Meet Erin Taylor
I am a devoted advocate who combines equity, inclusion, and accessibility into my work, creating a space where everyone belongs. I believe in the power of narratives and am committed to amplifying disabled voices and recognizing intersectionality. During the pandemic, we saw an increasing need for education and awareness around disability in professional and personal settings. That is when AIM-4-Access was created.
My background is in creating accessible, universal materials for training, workshops, curricula, and programs. I am also a certified health educator for self-management programs and an experienced speaker and trainer.
I am a part of the disability and LGBTQIA+ communities, bringing a diverse perspective to my work. I have my M.A. in Disability Studies from City University New York (CUNY) and a B.A. in Communications Studies from Western Oregon University.
Meet Laura Ridler
I am a Certified Therapeutic Recreational Therapist with 30 years of experience enhancing overall fitness, well-being, and quality of life after sustaining a disability or illness. My expertise in improving physical strength, cognition, mobility, and social connections through wellness, recreation, life, and sport while making sure accessibility and inclusion are priorities. I have a passion for adaptive recreation/sports, accessible travel, community re-entry, and adjustment to disability after sustaining a Spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, stroke, and other types of disabilities or medical conditions. I have years of experience coaching wheelchair basketball and coordinating the Wheelchair Division of the Honolulu Marathon, but I also know what it takes to connect with peers and local, regional, and national resources. My philosophy is Recreational Therapy from A to Z, from Aquatic Therapy to Zoo outings.
Meet Us
In our free time, we enjoy going on walks with our two dogs, spending time with friends and loved ones, and traveling. Nature is our solace, whether hiking, kayaking, going to the beach, watching the sunset, or going on a new adventure. We always see if the places and space we go are accessible.
Mission
AIM-4-Access mission is to foster and cultivate a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community that embraces, celebrates, and respects the richness of experiences of disabled people. We are dedicated to creating an environment that strives to advance equity and equality, dismantle stigmas and ableism, and promote a sense of belonging for all.
Our Core Values
- Disability Justice – We are dedicated to the principles of disability justice, recognizing that true inclusivity requires an understanding of the intersecting systems of oppression. We advocate for equity, acknowledging the diverse identities within the disability community, and work towards dismantling interconnected forms of discrimination to create a more just and inclusive society.
- Interdependence – We are all interdependent beings. We embrace interdependence, valuing the strength found in mutual support and collaboration for a more inclusive and resilient community.
- Inclusion – We strive to help create places and spaces to be inclusive so everyone can have a sense of belonging.
- Education – We value continuous learning and strive to educate the public about disability awareness and challenging stereotypes, as well as foster a culture of understanding and respect.
- Advocacy – We strive to bring the voices of people with lived experiences into our conversations and work through advocacy. Representation matters, and it is needed to create meaningful and equitable change.
- Accessibility – We strive to create a society where accessibility is a part of every conversation and is brought to the beginning of every conversation.
- Collaboration – We believe in the power of collaboration. We actively seek partnerships with other organizations, community members, and partners to amplify our impact.
AIM-4-Access is certified through the State of Oregon as a COBID Certified firm for:
- Emerging Small Business (ESB)
- Women Business Enterprise (WBE)