NeurodiVERSED 2026: Meet Abby!

Each March, during National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, NeurodiVERSED centers the voices of self-advocates to challenge misconceptions about mental health and intellectual disabilities while celebrating the many ways people think, create and connect. This year’s theme explores how connection builds community, reminding us that meaningful relationships grow through openness curiosity, and a willingness to show up for one another. 

This year, we highlight Abby S., a Visibility Artist and Disability Awareness Training Player whose experiences reflect how connection takes shape through conversation, friendship, creativity and advocacy. During her time at Search, Abby decided to join the Disability Awareness Training Players, a troupe of people with disabilities who help educate businesses on disability-aware practices and communication. 

“I saw the Disability Awareness Players coming back from training, and they looked like they had a great time, so I asked if I could be a Player. They said yes, and I have been a Player ever since,” Abby said.  

Today, Abby uses this role to advocate for herself and others while helping people better understand inclusion. “Being an advocate is important because it’s the way I stand up for myself and others.” 

Her experience shows that connection often begins with something simple, like a conversation. When Abby shared her experience with noise sensitivity with Development Director Grace, it opened the door for greater understanding and allowed Grace to adjust how she showed up in shared spaces. That moment strengthened their relationship and continues to shape their connection today, including Grace commissioning Abby’s artwork for gifts. 

Other relationships have grown through shared time and curiosity. During a Search for Adventure trip, Abby and Megan, a Behaviorist at Search, built their friendship by getting to know one another while traveling by train. These everyday moments of presence and attention create the foundation for deeper connection. 

Among the Disability Awareness Players, connection manifests in mutual support and shared joy. When Abby feels anxious, Anthony offers support, while Lanni brings humor that creates a sense of ease and belonging.  

“I love having someone there to talk to when you need them. I rely on my friends for support when I am having a bad day and someone to joke around with when I am having a good day,” Abby said. “When we hangout, we talk, tell jokes and just be silly.” 

For Abby, art is another way to connect. Her work has been featured in local galleries, sold at Planet Access and used in branding for Visibility Arts and Planet Access.  

“I have a great time creating art pieces. It’s relaxing for me,” she shared. “When I was younger, I drew characters like Porky Pig and Cartman from South Park for an art class that I joined. My teachers liked my artwork and would ask me to add shading to the pieces, which made them stand out. Now I teach the community how to create artwork, which is something I enjoy.” 

Through both her art and advocacy, Abby creates spaces where people feel seen, heard and valued. Her message is clear. “I don’t want to be treated differently.” She reflects on how people sometimes change their behavior after learning about her disability. “I hate when I am talking to someone, and then they find out about my disability. They either stop talking to me or they change how they talk to me.” She adds, “No one is perfect.” 

Abby’s story shows that community is built in many ways. It grows through conversation, shared experiences, support and creative expression. Connection begins when we choose to show up, listen and make space for others to be themselves. 

Learn more about NeurodiVERSED.