For many, Disability Pride means rejecting the stigma long tied to disabilities and embracing every part of who they are. It’s about seeing disability not as something to hide or “overcome,” but as a natural, valuable part of human diversity.It’s about championing visibility and acceptance for those whose disabilities are visible, and just as importantly, for those living with invisible disabilities that are too often overlooked and misunderstood in our communities and workplaces. 

This month, we’re proud to share the voices of two Spartians—Anson Liski (Account Executive) and Destani Engel (Employee Experience Lead). Their reflections explore what Disability Pride means, the misconceptions they wish more people understood, and how they’re helping build an inclusive community at Spare.

Interviews with Anson Liski (Account Executive) and Destani Engel (Employee Experience Lead)

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Q: What Does Disability Pride Mean to You?

Anson: A few years ago, I suffered the amputation of my left leg above the knee and I can now walk with the help of a prosthetic leg. For me, Disability Pride starts with being proud of the disabled people who came before us and fought for the conditions we live in today. There’s always more to do, but I’m proud of how far we’ve come.

Personally, it’s more nuanced. I try to own the fact that I’m disabled and not be afraid of the word. I do things how I can, not how I used to, and I try to live my life to the fullest. Day-to-day life still comes with challenges and frustrations around my physical limitations. But when I reflect on what I’ve overcome just to be here, I feel proud and empowered that there’s little that can stop me. Those daily challenges—like getting up and going to the office—seem small in comparison to the bigger picture. However, this personal victory feels complicated when people bring their own perceptions to it. 

The late comedian and journalist Stella Young described the idea of being seen as an “inspiration” just for existing as a disabled person. Like her, I’ve had people stop me to say how inspiring I am for simply going about my day. I’m an optimistic person, so I always try to accept it graciously. But the reality is that all they’ve seen me do is stand up and walk to my gate at the airport. My physical limitations are a challenge but I’m more than my disability— I’m a dad, husband, brother, son, and friend. Having a disability is part of who I am, but it’s not the whole picture.”

Destani: As a late-diagnosed Autistic woman with ADHD, I spent most of my life feeling like the word ‘disability’ didn’t apply to me. I was often told my challenges were because I was ‘overly sensitive,’ ‘dramatic,’ ‘quirky,’ or ‘lazy.’ I felt fundamentally broken because of it.

Receiving my diagnoses later in life gave me a new lens for understanding myself. I realized my brain functions differently, and I’ve become better at advocating for my needs. Disability Pride, for me, isn’t just about celebrating a label; it’s about acknowledging the incredible resilience it takes to navigate a world that often isn’t built for us, and finding power in our unique ways of thinking and being. It’s about celebrating how far I’ve come in understanding myself and advocating for what I need, rather than feeling like I constantly need to fit into a mold that was never meant for me.

Q: What Misconceptions Do You Wish More People Understood About Disability?

Anson: A weird but common misconception is that a lot of people assume someone with a disability would be comfortable sharing their story. Countless times, strangers have stopped me on the street or in airports to ask how I lost my leg. Imagine stopping a stranger to say, ‘Tell me about the worst and most traumatic thing that’s ever happened to you!’ That’s essentially what’s happening. I try to keep it light— when kids ask, I say, ‘I didn’t eat my vegetables.’ But if you’re old enough to drive, you’ll probably get a more curt response from me.

On a more serious note, it’s important to recognize that we’ve normalized designing physical spaces in ways that exclude or limit people’s ability to use them. That’s why services like Paratransit matter— transit systems often aren’t accessible to those with physical impairments, so agencies create alternatives to help bridge the gap. These solutions can be very effective— in many cases, especially when Spare’s scheduling and dispatch software is involved. However, in other spaces like public areas, venues, and buildings, there often aren’t simple workarounds. It’s easy to forget that we’ve designed these structures and services in ways that create barriers when the truth is, we have the power to design them differently, right from the start, to be more inclusive for everyone.

Destani: One of the biggest misconceptions I wish more people understood is that I often only experience myself as disabled when I’m not accommodated. My ADHD doesn’t feel like a disability when I’m hyper-focused on a project I love. It does feel disabling, though, when I’m in a meeting without written notes and my auditory processing leaves me confused and lagging behind. My Autism doesn’t feel like a disability when I’m exploring interesting systems—but it does when I’m overwhelmed by sensory inputs like too much chatter, bad smells, or bright lighting.

I think if more organizations and public spaces implemented accommodations from the beginning of their design processes, rather than responding to individual requests, they would automatically create more meaningful participation and engagement for people with disabilities.

Q: How has your disability shaped the way you show up at work? 

Anson: Spare has been the first in-person work environment since my disability. While I have nothing to compare it to, I also have nothing to complain about! Everything I’ve brought up has been accommodated for! 

Destani: Personally, I thrive on clear communication and spaces where I can focus deeply. At Spare, the practices that have helped me most are:

• Ability to Work Remotely: Working from home lets me adjust my environment based on my needs. Some days I need total silence and low lighting; other days I need background music. Being able to adjust my environment and pace— like blocking time for focus work or taking breaks when overstimulated— is critical to my productivity.
  
  
• Understanding and Support: My team listens when I explain my needs and works to implement small but meaningful adjustments. I feel genuinely seen, valued, and understood, rather than ‘othered’ for my differences.

A Message for Others Navigating Similar Experiences

“ To anyone navigating a similar journey— whether you’re newly diagnosed or feeling unseen— I want you to know your experience is valid. You are not alone. Your unique brain is not a flaw, and your needs are not a burden. There’s incredible power in self-understanding and self-advocacy. Seek out communities, learn about yourself, and remember: if you’re struggling, it’s often a sign that the environment—not you—needs to change. We all deserve spaces where we can be our full, authentic selves and contribute our unique gifts to the world.” Destani Engel, Employee Experience Lead

At Spare, we believe inclusion is a journey, not a destination. Teammates like Anson and Destani remind us that disabilities bring challenges—but also unique perspectives, strengths, and ways of thinking that enrich our workplace and culture.

For us, Disability Pride is about creating a culture where employees feel safe, respected, and valued for who they are. At the end of the day, accessibility should be woven into the fabric of how we design physical spaces, digital tools and workflows — not treated as an afterthought or a one-size-fits-all solution. In the workplace, we must champion representation at all levels, ensuring there’s real opportunity for leadership and influence. 

Disability is part of the human experience, and Disability Pride Month is a powerful reminder that everyone deserves to live, work and participate fully in society without barriers or stigma. Let’s keep working toward a future where inclusion isn’t just a goal—it’s the norm.

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