We talk about it all of the time – disability is the least talked about segment of DEIB with less than 4% of companies prioritizing it amongst their other DEIB initiatives. Disability is the largest minority group in the world, and by ignoring it in DEIB, it also leaves out a core tenant of disability justice: intersectionality.

The lived experience of disabled people from one community to another is vastly different, and when we add in additional identities that our society marginalizes, the experience is even more diverse. Join Joshin as we sit down with disability advocates Paula Carozzo (she/her) and Devin Norko (they/them) to have an honest conversation about why intersectionality in disability and other forms of diversity has to be prioritized at all times.

Devin, a young Black femme enby with a short brown fro, is shown chest-up smiling at the camera. They are wearing a white shirt, round glasses, and a gray headband.
Meet Your Presenter

Devin Norko

Devin Norko is not just a content creator; they are a force of advocacy at the intersection of multiple marginalized identities. As a Black, disabled, and queer individual, Devin brings a unique and essential perspective to the table. They navigate multiple disabilities, which means they are no stranger to medical spaces and the challenges that come with them. Their advocacy work is a kaleidoscope of experiences that touch on disability, queerness, neurodivergence, and the complexities of living at the intersection of various marginalized identities.

Devin’s advocacy is deeply rooted in their personal journey, and they use their platforms to prioritize vulnerability and growth. Their work serves multiple purposes: to inform and educate, to encourage visibility, and to amplify voices that often go unheard. This is not just advocacy; it’s a form of activism that seeks to reshape societal narratives and challenge existing norms.

As a seasoned writer, Devin has been putting pen to paper since they were able to hold one. Their portfolio is as diverse as their advocacy, featuring poems (many of which have been published), articles, short stories, and essays. Writing is not just a form of expression for Devin; it’s a tool for change. They have also extended their advocacy into the realm of public speaking, having been honored to speak at multiple events on topics ranging from disability justice to queer rights and self-acceptance.

In addition to their individual efforts, Devin is a founding host for the Disability Open Mic for the Get Loud Movement. This platform allows them to create a space where others can share their stories, fostering a sense of community and solidarity among those who are often marginalized.

Connection with Joshin and Their Mission

Devin Norko’s work resonates strongly with the mission of Joshin, a company committed to reducing barriers to support for disability and neurodivergence. Joshin aims to provide comprehensive support systems for organizations, their employees, family members, and leaders, making resources that are often difficult to access easily available. Like Devin, Joshin understands the importance of visibility, education, and the amplification of marginalized voices in creating a more inclusive environment. Both Devin and Joshin are aligned in their commitment to disability justice, making their advocacy not just a call to awareness but a call to action.

To connect with Devin and follow their advocacy work, you can find them on various platforms:

You can find Devin here:Instagram: instagram.com/mxdevin | Patreon: patreon.com/mxdevin | TikTok: @mxdevin | Twitter: twitter.com/mxdevinn | Medium: medium.com/@mxdevin | To connect: mxdevin@outlook.com

Paula is a Latin disabled woman with brown hair, standing on a street in a green top and black fringed skirt holding a purple cane.
Meet Your Presenter

Paula Carozzo

Inclusive activist, disabled content creator, model and speaker, Paula Carozzo has cultivated and created a space to redefine disability. At the age of five, Paula was diagnosed with cerebral palsy after an anoxic episode from surgery. On her journey with a cane, Paula shares her story on what it’s like to live with a disability by amplifying the voices of her community to share their laughs, struggles, and adventures from living with a disability. Paula is recognized as a spokesperson for adaptive fashion, lifestyle with a disability, wellness, accessibility, and inclusive rights.