I have Cerebral Palsy...But it doesn't have me! #Product Leader and Public #Speaker who loves his wife, #Design, #Agile, #Technology, and #Accessibility.

Waterloo, Ontario
Today, I learned that my #TedX Toronto talk has officially made the Ted.com site. This is the talk I did about #Change, #Leadership, and #Agile in relation to growing up with a #disability. Please recommend my video on the Ted site. bit.ly/34AY1t0
4
25
102
Disappointed, frustrated, and angry. My work trip was ruined due to the carelessness of the crew for at Logan airport. They carried my power wheelchair seat with one hand while juggling other suitcases, ultimately breaking it. Their attempt to save time cost me three days of obligations. It's not about being #disabled; it's about the impact of individual carelessness. @AirCanada was doing better, but one employee ruined the progress. #RightsOnFlights #disabilityawareness #airportexperience
110
1,102
7,035
417,057
Today begins a new chapter for me. This is my first day working for @microsoft. As a person with a #disability, Microsoft Office enabled me to be productive to graduate university and break through many glass ceilings professionally. Now I can enable others to accomplish more.
17
20
229
My body is exhausted, but my heart is full. I had all my loved ones with me while I gave everything I had to help others. I might have cerebral palsy but I’m the luckiest person to be able to have the life I do. kitchener.ctvnews.ca/video?c…
13
18
225
A new chapter. The Journey Continues.
28
6
215
Whoever designed this graphic on prrsonas is brilliant! #design #ux
55
202
My way of having a good life is the balance of chasing my dreams while being #grateful for what I have. This is the answer I gave being interviewed for a #Leadership podcast.
1
10
197
5,303
It is not about having a perfect life, rather living the best life I have. New achievement unlocked - unassisted stand from sitting.
12
7
198
In my recent blog post, I describe the routine that has helped me be prepared to be ready for opportunities and challenges. Please take a moment to read and share. #Growth #Health #Mindfullness ddame.medium.com/my-framewor…
7
27
187
10,723
2 years of training. 5 hours to walk 5km. Raising $83,000 for cancer. Crossing the finish line- priceless. I have cerebral palsy, it does NOT have me. #Reflecting #Grateful
6
12
152
12,277
They need to have a more proactive process to avoid damaging all these wheelchairs instead of a reactionary process to fix ALL the wheelchairs Air Canada damages. An anomaly of breaking a wheelchair does not require reactive process with a wheelchair repair company on retainer.
1
14
140
It’s not about what I CAN’T do. It’s about what I CAN do. I’m proud of how much control I have in my unassisted walking after 18 months of training. #CerebralPalsyAt51
12
4
138
They stated my incident was an anomaly as well. However, they have a company that does repair on the wheelchairs on retainer.
2
5
98
Over 18 months of training and I am so happy I can walk so effortlessly. I’m so #grateful for Kelly, Bourilack, and Melissa for their unwavering commitment to me living my best life.
10
2
97
People always ask me, "Do you prefer to be referred to as a #disabled person or person with a #disability?" People close to me simply refer to me as Dave.
4
8
99
Best decision I made in 2021 - Joining #Microsoft

ALT win95 GIF by ALEX KAO

9
99
Best. Wheelchair. Ramp. Ever. #a11y #accessibility #Inclusive #Design
11
18
99
11,477
The journey continues.
14
93
5,625
Look mom, no hands! I have Cerebral Palsy, it does NOT have me.
8
1
79
Linear vs. Honest vs. Strategic Roadmap Pavel Samsonov posted this on Twitter and thinks it's worth sharing. Especially for all the #Product Managers and Entrepreneurs in my timeline!
3
31
85
As a person with the #disability, I find it weird that people say to me that they’re inspired that I work. I work because I have bills to pay. I wonder if the mortgage company is inspired every time I pay my mortgage?
8
11
81
4,131
Humbled to be part of an awesome team.
Accessibility matters. @DDame #MicrosoftEvent
5
11
77
The moment when all the time and pain becomes worth it. The Finish Line!
5
4
70
"If you see the world differently, then you have a different world available to you." This is my #TedTalk I did in October. I explain how #Leaders need #vision, #vulnerability, and #resilience. If you like it, please share with your network. Enjoy! piped.video/hAnlkzKN8EQ
2
35
72
I accomplish my goals...one...step...at...a...time.
