The Power To Represent The Disability Community
By Alexis La’Shay Smith
Alexis La’Shay Smith is a journalist, activist, mentor, model, dancer, storyteller and creator of Advisable Alexis, to stop bullying, broaden awareness and improve life for the disability community.
I was born with cerebral palsy, a physical disability that is a brain injury caused by a lack of oxygen to the brain during birth. As a result, all four of my limbs are affected. I use forearm crutches and a power chair as mobility aids to get around on a daily basis. Due to my motor skills issue and having tightness and stiffness in my legs, I have had physical and occupational therapy throughout my life in the hope I would become looser, stronger, and independent.
While in therapy, in addition to working on exercises to improve my mobility, I have also enjoyed many sessions learning how to cook with adaptive devices and making up a mock bed in the rehabilitation center. Because I had tremendous guidance with my domestic skills, I have gained the confidence that I can live on my own safely and happily with minimal assistance.
I have graduated from community college, told stories on a live stage, helped to influence a clothing line, advocated for members of the disability community and used my voice for good. I have dreams of becoming a public relations professional to speak on behalf of the disability community in regards to improving services and providing leniency with policies within necessary services such as rehabilitation centers, homecare agencies, and transportation companies.
I am immensely passionate about becoming a public relations professional to service the disability community because I do not want others to experience the same hardships that I have. I want any and every future client to feel as though I have empathy, compassion, and that I take their concerns seriously by using my power, knowledge, and resources to assist them with improving lives.
I am a student volunteer for an organization called Hey U.G.L.Y.(Unique Gifted Lovable You) where I monthly post videos on my YouTube channel called Advisable Alexis in effort to prevent suicide, which is caused by bullying.
I highlight my experiences being bullied, being a bully, cutting myself, body image, sexting, and giving advice on how to manage thoughts of self harm, and more. I decided to create my YouTube channel because I have personal connections to suicide, and I want to be a part of the solution.
My main mission with my YouTube channel is for people to apply the advice to their real life scenarios. I want to emphasize that there is no shame in seeking mental health care because it can save one’s life. I want my viewers to know they can work hard every day to become a better, healthier, and happier person.
I am a model and dancer for Rebirth Garments. Additionally, I am a participant of Tellin’ Tales Theatre. I am a Global Girl Media Chicago alumni. I am also a former 2018 student fellow from The Pulitzer Center, as a student journalist, I reported on how hurricane Maria affected people with disabilities. I am a former mentor at Access Living’s Disability Justice Mentoring Collective program.
““ I want any and every future client to feel as though I have empathy, compassion, and that I take their concerns seriously by using my power, knowledge, and resources to assist them with improving lives.” @SmithAlexis94 #PowerToChangeStories” ”
Alexis La'Shay Smith is a journalist, activist, volunteer, model, dancer, storyteller, mentor and creator of Advisable Alexis. https://www.facebook.com/smithalexis94/; linkedin.com/in/alexissmithmedia; Instragram: smithalexis121194; @SmithAlexis94; Snapchat: alexissmith9412 ; Bullying Prevention TV through Hey U.G.L.Y.: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JTy4laonqBo&list=PLuAdtxcHcymjlsRs1H-kf69qkkynMMgme