“The biggest adventure you can take is to live the life of your dreams.” - Oprah Winfrey. Mandy fulfilled her dream of working at Disney and Universal theme parks by accepting all her challenges. She proved her abilities at work and perfected her people skills to be able to help create enchanted memories for people she serves. Mandy is also an accomplished writer and her notable and praiseworthy work is highlighted at her personal blog Legally Blind Bagged and The Mighty where she is a contributor. She is also a guest writer on various websites like Easterseals, Thrive and BlindNewWorld.

Can you tell us about your experience working at various Orlando theme parks? What challenges do you face in your day-to-day work?M: Ever since I was little, working at Disney and Universal was a dream of mine. It was challenging chasing that dream, dealing with a cross country move and learning how to navigate a very non disability friendly area (for instance, not every street corner is audible, the bus system lacks frequent coverage, and not all managers believe in your abilities) but it was well worth it in the end. I learned more about myself by perfecting my people skills and at the same time making memories for the people I serve. I make the magic in my own little way, and to me, that's life coming full circle.
Being visually impaired in a work environment that involves a lot of numbers and handling of personal info is hard enough as it is, doing it while outdoors is even harder. The desk I work at in Volcano Bay is shaded, but certain times during the day, it can feel like you're on the surface of Mercury surrounded by a couple dozen police helicopters. Luckily I have some awesome team captains and management who offer to move me to a darker station and allow me to take breaks if the sun is too much whenever they can't accomadate a move. I also have my own digital magnifier compliments of my former marketing teacher and the free use of the magnifier functions on the work station computers for when I need to access often tiny information about a reservation. Disney was often helpful to a degree when I did the same job for them, but they required more hoops to jump through in order to obtain it. The difference between the two environments are amazing. I feel I can accomplish more here at Universal, and feel less anxious doing so.

How did you get the idea to start a Homeroom Club for special needs kids during your school days? What were the goals for this club?M: In late 6th grade, I was harassed by a bunch of kids in my class based on my disability. I asked in a sobbing ugly cry "Why aren't there any disabled kids here?" In which my guidance counselor mentioned "There are plenty, believe me." So she introduced me to the K-wing, a random hallway that housed the special needs students. I hung out with them for a few days and helped them with their daily tasks, which provided me with a purpose and something to do rather than deal with the drama. Word caught on early 7th grade that I was helping them and a few friends joined in, and soon, it stretched beyond homeroom to include lunchtime, and then it became a little program where if a kid was caught bullying one of our kids, we would house them with us in homeroom for a week to learn compassion and understanding. This little club earned me the title of Millenium Dreamer during Disney's Millennium Celebration, where I was able to attend a youth summit and meet 1999 other life changing kids and bounce ideas off one another. A few years later I visited the school and the kids became mostly inclusive, attending classes with the mainstream and so much more. Change is good.

What was more challenging during school days, studies or social life and why?M:  Social life was worse. I never had a car nor the ability to drive one, and often my parents were the helicopter sort. Add no decent public transportation and I became a loner. I hated school because of my social life or lack there of. College was to me my second chance at a high school social life , since everything was so close and no mom and dad to stop me.

How do you spread the message of inclusion?M: I have always seen the good in everyone ever since I can remember. My mother told me of a time when I was a toddler how I befriended a disabled homeless guy at the mall and asked to ride his wheelchair. I see no difference in my fellow men or women, as long as you have a good character behind you, there is potential for greatness, no matter what you lack.

Who is your inspiration?M: Although we aren't as close as we used to be, I would still have to say Billy, my best friend, former boyfriend, and mentor. He is a gentleman with Cerebral Palsy who fought for his freedom from group homes and made it his mission to live on his own terms. When I met him, he was doing a lot of self advocacy work and taught me how to become one and take pride in myself. If nothing can stop him from living his dreams, then nothing will stop me either. It's because of Billy tricking me to give a speech in front of a group a strangers at an afvocacy convention that taught me I have a voice and that with that voice I can change the world.

What are your other hobbies?M: I am a collector of many things, mostly vintage toys, Disney collectibles, Funko Pops, Strawberry Shortcake dolls, and my guilty pleasure Shopkins. I also like to Theme Park Hop with friends, we trade each other our complimentary tickets so we can experience the parks we rarely get to go to without going at it alone. I also volunteer at comic cons and art festivals, favorite con is Spooky Empire, it's like Halloween and Rock and Roll had a baby and it manifested into a weekend of awesome.

What do you like to do when you are with your family/friends?M: Theme Park Hopping and Outlet Mall Shopping. It's fun to play tourist for a day

What is your favorite place to visit? What do you like about that place?M: Florida-wise, it would have to be Epcot during festival season (Flower and Garden or Food and Wine) So much to see and do, it's always an adventure. But I would have to say my ultimate favorite place in the world is Providence Rhode Island. This was the city where I found myself. The coffee shops, the little hole in the wall cafes, the art galleries, and so much more. It's even more incredible during Waterfire season, a nighttime street festival that surrounds the Providence River. The torches in the river and the music surrounding them make a perfect date night.

What tips/advice do you have for those in our community who want to spread awareness?M: Don't be afraid of who you are and don't let society shut you down from living your dreams. Every person has a right to be happy and live a life limitless. It's up to you to take that first step and make the world yours.

Any special message for our community?M: I will be speaking at the 20th Annual Family Cafe Conference in Orlando FL June 15-17 (actual date TBA) on my life as a disabled theme park worker and how I overcome the challenges I have faced to make a life for myself in Orlando. Anyone with a disability and their caregiver/parents are free to attend. Registration is available at https://www.familycafe.net