7
5
63
There's been a lot of talk about Air Canada's handling of people with #disabilities and their mobility devices. However, I want to shine a light on the amazing ground crew at @yvrairport . For the past 3 years, they have alleviated my travel anxiety at #YVR. Their attentive approach, clear communication, and meticulous care with my device make my flying experience enjoyable. This level of service is unparalleled. @AirCanada , take notes from this exceptional team on how to enhance customer service for individuals with disabilities! Huge thanks to Alan, Aaron, and Deon for setting the gold standard in customer care. 🌟 #CustomerService #DisabilityInclusion #TravelExperience
2
5
65
3,431
If you’re releasing a #product that is not #accessible. You are releasing a product that is incomplete.
1
11
67
3,841
Standing tall. #CPat50
3
1
62
Today we bury my mom. Thank you for letting me cry on your shoulder in my extreme pain from surgeries. Thank you for being the foot in my ass when I needed it. Miss you. Love you.
13
61
A year of exercise and I’m standing stronger. Living my best life at 50. #ThisIsCerebralPalsyAt50
4
59
18 months of training. Raised $70k for Cancer Research. 4 hours and 15 minutes of extreme struggle to walk 5.6km. Worth it! Thank you to everyone who supported me.
56
This is my first #adaptive shirt with magnets behind the buttons. Adaptive clothing and fashionable do not need to be mutually exclusive. #BringingSexyBack #a11y
4
3
60
3,881
Why do do I continue to train so hard over the last 3 years? Cerebral Palsy will not take me alive!
4
1
60
6,680
The adoption of #AI capabilities depends on how easily we can change people's #habits in how they get their jobs done. How many people still do a web search as a precursor to creating a list or document instead of going directly to #ChatGPT?
4
11
59
13,475
When your passion is greater than the pain…
3
5
55
2,747
We had the honor to host @Trevornoah at the @IncTechLab today. Although I could not be there in person, technology allowed me to be there in robot form.
5
2
55
I have Cerebral Palsy, it does not have me!
3
3
53
3,039
#Agile does not solve problems. Agile exposes problems that you need to fix. It's more convenient to say that Agile did not work for us than to say we quit fixing the problems Agile exposed.
12
50
I'm flying out tomorrow for vacation for two weeks. I should be excited, but I have anxiety about my wheelchair being damaged. This has to be fixed. #RightsOnFlights
Another day, another wheelchair broken by an airline. We will not stop campaigning until we see travel reform that protects the rights and safety of people with disabilities #NotLuggage #RightsOnFlights
2
6
53
6,173
This image shares my thoughts on #accessibility overlays on websites. Just because it claims to make it accessible does not mean it does. #a11y
1
15
47
2,821
In my lifetime, I hope the #disability community can shift from being 'grateful' that #accessibility is present in products and services to 'expecting' accessibility in products and services. This shift would provide true #equality in travel, work, school, and play. #inclusion #diversity #equalopportunity
2
18
44
1,427
Squats..
8
1
52
18 months ago I could not even do a plank. Some achievements are what others get to take for granted.
4
51
Today is my first anniversary of working at #Microsoft! What an amazing time of bringing humanity, design, and tech together to make productivity and creativity inclusive to humans of all abilities. #a11y
4
52
#Accessibility is the solution. #Disability is the opportunity.
3
5
53
3,961
I have Cerebral Palsy, it does not have me. I am grateful for my power wheelchair post workout. 😜#CPat51
2
1
49
A professional with a #disability has two jobs: The one we get hired and paid for. The other is educating their organization the best way to accommodate, grow, and enable a professional with a disability. The second one we don’t get paid for, it is the tax we pay to do the first.
3
9
45
2,321
I am sad to share that my #mom passed away. She fought many battles to give me equality for education, independence, and opportunity. My #disability would not prevent me from achieving anything I pursued, nor will it entitle me. piped.video/UNdauGvmN54
17
2
44
“Some people say that what I did changed the world,” she wrote, “But really, I simply refused to accept what I was told about who I could be. And I was willing to make a fuss about it.” - Judith Heumann
8
49
1,729
I started with walking on flat surfaces. I have progressed to an elevated step with weights. I have cerebral palsy, but it does not have me! #TheJourneyContinues
4
1
51
1,590
That moment you realize 16 months of hard work was worth the struggle.
1
1
45
One year of a healthier lifestyle I went from a 38 inch waist to a 30 and feel strong!
