Hello my fellow disabled and/or neurodivergent friends! 👋🏾
Did you know that AccessNow’s FUTURES program is back? 💜
A program to help you build the 3Cs: your confidence, community and connections. 🛠️
Created by disabled and neurodivergent leaders for disabled and neurodivergent people! 🗣️
To learn more and get involved go to studio.accessnow.com/futures 💻
#FutureLooksGood #AccessibleFutures #DisabilityAdvocate #DisabledCommunity #DisabilityInclusion
We tracked social impact skills in 60 FUTURES participants across three survey points.
First half of the program? Near zero growth.
Then they started their Activation Projects. Designing and running real disability advocacy in the world.
Second half? The single largest skill jump in the entire dataset.
You cannot develop social impact capacity by learning about it. You have to do it.
FUTURES registration closes May 20. Register with the link in bio.
[Image Description: Futures graphic. Access Studio logo on top left. Text reads, “Social impact skills don’t grow in a classroom. They grow when you actually do the work. FUTURES 2026”.]
We built a social media internship for disabled and neurodivergent youth!
Introducing the ✨FUTURES Social Media Internship✨. A skills-based program where you design and lead your own 6-week content campaign, rooted in your lived experience.
You get:
📝 Training in video editing, copywriting, and campaign strategy
🚀 Mentorship from @lilgabid and @maayanziv_
💻 A full creative portfolio
📲 An Instagram takeover of @access.studio.official
✅ A certificate of completion
No portfolio. No follower count. No prior experience. Just your story.
Program open to disabled and neurodivergent youth 18 to 30, anywhere in Canada.
Three cohorts in 2026. Cohort 1 applications close May 22. Register now, link in bio.
[Image Description: Access Studio promo graphic. Text reads, “Start Your Creative Career Here — FUTURES Social Media Internship. A 6-week program for disabled and neurodivergent youth ages 18–30. No experience needed. Applications close on May 22. Apply now.”]
We followed 60 FUTURES participants from their first day to the end. Three surveys, three cohort cycles, one honest look at what grows when disabled youth are actually supported.
And almost everything did.
1️⃣ Disability knowledge grew continuously
2️⃣ Leadership skills built fast and held firm
3️⃣ Social impact skills surged when participants did real advocacy
4️⃣ Belonging anxiety dropped. Comfort being yourself went up.
5️⃣ 93% left more ready to contribute to communities that matter to them
“I didn’t just learn what advocacy was. I did advocacy.” - FUTURES participant, Winter 2026
Know someone who belongs here? Tag them! ⤵️
Registration closes May 20. Link in bio.
#FUTURESProgram #DisabilityLeadership #NeurodivergentLeaders
[Image Descriptions: (1) Text on a black chalkboard background: “60 disabled young adults just finished a leadership program. Here’s what actually changed.” Includes Access Studio logo. (2) Text: “1. Disability knowledge grew continuously.” (3) Text: “2. Leadership skills built fast and held firm.” (4) Text: “3. Social impact skills surged when participants did real advocacy.” (5) Text: “4. Belonging anxiety dropped. Comfort of being yourself went up.” (6) Text: “5. 93% left more ready to contribute to communities that matter to them.” (7) A group photo of diverse young adults and wheelchair users. Text: “Join the next Futures Cohort. Registration closes May 20. studio.accessnow.com/futures”]
“Where making friends isn’t awkward — it’s empowering.”
Ready to level up your social game? FUTURES in-person program is where disabled young people hang out, learn from each other, and get real practice making connections. From intro tips to confidence-building moments, we’re learning how to meet people, start conversations, and grow friendships — together. No judgment, no pressure, just disabled youth helping each other shine brighter. Your next best friend might be one conversation away. 💪✨
Ready to meet your people? Register now for Futures. Link in bio 🔗
Video credits:
Talent: Yemina Goldberg
Filming: Maxim Kopanygin
Editing: Hot Shoe Productions - Ben Bergeron
In a world of 8 billion people, your unique voice is your greatest superpower. ✨
A HUGE thank you to everyone that joined us for our virtual workshop on Authentic Content Creation for Disabled/Neurodivergent Creators, and to @lilgabid for sharing her knowledge and experience!
