Jordan’s TEDxTalk “You’re Different? Speak Up!”

Near the end of 2017, Jordan and I had an awesome and jam-packed weekend in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania where she got to speak at TEDxYouth Blue Slide Park. It was a kid-run TEDx event (run by 13-year-old Nadav Gilboa) and Jordan was the youngest speaker!

I’m always proud of Jordan’s work. But this time, I’m also impressed. Jordan and I worked on her speaking all year. It started with a media event in New York City, took her to the Rachael Ray show, TEDxCoMO, Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops, elementary schools, college classes, and even the AIGA national conference. This TEDx event is Jordan’s final speaking engagement for 2017 with some exciting opportunities in 2018.

Her TEDxYouth talk focused on Jordan’s belief that adding physical differences in the toys we see in mainstream toy stores will change how kids react when they see someone who is different on the playground. It’s an extension of her Change.org petition that is two years old and Jordan isn’t ready to quit! It was a great talk. I’m excited to share the produced version just appeared on the TEDx YouTube channel for us all to enjoy:

What we’re really hoping to accomplish beyond our speaking is to create more events for kids. Our Boston and Kansas City events this past summer were a great start. We’re always looking for more financial support and volunteers who want to share their skills, workspace, and even ideas on creative ways we can grow. Thanks to all of your for being cheerleaders as we learn how to keep growing!

Feel free to spread Jordan’s message. Someday, we’re going to see limb difference dolls on the shelves of toy stores everywhere!