The International Day of Persons with Disabilities was founded more than 30 years ago to promote the rights and well-being of people with disabilities. Since then, remarkable individuals have brought more inclusion and accessibility to communities around the world through their advocacy, work, and example. We're so lucky to count individuals like this among our community at Cionic, and we're particularly proud to celebrate them this International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Their stories show us what’s possible when we push beyond expectation.
Jane Adams Writes Hope Back Into Her Story
When Jane Adams had a stroke in 2017, the 60-year-old journalist was left unable to move the left side of her body. Until then, she'd been swimming or walking nearly every day of the week and the adjustment, she said, was devastating.
Recovery hasn't been linear, but community, family, and reflection have helped her find her way forward. In embracing a different kind of life, she's also reconnected with an early passion: fiction writing.
"The stroke has led me in different directions and has done for me what I couldn't do for myself, which is give myself time to read and write," she said. Her perspective extends beyond her own experience, too.
"Everybody gets dealt some blows in life, and it's been sobering just to look around and see how people are coping with them," she said. "There's a lot going on out there that we don't always see, and a lot of courage and resilience."
Adam Powell Pushes for Progress Every Day
For Adam Powell, stubbornness is a superpower. Six years ago, he was diagnosed with primary progressive multiple sclerosis — one of the most aggressive cases his doctor had ever seen. Within six months, Adam was using a wheelchair full-time.
But he wanted a change. "I decided that's not how I wanted to be," he said. "Since then, I've done nothing but try to get out of the chair and keep walking. And I have achieved that."
The journey hasn't been easy, but he's committed and strategic about making daily progress and setting goals. This October, he set a goal to ride 10 miles on his bicycle. After training intentionally and building up his mileage, he surpassed his goal within weeks. Along the way, he actively shares his progress online to inspire others and build community.
"Documenting it has been cool, just to share my journey and maybe give somebody with MS hope," he said. "This guy used to be in a wheelchair. Now he's riding eight miles. He's walking, he's playing golf. Like, if he can do it, why can't I do it?"
Blanca Lobo Showcases Style
For Blanca Lobo, fashion is an artistic exercise — a daily opportunity to express herself and her individual style. It's also become a way for her to create community and connection as a woman with a disability.
Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis at 30 years old, she said she first struggled to accept her disability and use mobility aids that drew attention to it. But a shift came from seeing other young women with similar disabilities using canes and mobility aids with style and confidence.
As she connected with that community, those relationships transformed how she saw herself. She found new inspiration for embracing adaptive fashion as creative expression and community advocacy.
"There are a lot of children out there who have disabilities and they're being bullied," she said. "I want to help show them there is nothing to be ashamed of. This is just something that happened to us."
Maddi Niebanck Builds Community Through Shared Stories
Author. Traveler. Advocate. Not to mention Cionic's own Community Manager. With every step she takes—whether in her neighborhood or abroad — Maddi Niebanck is dedicated to building connection among the mobility community, sharing the kinds of stories and support that helped her through her own recovery.
Eight years after a stroke left her paralyzed on her left side just a week after graduating from college, Maddi embodies resilience and living life on your own terms.
"The resulting foot drop from my stroke did more than just change my gait — it impacted my independence and ability to travel," she said. "The world suddenly felt smaller to me and less accessible. I was forced to reinvent myself."
Along the way, she's shared stories of possibility — both her own and those of others in the Cionic community. Her book, Fast Fwd: The Fully Recovered Mindset, explores what recovery means when "fully recovered" looks different than expected. And through Cionic's podcast, she spotlights the voices of people transforming mobility.
Sofia Robison Leads With Her Voice
Sofia Robison may be "test pilot one" to the Cionic community and the inspiration behind the Neural Sleeve. But, at just 16 years old, she's already carving out her own path as an advocate, artist, and leader in her community.
Diagnosed at 18 months old with cerebral palsy, Sofia has spent her life pursuing what she loves, facing obstacles head-on — and advocating for rights and access for the disability community.
After trying out the neurodiversity group at her school, she decided to launch her own motor disabilities group. The group provides space for kids like her to share their experiences and advocate for better accessibility at school.
Sofia also shares wellness tips on Instagram for WAWOS (We're All Working On Something), a nonprofit that supports and celebrates children with cerebral palsy and neuromuscular delays.
"It's a lot to fight, it's difficult at times. Sometimes it's lonely and sometimes it feels like nobody cares," she said at a recent WAWOS event. "But we have such a big community of friends and so much support. And it's always easier to fight with friends on your side."