9
44
Progress over perfection. I don’t know what ‘perfect’ #accessibility looks like, but I know with ‘better’ accessibility could be.
11
44
2,067
If you want it…you have to go after it…with EVERYTHING you have! #CPat50
2
2
43
I live for transforming organizations to be more #product driven, #agile, and #accessible. I also believe in transforming myself by conditioning to be my best. I LOVE struggle as it’s the journey towards a better tomorrow. I have CP, but it does not have me.
2
4
42
The video on the left was last year. The video on the right is today. Progress comes from relentless consistency. #TheJourneyMustContinue
5
2
44
2,377
I have Cerebral Palsy, but my money doesn’t. If you want my money you better build a #product or service I can use! #a11y #ProductManagement
13
46
3,218
Organizations have come a long way in hiring talent with #disabilities. Now they have to go further. Grow the #careers of people with disabilities within your organization. (1/1) #GAAD2023 #Growth #HR #Leadership
3
14
42
3,379
Replying to @Stephanie4BC
I am sorry to hear this. @AirCanada needs to improve its consistency for travelers with disabilities. I have had terrible experiences and have had excellent experiences traveling with my powerchair between YYZ and YVR. We need consistency.
4
43
11,457
Celebrating life together…
4
1
42
This shift in perspective is critical to living your best #life. How are you measuring your success? #Growth #purposefullife #happiness
1
9
41
I have recently self-identified as a person with a #disability ♿️ on my social media profiles. I have never felt comfortable self-identifying. Although I feel #vulnerable, my hope is the world is changing where disability is embraced as a strength, not a weakness.
2
2
37
Today I’m so incredibly overwhelmed that I have been selected to do a Ted talk in October. #Grateful
9
1
42
I have been told a lot of things would be impossible with having cerebral palsy. Those things did look impossible,,,until I did those things. The Journey Continues.
2
1
40
888
M365 Co-Pilot has been my tool for a month now. I have a #disability that makes authoring an email take me about 8 minutes on average. With M365 co-pilot, I can do it in 3 minutes. Creating a PowerPoint used to take me around 45 minutes on average, now it takes me 8 minutes. In the video below, I show how I reduced the time to draft email and PowerPoint from 53 minutes to 11 minutes using M365 co-pilot. Instead of typing or dictating a whole email, I can ask to generate an email and work on a draft. This saves me time and energy than writing from scratch. Typing or dictating less words to express your ideas can help both people with and without disabilities. Being more productive benefits everyone. Less physical effort to create gives me more time to think and improve while shortening the time from composing to collaborating with people. Collaboration with people makes good ideas better and enables faster action. This video is not professionally done. It has a 12 second gap at the beginning.   #AI #CoPilot #M365
1
13
39
6,788
People ask me, "Do you prefer to be referred to as a disabled person or a person with a #disability?" People close to me refer to me as Dave.
6
6
36
3,142
My wife and i sharing an adventure together. Relaxing, recharging, and reflecting on 21 years together. #grateful
2
38
1,068
LOVE the new #accessibility features in Windows 11, like systems-wide captioning, natural voices on Narrator, and my personal favorite - Voice Access preview! Check out below... blogs.windows.com/windowsexp…
1
13
36
I'm late for the party, but my power wheelchair has never limited me. It has enabled me to attend school. It has enabled me to get around the office. It has enabled me to travel around the world. My power wheelchair has enabled me to be me. #InternationalWheelchairDay
2
1
34
I got to experience something I never thought I would again, playing video games. we setup my XBox and Xbox Adaptive Controller. Playing NHL 2022 and EA Golf reminded me how gameplay enabled a social connection of inclusiveness. So much to be grateful for this weekend.
2
3
35
Scuba diving training at 53. I have Cerebral Palsy, but Cerebral Palsy doesn’t have me. As a product maker it’s not always creating new experiences to the world, it’s about giving users the opportunity to experience existing experiences for the first time.
3
1
32
1,189
It was an honor to be the speaker on Assistive Technology and sharing #Microsoft accessible products and features at the #65CPC. Parliaments that invest in AT will be able to employ more people with #disabilities into government.
3
4
36
As a person with a #disability, I do not need to be 'fixed' or 'cured'. Simply, I need to be empowered and included to be engaged to live a full life. Technology and amazing humans have enabled me to achieve this. Thank you.
