Turning paralysis into purpose: Using adversity to achieve success | Ali Ingersoll | TEDxUNCPembroke

Ali Ingersoll is living proof that we all have the power to keep moving forward despite the circumstances surrounding us. Becoming paralyzed after a tragic accident at just 27 years old, she would endure years of painful hospital treatments and diagnoses that would nearly end her life. However, she would eventually discover how to embrace her physical paralysis differently and transform her new physical reality to uncover hidden and extraordinary opportunities.

In Ali’s TEDx talk, she’ll share her story and reveal her idea worth spreading which serves as a testament to the power of resilience and boundless potential that lies within each of us. As long as we take 100% responsibility to persevere, our next chapter in life will reveal itself as it should even if it may not be immediately obvious in the moment. Ali’s message will inspire us that whatever obstacles or adversity we may be faced with each day, there is always opportunity to KEEP MOVING FORWARD. Ali’s life took an unexpected turn when a tragic accident left her paralyzed. While she grappled with feelings of hopelessness and through 7 years of treatments, she was convinced her life had reached its end. Rather than succumbing to despair though, she would eventually experience a self-discovery that would empower her to shift her thinking and find the courage to keep moving forward despite her paralysis.
Ali’s story serves as a testament to the power of resilience and the boundless potential that lies within each of us, regardless of the challenges we face to transform visible challenges into extraordinary opportunities. Sharing her message and insights now as a professional speaker and disability consultant, Ali travels the world advocating for disability inclusion and inspiring people to harness the power of purpose and persistence to keep moving forward despite adversity. She’s known as the “Energizer Bunny on Wheels 2.0,” “Quirky Quad,” and Ms. Wheelchair America. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx