In a wide-ranging and deeply personal conversation, Tiffany Yu, CEO and Founder of Diversability, explores the transformational potential of disability advocacy, the importance of representation, and the expansive reach of community-building.

As the architect of Diversability—a global community now numbering more than 80,000 individuals—Tiffany has created a platform that empowers disabled individuals and their allies to elevate their voices, dismantle ableist systems, and build collective influence.

What began in 2009 as a student-led initiative has grown into a dynamic, multi-sector movement. Inspired by her corporate experiences at Goldman Sachs and Bloomberg, where she first encountered disability employee resource groups, Tiffany saw firsthand how visibility and solidarity within institutions could alter perceptions and influence systems.

Diversability not only fosters peer connection but also positions disability identity as a source of pride, resilience, and leadership.

Much of the conversation centers on her newly released book, The Anti-Ableist Manifesto, a call to action for disabled and non-disabled readers alike. Through a structured “Me-We-Us” framework, Tiffany makes disability advocacy accessible to all. The manifesto is not simply about compliance with existing legislation—it’s about shifting societal mindsets to affirm the inherent value of disabled lives. It’s a deeply human appeal that complements legal protections like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the UK's Equality Act by focusing on hearts and minds, not just policy.

Tiffany underscores the economic imperative of inclusion. With over 1.6 billion people globally identifying as disabled and a collective market power exceeding $18 trillion, disability inclusion is not only a moral obligation but a competitive advantage. She cites examples of innovations originally designed for disabled users—such as electric toothbrushes, audiobooks, and ergonomic seating—that have gone on to benefit the broader public. These “curb-cut effects” demonstrate how designing with accessibility in mind fosters universal benefit.

The conversation also delves into the structural challenges facing the disability community: fragmentation across geographies, underrepresentation in leadership, and political headwinds threatening essential services. Yet, Tiffany resists despair. She points to disabled entrepreneurs as economic contributors and changemakers, and notes that small businesses led by disabled founders are significantly more likely to hire other disabled people—illustrating how grassroots action can lead to systemic transformation.

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