2
9
35
921
On this International Day for People with Disabilities, I look back on how social inclusion has improved over my life as a person with a #disability. It’s not only about having equal opportunities to work, learn, play and live, but also about the people who share these experiences with me. I’m #grateful for my wife, family, friends, colleagues, and ex-colleagues. #IDPWD
1
10
37
1,592
Beech #wheelchair for the win! #Disability Beach Life. #inclusion
1
5
35
965
Looking forward to speaking at TedxToronto...I have an idea worth spreading. #BucketList
❌ The final 8 speakers for #TEDxToronto have been revealed! Who are you most looking forward to seeing? Learn more about our speakers: bit.ly/2NKkmuF
4
4
35
Today is IDPwD. Early in my life, I was insecure about my #disability. I would try to make jokes to make everyone around me feel comfortable with it, while still feeling insecure inside. Today, I am proud of my disability as it made me who I am. #inclusion #msfta11y #inclusion
3
5
32
Today is #InternationalWheelChair Day. My wheelchair has enabled me to roll down the altar to marry my love, travel the world, and collaborate with the most amazing people. I'm not sad that I am in a wheelchair. I'm grateful for what my wheelchair allowed me to experience life.
1
4
36
1,549
I applaud @apple for a recent #accessibility find with my iPhone. As a person with a #disability, I struggled to push the two side buttons to take a screenshot on my phone. I tried, "Hey Siri, take a screenshot", and it did. Small #a11y improvements are impactful. #grateful
5
5
36
Why do a lot of #Product organizations tend to favor building new features instead of making existing features better for #users?
13
4
37
First workout of 2022. What am I training for? Tomorrow. #CPat50
2
33
All checked in and ready to set sail! Alaska here we come. First vacation in 3 years!
8
33
I push myself in my workouts so I can experience life’s simple pleasures like walking in the sand and the ocean. You have one life to make the most of it.
1
2
35
1,559
It’s not simply only building accessibility features, rather build all your features with accessibility in mind. #mitprodcon #accessibility #product
6
37
1,977
When this picture captured me pointing at the sky, I thought of my dad after getting a standing ovation for my #Ted Talk. Now when I point up after a talk, I thank my parents. Thank you for everything. Miss you.
32
Love this sketch on #product teams. Thank you @cagan . #prodmgmt
7
31
It was awesome to finally get to spend time in person with Stephanie. Sharing our common experience as people with #disabilities in our careers, personal lives, and travel for both work and vacation. I’m #grateful for everything you do improve #accessibility in Canada.
3
8
32
5,768
I feel hopeful that #Inclusive #Designers will not simply make the world #accessible, but make the experience seem less. Sorry is an excuse. Sorry is tiring. Sorry is not inclusive. #IDTO @Scotia_DF @scotiabank @SafehavenTO @Scrumdotorg
7
32
CxO's request that at the end of the year they wanted to be fully #agile to be better, faster, and cheaper by year end. I want a cure for Cerebral Palsy and not need my power wheelchair by year end. I guess we both will be disappointed. Agile is a journey, not a destination.
3
6
35
My team helped support the vision.
2
30
628
Taking the dog for a roll.
31
With one life you live it to the fullest. I'm grateful that I'm with you who makes my life complete. Happiest of Valentines to the one I share my life with. Love you, Kelly.
1
32
1,593
I have started training hard the last two weeks to prepare for the @WaterlooTFR in 2021. Am I nervous? Yes. Is it going to hurt? Yes. Why? Because I have to try. 5k At 50 years old.…
2
2
31
Loved having this conversation with @caro_milanesi featured in @ForbesTech. "You know you can call it #accessibility. You can call it #design. I call it #humanity. It's really bringing humanity to the front and center." forbes.com/sites/carolinamil…
1
8
33
It's not simply about creating #accessible technology, it's about what the person can achieve and experience because of that #technology.
1
5
33
2,112
Why is #inclusive design important? Everyone might need #accessibility features at one time, for sometime. We are all going to be #disabled one day, I just beat you to it. #Microsoft #UX #Design #a11y
14
28
Tomorrow is the first day that I will be traveling the GO train completely by myself to teach 26 Scotiabankers Product Ownership. I’m excited and scared at the same time. What if I fall out of my wheelchair again? You know what scares me more? Not making a difference! #WishMeLuck
7
1
32
Courageous Leaders are not those that only make tough decisions but rather courageous to teach their people to make tough decisions. #Leadership #Growth
2
4
33
1,192