Whether you’re building a brand or just looking for like-minded friends, authenticity is the foundation of every strong community. 🤝💻
Want to join us for more workshops? 🚀
We facilitate workshops like this through our Futures Program. If you’re looking for a space to grow your skills, find your voice, and build community, we’d love to have you!
🔗 Click the link in our bio to learn more and register!
[Image description: A quote graphic with AccessStudio logo on the top left. Text reads: “Be yourself. Within the world of 8 billion people, there truly is only one you. Only you can share your thoughts, your ideas, your stories. And by being yourself, you’ll find friends and build a community online with similar interests. - LIL GABI D” . At the bottom right, there is a circular headshot of Lil Gabi D, a smiling Black woman with curly hair wearing a red jacket.]
Unlock Your Potential and Break Barriers!
Discover the power of self-advocacy and learn how to drive meaningful change in your community! 🌟 Dive into a world where your story matters and your passions can spark transformation. From breaking down accessibility barriers to expressing your truth through art, this is your call to action! Ready to redefine the status quo and empower yourself and others? Join our movement and let’s create a more inclusive future together. 🚀💪🔥
This is where it starts. Together.
Spaces are limited, learn more & register for FUTURES by visiting the link in our bio. 🔗
—
Video description: Video compilation showing young disabled and neurodivergent advocates sharing their stories and discussing barriers, self-advocacy, and using art for change
Video credits:
Talent: Ahsan Musavi
Filming: Maxim Kopanygin
Editing: Hot Shoe Productions - Ben Bergeron
✨ Your voice matters. Your story deserves to be heard. Your way. ✨
Tired of seeing disability content that doesn’t feel real? Ready to create something authentic that actually represents YOU?
We’re beyond excited to announce that Access Studio’s FUTURES Program is partnering with the amazing @lilgabid for a virtual workshop that’s going to be absolutely game-changing! 🔥
This isn’t just another content creation class – this is YOUR space to learn how to show up online authentically, dodge those cringe disability tropes, and build the confidence to share what matters to you.
You’ll walk away knowing how to:
📱 Create fire content with just your phone
♿ Make your posts accessible for everyone
🚫 Spot and avoid inspiration porn + harmful narratives
💪 Build genuine confidence in your online presence
RSVP NOW!
📅 April 29, 2026
⏰ 7:00–8:30 PM EST
💻 Virtual on Zoom
🤟 ASL interpretation provided
This workshop is designed BY and FOR disabled and neurodivergent creators (ages 18-30). Come as you are – we’ve got you covered with full accessibility support.
Ready to level up your content game?
🔗 Hit the link in our bio to register NOW!
Spots are filling up fast, and you don’t want to miss this opportunity to connect, learn, and create alongside an incredible community.
[Image Description: A graphic for a virtual workshop. Text reads, “Authentic Content Creation for Disabled/ NeurodiverGent Creators. APRIL 29TH | 7-830 PM EST ONLINE VIA ZOOM | ASL PROVIDED. Join us for an interactive virtual workshop led by disability advocate and content creator Lil Gabi D. This session is designed for disabled and neurodivergent young people (ages 18–30) who are interested in creating content that is real, impactful, and rooted in authenticity.“ The top half features a photo of a cozy, professional recording studio with blue curtains, a green sofa, and cameras on tripods.]
Love deep conversations but hate the pressure of traditional book clubs? We get it. 🫶
If you are a disabled or neurodivergent 18-30 in Canada, this is your official reminder to secure your spot in the FUTURES Book Club!
Starting this week, we’re launching a free, year-long virtual space to explore disability identity, community building, and social impact. But here is the best part: there are zero expectations.
Guided by the amazing Dr. Jess Watkin, we’ll be anchoring our monthly chats with a mix of books, blog posts, and podcasts. You engage with the materials entirely at your own pace, on your own time. No stress, no need to have it all figured out—just a welcoming space to connect through stories and shared perspectives. 🌌
What to expect:
✨ A chill, low-pressure monthly virtual gathering
✨Accessible formats (read, listen, or scroll—your choice!)
✨ Deep chats on identity, community, and making real change
✨ Open to disabled, neurodivergent, and equity-deserving youth anywhere in 🇨🇦
✨ 100% FREE!
Think of it as:
✨ Your new favorite community hangout
✨ Leadership development that doesn’t feel like work
✨ Stories that finally center OUR experiences
Come develop your leadership skills, build community, and make an impact in a space designed FOR us, BY us.
