Sherri and Roberta want to share how people with disabilities enhance our lives; they deserve our acceptance, inclusion, and most importantly meaningful employment. Sherri Mercantonio began advocating with children with special needs after the birth of her son who has Down Syndrome. She is the CEO and founder of Bridge Builders of Diversity, where she is bridging the gap for the disability community, and currently works as a communication officer for the Department of Public Safety at Brown University.

Roberta Curry has been teaching children with special needs since 2004, and is the vice president of Bridge Builders of Diversity, where she builds bridges through education, inclusion and advocacy. Roberta leads her local teacher’s union and never passes up an opportunity to advocate for special needs students at any level. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx