We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Anna Sarol. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Anna below.
Hi Anna, thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?
The work I publish online serves two distinct audiences: the disability community and the non-disability community. My primary mission is to normalize conversations surrounding disability. One of the most impactful projects I’ve undertaken was a PSA focused on accessible parking. Despite the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) mandating that one out of every 25 regular parking spaces must be accessible, abuse of accessible parking spots remains rampant.
The PSA comprised a montage of videos showcasing various instances of misuse of accessible parking spaces. Its core message echoed a sentiment often felt by disabled individuals: “Accessible parking wasn’t designed for the convenience of non-disabled people.” The PSA resonated deeply with its audience and addressed an issue that is often overlooked.
Through this project, I aimed to remind non-disabled individuals that excuses such as quickly running errands or picking up children does not justify the misuse of accessible parking spaces and will not be tolerated. My hope is that by shedding light on this issue, we can foster greater awareness and respect for the rights of disabled individuals in our communities.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
Dedicated to illuminating the path toward a more inclusive world, I stand at the forefront of disability advocacy, passionately sharing insights, stories, and knowledge to foster a society of inclusion. Through engaging, enlightening keynotes, I’m on a mission to break down barriers and destigmatize the term “disability”.
Through storytelling, I shed light on the often-unseen aspects of the disability lifestyle and advocacy. My talks are infused with real-life anecdotes that evoke empathy and encourage audiences to reevaluate preconceived notions. I have spoken to a wide range of audiences, including schools, churches, organizations, and corporations.
I envision a society that not only accepts but embraces the diverse abilities of all its members. My passionate advocacy endeavors have ignited conversations that go beyond traditional boundaries, inviting people from all walks of life to also work towards a truly diverse, truly inclusive, and truly accessible world.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
As a content creator, I acknowledge the widespread accessibility of social media, making it a powerful platform for reaching people worldwide. This accessibility inspired me to establish an online presence and address the topics I’m passionate about. One of the most fulfilling aspects of being a creative is the ability to use your art to make a positive, long-lasting impact on the world.
Work burnout is a common challenge, particularly among artists. However, I find renewal in engaging with my community. I have received messages that affirm how I’ve broadened perspectives on disability and contributed to making the world a better place. These interactions serve as a reminder of the significance of my work and motivate me to continue to show up.
Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?
One of the biggest hurdles that initially held me back from starting on social media sooner was the fear of being too late. I worried that the space was already saturated and that my voice wouldn’t stand out. It was something that I had to unlearn, but I’m incredibly grateful that I eventually took the leap, even though I didn’t feel fully ready.
An advice I’d like to give to other creatives who are starting their social media journey is to always remember your mission in building your platform. I’ve observed many creators become fixated on metrics like views, like-count, comments, and shares, often harming of their mental well-being and self-image. This leads to burn out very quickly it has caused people to create art that pleases an algorithm before it pleases their own passion. Remember to show up authentically and meaningfully.
Contact Info:
- Website: AnnaSarol.com
- Instagram: @AnnaSarol
- Facebook: Page: Anna Kirsten Sarol
- Linkedin: Anna Sarol
- Youtube: @AnnaSarol
Image Credits
Pure in Art Photography – Tina Kraemer Seventh Images – Cory Finley Three Shots Photography – Kenney Ellison