By Terry Loerch

By Terry Loerch     I’m sorry. I’m sorry that, yet again, the disabled community wakes up to headlines that feel like a demolition order for the ramps we just finished building. I’m sorry that in 2025 we still have to argue for curb cuts, captions, and common courtesy. I’m sorry our rights, rights we bled and lobbied for, are being un-stitched, thread by precious thread, while the rest of the world scrolls by.

As the U.S. approaches the 2026 midterms and the pivotal 2028 presidential election, the disabled community emerges unmistakably as a decisive political force. With over 40 million eligible voters, this demographic can tip the scales in crucial elections, especially in battleground states where victory margins are notoriously slim. Yet, many political campaigns still neglect this potent electorate, failing to address systemic barriers hindering their democratic participation.

By Terry LoerchTechnology and healthcare have always had an intricate relationship, evolving together to push the boundaries of what is possible in medical science. Today, AI is at the forefront of this transformation, reshaping diagnostics, treatment plans, and patient care. Health tech companies are racing to integrate AI into their systems, from predictive analytics to robotic surgeries. But amid this surge of innovation, one crucial voice is often overlooked, the disabled community. If AI in healthcare is to truly fulfill its promise of accessibility and efficiency, it must be built with the direct input of those who rely on it the most.

Let’s get one thing straight: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) isn’t just some liberal buzzword or a handout to the ‘woke’ crowd. It’s the backbone of a functional, fair, and free society. It protects everyone, you, your wife, your kids, your aging parents, and yes, even the military veterans who have started spewing ignorant nonsense about it. It’s not some abstract concept, it’s the reason you and your family are safe.

Technology has always been a force for transformation, but its impact on the disabled community in recent years has been nothing short of extraordinary. Innovations are breaking barriers and redefining what’s possible, empowering individuals to live more independent, fulfilling lives. For those of us navigating life in our 30s, 40s, or 50s, this progress feels deeply personal, whether we’re directly affected or supporting friends, family, or colleagues who face daily challenges. The advances we see today are not just about convenience; they’re about creating a more inclusive, accessible world where technology becomes a bridge to opportunity.

As parents, one of our most significant responsibilities is preparing our children for the challenges of life, including financial literacy. Children today face a rapidly changing world with increasing exposure to digital spending, advertising, and financial decision-making at an earlier age. While many parents shy away from discussing money with their kids, fostering open communication about finances can lead to remarkable results.

Mark Webb, the first Changemaker and Ambassador for Equal Tech Innovations and United Disabilities, and Terry Loerch, founder of these groundbreaking initiatives, share a vision for transforming how the world engages with the disabled community. Together, they believe in the power of collaboration and unity, working side by side to rally 1.7 billion individuals under one umbrella to create lasting, impactful change.

In today’s world, where hatred, bigotry, and misinformation seem to dominate the narrative, it’s worth stepping back and considering something simple, the core teachings of faith.

In a world often divided by borders, beliefs, and barriers, the power of unity stands as a shining beacon of hope. Whether in our communities, workplaces, or personal relationships, coming together as one transcends differences and highlights the core truth of our shared humanity: we are stronger together.