Tova ShermanTova Sherman is a thought leader, with over 25 years of expertise in the diversity & inclusion field. As CEO of reachAbility, she has grown a grass-roots agency - built on the principals she shares with you in this book - to an award-winning, nationaly recognized model in best practices. My commitment both personally and professionally is to support individuals to have a voice. Tova always fights for the underdog. Her experience of dealing with anti-Semitism in her younger days combined with the attitudinal barriers faced by her ADHD has fueled her fight for inclusion and equality for all. She remembers being too scared to go to school, and to this day is deeply affected by her childhood bullies. Creating reachAbility has in a way been her personal catharsis. She knows that many of the clients who first walk through reach's doors are carrying with them a self-stigma, The school system doesn't teach you past the stigma, it must come from within. Tova feels a critical responsibility to empower these people, reinforce their value and change the narrative attached to disability as a whole. We are all going to deal with a disability at some point in our lives, whether it be a fractured limb or a cognitive (brain) related issue...so who are we really stigmatizing? Tova's overall vision is that of an equalized playing field. Where those with physical, cognitive, sensory, and mental disabilities can all get the accommodations they require. Not only the ramp for someone in a wheelchair but also adjust for someone with autism. Diversity is crucial but without inclusivity, it is limited in its impact; architectural change is helpful but without attitudinal change it is futile. It is not about special treatment; it is about dignity, plain and simple. As a trailblazer in inclusion and accessibility, Tova saw a gap in the arts community and co-founded the Bluenose Ability Arts and Film Festival (BAAFF) in 2015. BAAFF, a festival dedicated to providing the disability arts community a clear voice. While the festival continues as an annual event celebrating and embracing the talent within the disability arts community, BAAFF has grown to be much more. From her TED Talk to her TV Show, Tova is most recognized for her unique style, great sense of humour and deeply passionate commitment to the inclusion of all our citizens. Her understanding of business, the law and the challenges of inclusion make her a perfect resource in today's swiftly changing employment landscape. The youngest of five children, Tova has been around disability her entire life. Her own challenges, living on the ADHD Spectrum, inform her empathy and commitment to equalizing the playing field. In addition to her inclusion efforts Tova most enjoys spending time with her daughter, Brachie, son-in-law Ari and 3 grandsons; Nadav, Gilad & Lev. To reach out to Tova to speak at your event e-mail her at tova@reachability.org Read More Read Less