helping people embed sustainable social impact, their space and memberships are open to people of all walks of life looking for an economical space to work, meet and hold events, thereby contributing to social impact. You can connect with Nexus on their website, https://www.nexusimpactcenter.org.
Community Connection of Walking Spirit's Quality of Life Consulting & Advocacy Services:
Walking Spirit advocates for all people to maintain a healthy body, mind, and spirt. Anyone who experiences trauma knows that the injuries go deeper than just the physical, which is why Therapy is so important to processing, adapting to, and recovering from traumatic events. Jessica Troxel is a Trauma Therapist who works with ages 16 and older, including families and individuals in crisis, relational, developmental, and shock traumas. Jess strives to provide a safe and calm energy in the therapeutic space. Her mission is activating love and connection to dismantle toxic cultural conditions of inequity and isolation. She can be reached through this website: https://www.bloomingtoncenterforconnection.org/about-bcc/jessica-troxel/
Disability Desk (Cape Town, South Africa)
International Connection of Walking Spirit's Accessible DEIB Assessment & Support Services:
Walking Spirit is affiliated with Disability Desk through the Rotary Club of World Disability Advocates. Cape Town born Jeremy Opperman has been involved in disability equity, awareness and inclusion consulting for most of his career. Being himself visually impaired, Jeremy has a unique perspective of the needs of the sector and his professional engagements with the corporate world over many years have allowed him to develop imaginative and thought-provoking material. This Disability Desk website is a natural offshoot of Jeremy’s work and provides material and resources for those interested in diversity, inclusion and disability equity. Walking Spirit's founder, Jeremy Warriner, and Disability Desk's founder Jeremy Opperman co-host the occasional podcast "World Disability Matters".
Nilesh Singit Consultancy Services (Mumbai, India)
International Connection of Walking Spirit's Accessible DEIB Assessment & Support Services:
Walking Spirit is affiliated with Nilesh Singit through the Rotary Club of World Disability Advocates. Nilesh Singit Consultancy Services [NSCS] offers a full continuum of accessibility compliance services to assist business and public entities in compliance with local, state laws and regulations. Also offers training programs for empowering disabled persons, on Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, UNCRPD and specialized training programs for Architects, Designers, Govt. Officials, etc.
Walking Spirit Client Testimonials
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"I've found Jeremy to be an outstanding inspirational speaker, he connects extremely well with audiences by sharing his own experiences and his passion and spirit are contagious".
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"I've been impressed with Jeremy's knowledge of the hospitality industry from his previous career in hotel management, he would be an asset to any organization looking for a consultant or speaker to help improve their customer service and motivate their employees".
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"Jeremy is a strong storyteller, inspired speaker and thoughtful listener. He is well organized and prepared. Jeremy can be counted on to do what he says he will do. He raises the conversation and focus of a group's discussion and work, and challenges others to expand beyond perceived limitations or practices. He helps others - individuals and organizations - reach for the best".
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“I've had the good fortune of hearing Jeremy speak publicly. He has an inspiring story to share and is able to really engage and connect with his audiences. He is dedicated to improving independence for people with disabilities, and his story promotes this.”
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"Jeremy Warriner is an awesome Inspirational Speaker! He was the Keynote Speaker at the Statewide Assistive Technology Conference, sponsored by the INDATA Project at Easter Seals Crossroads. He is an eloquent speaker with an inspirational story of his own. Jeremy inspires his audiences with truth, sincerity and a positive attitude about regaining independence. Jeremy has an infectious “can do” attitude that will spread through the audience, uplift and inspire all".
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"Jeremy is an active advocate who makes no qualms about taking a leadership role to help our society grow more inclusive. His community service and advocacy work is matched by few. Jeremy is always one of the first to volunteer on projects to enhance accessibility. I highly recommend Jeremy as an Inspirational Speaker and community service provider".
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"I have sat back and watched Jeremy captivate audiences of all ages, from children to seniors, using his amazing gift of storytelling. He delivers a powerful message and moves those who hear his message toward empowerment, no matter who they are".
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"Jeremy is passionate about disability advocacy and uses his incredible communication skills to educate and persuade policy and law makers, and community leaders. He understands the importance of working with others who share his commitment to building a better community and is highly respected by his colleagues, including me. I enthusiastically recommend Jeremy; you can do no better".
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