Ready to claim your spot?
🔗 Hit that link in our bio and register TODAY!
We’re building something beautiful here, and your voice is exactly what this community needs. 💜
#FuturesBookClub #DisabledReads #DisabilityBookClub #NeurodivergentBooks
[Image Description: Graphic titled “FUTURES BOOK CLUB” on a dark background. Text states: “A FREE, year-long virtual book club for disabled & neurodivergent youth in Canada” with a “REGISTER NOW” button. The bottom half shows a photo of hands holding an open book during a group discussion.]
✨ *Find your people — where being understood replaces having to explain ✨
Imagine a space where your unique journey isn’t just understood, it’s shared. That’s the magic that happens when disabled and neurodivergent folks come together.
That moment when you realize you’re not the only one who’s dealt with ignorant comments, accessibility barriers, or feeling like an outsider? PURE MAGIC. 🪄
FUTURES creates these essential spaces – places where you can feel accepted, learn about yourself, and be part of a movement driving real societal change. Safe spaces = real connections. Come meet people who get it.
This is where it starts. Together.
Spaces are limited, learn more & register for FUTURES by visiting the link in our bio. 🔗
Video credits:
Talent: Ali Brown
Filming: Maxim Kopanygin
Editing: Hot Shoe Productions - Ben Bergeron
💙🤝 #DisabledYouth #DisabilityJustice #DisabledAndProud
WE’RE HIRING! 🗣️
AccessNow is looking for a Social Media Specialist (Part-Time Contract) to support our FUTURES program and help grow our digital presence.
This role is about building community and telling impactful stories through accessible, engaging content. From running recruitment campaigns to managing our social channels and collaborating with influencers, you’ll play a key role in how FUTURES shows up online.
We’re especially excited to hear from candidates who:
– Identify as disabled and/or neurodivergent
– Have experience in social media marketing and advertising, content creation, and digital campaigns
– Are passionate about accessibility, inclusion, and community-building
About the role:
📍 Remote or hybrid (Toronto)
📅 Contract: April–December 2026
💼 $25–30/hour (10–15 hours/week, with potential to grow)
🇨🇦 Must be eligible to work in Canada (Citizen or PR)
Apply now by sending your resume and portfolio to [email protected].
[Image Description: A digital graphic with a dark, textured chalkboard background. At the top left is the Access Studio logo. Large, bold text in light purple reads “WE’RE HIRING.” Below it, in white bold text, it says “Social Media Specialist – Futures Program.” At the bottom, smaller purple text reads “Part-time Contract | Remote or hybrid (Toronto).”]
Ready to keep it real online? 📱✨
We are so excited to announce that Access Studio’s FUTURES Program is teaming up with the incredible disability advocate and creator @lilgabid for a virtual workshop you won’t want to miss!
This interactive session is designed for disabled and neurodivergent young people (ages 18–30) who are interested in creating content that feels real, impactful, and rooted in authenticity. Together, we’ll explore how to show up online in ways that feel true to you, while building practical skills to bring your ideas to life.
During the workshop, you’ll learn:
➡️ How to create engaging content using just your phone
➡️ Tips for making your content more accessible
➡️ How to avoid harmful narratives like inspiration porn and disability clichés
➡️ Ways to build confidence and authenticity in your online presence
The Details:
* 📅 Date: April 29, 2026
* ⏰ Time: 7:00–8:30 PM EST
* 📍 Where: Zoom (Register via the link in our bio!)
* 🤟 Accessibility: ASL interpretation will be provided.
🔗 Tap the link in our bio to secure your spot!
[Image Description: A promotional poster for an Access Studio virtual workshop by AccessNow. The background is grey with a chalkboard texture with bold white text reading “Virtual Workshop” at the top. On the right is the Access Studio logo.
In the center of the poster is a photo of a smiling Lil Gabi D with curly hair sitting in a motorized mobility device. She is wearing a red jacket, green shirt, and dark pants, and is posed confidently against a soft blue backdrop.
Below the image, large white text reads “With Lil Gabi D.” The event details are listed underneath: “April 29, 2026 at 7:00PM – 8:30PM EST.” At the bottom, the workshop topic is displayed in bold text: “Authentic Content Creation for Disabled/Neurodivergent Creators.]