Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Vicki Landers. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Vicki, appreciate you joining us today. Finding those key vendors can often be make or break for a brand. Can you talk to us about how you found your key vendors?

Finding the right partners often starts with community research. We prioritize reaching out to businesses that are already engaged with the disability community—either through their employment practices, inclusive product lines, or corporate social responsibility initiatives. Referrals from trusted members of our network or fellow advocacy organizations can be invaluable, as these businesses often have a track record of supporting disability-led projects.

When we identify potential vendors, we initiate conversations that go beyond pricing and logistics. We discuss our mission and gauge the vendor’s understanding and commitment to inclusivity. This helps ensure we’re building a partnership, not just a transaction. For example, when sourcing event merchandise, we chose a vendor who was already producing products with accessible features and who demonstrated a genuine interest in learning more about the needs of our community.

Many of the vendors we’ve partnered with were drawn to the authenticity of our mission and the opportunity to be part of a larger movement for social change. By highlighting the impact of our work and the chance for them to contribute meaningfully, we found that businesses were eager to align with us, often offering discounts or in-kind contributions.

I’ve learned that transparent communication about our goals and needs helps prevent misunderstandings and ensures that vendors are well-prepared to meet our standards. Seek out vendors whose missions align with yours. This alignment fosters a deeper partnership and increases the likelihood of success. Utilize your network and don’t be afraid to ask for recommendations. Community referrals often lead to the most trusted and aligned partners. Approach vendor agreements as opportunities for long-term collaboration. When vendors see the partnership as a chance to make a positive impact, they’re more likely to go above and beyond.

Vicki, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

With over a decade of experience in Philadelphia’s disability advocacy space, Vicki Landers is the driving force behind Disability Pride Pennsylvania (PA). As the Founder & Executive Director, Vicki has dedicated herself to organizing Disability Pride events and supporting similar initiatives across the state, country, and globally. Her mission extends beyond events, as she educates businesses and organizations year-round on disability access and inclusion through workshops, presentations, and tailored services.

Vicki has been a champion of providing opportunities for disabled individuals, facilitating internships and employment with Disability Pride Pennsylvania, and promoting accessible workplaces. Her commitment to uplifting disabled artists is evident through workshops, events, scholarships, and networking opportunities. Through her tireless work, Vicki has significantly increased awareness around disability issues across Philadelphia and beyond.

Disability Pride PA is dedicated to promoting visibility and cultivating pride within the disability community. Through active community engagement, social networking, and inclusive events, the organization embodies the spirit of “Nothing about us, without us.” Our work is grounded in the social model of disability and reflects the diverse voices of our board, staff, volunteers, and the communities we serve.

Founded over decade ago, Disability Pride PA originated from a celebration at the National Constitution Center in 2012, which honored disability rights activist Justin Whitlock Dart Jr. Following this event, activist Alan Holdsworth established a committee, leading to the first Disability Pride Philadelphia Parade in 2013. Since then, the city has celebrated annually with a week of activities, including flag raisings, speeches, sensory-friendly art, live performances, and a vibrant parade, all showcasing the disability community’s resilience and creativity.

Since becoming a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 2019, Disability Pride PA has grown significantly, partnering with organizations like Disability Rights Pennsylvania, Highmark Wholecare, Pennsylvania Developmental Disabilities Council, Liberty Resources, and the Temple Institute on Disabilities. These collaborations have amplified diverse voices, increased voter engagement, and provided essential support to the disability community.

Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Disability Pride PA adapted by hosting virtual events, expanding our reach across Pennsylvania and connecting with participants from over 30 countries. Highlights include the International Day of Disabled People, disability justice seminars, donation drives, accessible art events, and the global On Display performance with Heidi Latsky Dance.

Our work has been featured by Temple University News, Comcast Newsmakers, A Valid Podcast, and WHYY’s Radio Times. With increasing demand for our services, Disability Pride PA continues to lead the way in advocating for disability justice, empowerment, and inclusion. She has received numerous awards around community commitment.

On a personal note, Vicki is a proud queer, disabled, non-binary artist who lives with her partner and two familiars. She enjoys Halloween everyday of the year, spending time advocating for social justice issues, and watching a variety of movies. She is on the board of the National Council on Independent Living, chairs the DEAI committee, and sits on the IDEAL committee for the Academy of Natural Sciences at Drexel University. She loves to curate art projects for friends and family, and organizations looking for disability arts.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

At age 40, my life took an unexpected turn when a series of medical issues surfaced, and I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, generalized anxiety, and seasonal affective disorder. Unable to continue the career I had built for years, I felt lost and uncertain about the future. It was during this time, while living in the Philadelphia area, that I discovered Liberty Resources, a Center for Independent Living. There, I received much-needed peer support and therapy, which became a turning point for me.

In their accessible art space, my passion for creativity was reignited. I spend each day looking to use my creativity in different ways. If you don’t use it you lose it.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

I was introduced to the concept of ‘disability pride,’ and it completely transformed my outlook. The advocacy aspect of pride resonated deeply with me, helping me find a renewed sense of strength and pride in myself and my community. I realized that advocating for myself was just the beginning. True resilience comes when we advocate as a united community, standing proud and demanding the respect and inclusion we deserve.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.disabilitypridepa.org
• Instagram: @DisabilityPridePA
• Facebook: @vixeycat @DisabilityPridePA
• Linkedin: @VLanders @disability-pride-pennsylvania
• Twitter: never
• Youtube: @DisabilityPridePA

Image Credits

All images are the property of Disability Pride Pennsylvania.