Advancing possibilities together: UTSW celebrates the Americans with Disabilities Act
“By being more accommodating, you have the power to change the world – whether or not you have a disability,” keynote speaker Tiffani Martin, CSM, CPOPM, told those attending UT Southwestern’s inaugural event honoring the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Mrs. Martin, a strategist, author, and disability and STEM advocate, shared her personal journey of resilience, strength, and courage in the face of adversity. After losing her vision at age 28 due to diabetic retinopathy, Mrs. Martin’s resolve has grown, leading her to dedicate her career to transforming business strategies, driving innovation, and advocating for equity and accessibility for others.
She expressed her deep affinity for UT Southwestern, where she spent time throughout her health journey, including seeing UTSW specialists in endocrinology and nephrology.
“This event celebrates ADA and focuses on individuals at UT Southwestern who work with their disabilities and who share their talents by contributing to our fantastic community,” said Shawna Nesbitt, M.D., M.S., Vice President and Chief Institutional Opportunity Officer.
In a powerful speech on July 31, Mrs. Martin emphasized the significance of perception. Before choosing Baylor University, where she is pursuing her M.B.A., she recalled an interview with another institution where some doubted her capabilities.
“It was thought because I lost one of my faculties, I was completely unable to do anything. I was questioned by my ability, not my intellect,” she said. “My current M.B.A. program was accommodating and wanted to help me become the best version of myself. I believe what’s required most from others are patience and understanding.”
After undergoing eight eye surgeries by 2016 at another Texas facility not affiliated with UTSW, Mrs. Martin had completely lost her sight. During this time, she was also on dialysis for two years due to kidney dysfunction and received a kidney transplant at a North Texas hospital not affiliated with UT Southwestern. In 2022, she underwent a second transplant at that same health care center after experiencing organ rejection. During Mrs. Martin’s talk, she emphasized the importance of community, as the support from family and friends helped her overcome these health obstacles.
“Any accolade or goal that I’ve been able to achieve has been a collective effort. While individual focus and perseverance play a role, community is part of all that we do,” she said.
In closing remarks, Mrs. Martin empowered the UTSW audience with words her father spoke to her: “You may have lost your sight, but you did not lose your vision.”
She expressed that everyone has the potential to conquer challenges and that being more considerate toward others shapes a better world.
The Office for Institutional Opportunity hosted the celebration outside D1.602 on South Campus in collaboration with UT Southwestern’s newest Business Resource Group (BRG), EquallyAble Alliance BRG.
“This BRG is for everyone, because everyone knows, loves, or is someone with a disability,” said Sonnie Hoots, Accountant I in the Office of Development - Advancement Strategy & Operations, and Chair of the new BRG.
The gathering concluded with a musical performance by the North Texas Performing Arts Starcatchers, a therapeutic theater program for individuals with disabilities that allows members to shine through drama, music, dance, and visual arts performances.