Our Founder:
Leighton Kwok is a student at South Pasadena High School committed to creating spaces for teens to feel welcome. Being born with Preaxial Polydactyly Type VI herself, she has had first hand experience of how it feels to be in the dark. She hopes Disability Aware will bring a new era of visibility, where teens feel comfortable in their own skin and can share with others
CORE VALUES
At Disability Aware, we empower youth through a community built on shared experience and collective strength. These values guide every story we tell and every connection we make.
Authentic Storytelling
Sharing our lived experiences with honesty to break down barriers and change the narrative around disability.
Self-Advocacy
Equipping our youth with the tools to express their needs and confidently navigate institutional systems.
Daily Accessibility
Removing physical and digital friction so that every member can participate fully in every activity, every day.
Mutual Support
Fostering a culture of radical care where peer-to-peer connection provides the foundation for individual growth.
Youth Empowerment
Ensuring youth voices lead the way in policy, community projects, and the group's long-term vision.
Inclusive Connection
Building lasting bonds across all intersections of identity, creating a truly global and diverse safety net.