Disability inclusion is often discussed in terms of compliance or accommodation. But according to disability advocate Daniel Hodges, authentic inclusion goes much deeper.
In a recent episode of The Cultural Curriculum Chat Podcast™, host Jebeh Edmunds speaks with Hodges about resilience, systemic barriers, and what it really takes to build organizations where everyone can thrive.
A Childhood Marked by Low Expectations
Daniel Hodges was born blind and lives with multiple disabilities. Growing up, many educators believed he would never become a fully independent adult.
Due to systemic failures in the education system, Daniel missed grades seven through eleven entirely.
For many people, such barriers could have defined the rest of their lives.
But Daniel’s story took a different path.
Today, he holds a Juris Doctorate from the University of Baltimore and a Master’s in Healthcare Administration from Western Governors University.
His journey is a powerful reminder that expectations placed on people with disabilities are often shaped by bias rather than ability.
Turning Personal Pain Into Advocacy
One of the most defining moments in Daniel’s life came when he nearly lost custody of his child due to disability discrimination — during a time when the family was navigating pediatric cancer treatment.
Experiences like this became a catalyst for his advocacy work.
Rather than allowing injustice to silence him, Daniel transformed those moments into motivation to create systemic change.
The Mission of the Peaces of Me Foundation
Daniel is now the President and Co-Founder of the Peaces of Me Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to breaking stigma around disabilities.
The foundation focuses on:
Community education
• Professional training for organizations
• Resource connections for individuals with disabilities
The goal is simple but profound: create a world where people of all abilities can thrive.
Accessibility Is Not Optional
One of the key themes Daniel emphasizes is that accessibility should not be viewed as an expensive add-on.
Instead, accessibility is about removing barriers that prevent people from contributing their talents.
Organizations that prioritize inclusive design often discover that accessibility benefits everyone — not just individuals with disabilities.
Calling People In
Another important concept Daniel highlights is the difference between calling people out and calling people in.
Calling people out often creates defensiveness and shuts down dialogue.
Calling people in, on the other hand, creates space for learning, growth, and genuine change.
For organizations seeking to improve inclusion, this mindset shift can be transformative.
Finding Your Why
Throughout his journey, Daniel has remained grounded in a clear sense of purpose.
Finding your “why,” he says, is essential when facing adversity.
Purpose becomes the fuel that keeps you moving forward even when the path is difficult.
Building a More Inclusive Future
Daniel’s story challenges many of the assumptions society holds about disability.
More importantly, it shows what becomes possible when individuals and organizations commit to inclusion in meaningful ways.
To learn more about Daniel Hodges and the work of the Peaces of Me Foundation, visit:
https://www.peacesofme.org
Together, we can help create a world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
