A conversation with Becky Curran on disability inclusion, representation, self-advocacy, and why meaningful belonging begins when organizations replace assumptions with curiosity and turn awareness into action. Host: Adam Kleckner (Head of Strategy at LinkTech), Tia Kleckner (CEO at LinkTech) Summary: Disability inclusion advocate and international TEDx speaker Becky Curran has addressed more than 650 audiences worldwide. Born with dwarfism, she grew up with parents who challenged limiting language and advocated for her until she could advocate for herself. Becky explains how representation shapes what people believe is possible, why disability belongs in every part of an organization, and how fear of saying the wrong thing keeps companies from doing what matters. She also shares how losing her infant son, Jackson, deepened the compassion and purpose behind her work. Main Topics: How Becky's parents modeled advocacy from birth. Why media representation shapes what people believe is possible. Apparent and non-apparent disabilities at work. Turning assumptions into curiosity and conversation. Why disability inclusion must extend across the organization. Creating accessible, human-centered interviews. Building career pathways beyond entry-level employment. Moving past awareness and etiquette training into action. Intriguing Quotes: "Assumptions need to be turned into curiosity." "We don't want people to feel bad for us. We just want them to give us a chance to participate in society in a meaningful way." "Don't dance around the word disability." "People are stalling from doing the real intentional work because they're afraid of saying the wrong thing." "Just let people show up as they are, and you'll be surprised how much can be accomplished." Key Moments: [02:00] Becky's origin story: her parents respond to a hospital's repeated use of "birth defects" by becoming immediate advocates for her. [07:09] A full-circle moment: the parents who once spoke for Becky now support her as she challenges assumptions about her capabilities. [12:04] Why representation matters: a young deaf boy reveals that he did not know deaf people grew up. [20:41] Inclusion in practice: disability must be present across hiring, finance, marketing, operations, and leadership—not isolated in one program. [29:36] The assumptions Becky still faces at 42—and why interacting with the person is always better than making a judgment. [38:17] Becky's challenge to employers: use the word "disability," stop hiding behind etiquette training, and begin the real work. [41:20] What never appears on her resume: the compassion and purpose shaped by losing her son, Jackson. Concepts: Disability representation; apparent and non-apparent disability; self-advocacy; workplace accommodations; accessible interviewing; mentorship; belonging Connect with Becky Curran: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beckymotivates/ Connect with The Human Advantage Podcast: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thelinktech/ Website: www.thelinktech.com