Brooke talks to special guest, LeMondre Pough, who shares his journey of being born with spinal muscular atrophy, a progressive neurological disorder, and how his disability has evolved over time. He discusses his childhood experiences, the challenges he faced in the educational system, and the importance of advocating for oneself. LeMondre emphasises the concept of disability as a part of one's identity and the need for individuals to stand up for their needs, and delves into the significance of diversity, equity, and inclusion. KEY TAKEAWAYS LeMondre shares his experience of being born with a progressive neurological disorder, emphasising the evolution and changes he has experienced over time. LeMondre co-founded Billion Strong, a global identity organisation focused on uniting and empowering the global community of people with disabilities to amplify their voices and create positive change. There is great importance in providing individuals with what is best for them to empower and elevate their contributions. We need to be an accomplice rather than just an ally. There's a growing need for individuals to actively engage and support marginalised communities in their fight for rights and equality. BEST MOMENTS "I always look at it as it is not the defining point of who I am, but it's certainly a defining point."  "I often say that the arts gave me my voice."  "I think it's important that we show up not only as allies, but as accomplices."  "I love the harmony piece of it. I love the harmony piece of it."  VALUABLE RESOURCES https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/disabled-and-proud/id1621152878 HOST BIO Disabled and Proud is the show that brings listeners a different perspective on disability. Each week this podcast highlights an awesome disabled guest speaking about their own disability; why they are proud to be disabled and why they are proud to be themselves.  The conversations in this show will look at what challenges these amazing people face socially, mentally, physically and life in general. This show is raw, open, honest, funny, welcoming and educational.  Disabled & Proud does exactly what it says on the tin! And whilst we are creating this space for disabled people to be unashamedly themselves, without the need to conform to society, this is also not about toxic positivity. This show will be shining a big, bright light on disability without it being “Paralympic or pity”.  As you will hear disability is WHOLE, COMPLETE & PERFECT and whilst the topic of disability can be quite heavy - and we definitely don't shy away from the bad days - this podcast is also about having fun too! Our aim is to play a part in reclaiming the word disability - turning it from inadequacy to perfection!INSTAGRAM! https://www.instagram.com/disabledandproudpodcast/?hl=en: https://www.instagram.com/disabledandproudpodcast/?hl=en