Maywood 8th Graders Hear Valuable Insights on Life Beyond Disabilities

On March 17, Maywood's PTSA welcomed Steven Ferreira, founder of Beyond Disabilities, to speak to our 8th grade classes. Steve is a former Maywood student who's lived with cerebral palsy since infancy. He overcame many challenges to become an award-winning athlete and advocate for people with disabilities.

Dawn Richardson was once Steve's teacher at Maywood. "I have known him since 2001 during my second year of teaching. His passion for speaking to spread awareness about living with a disability is inspiring. He has reached so many people from elementary students to those in college. He works with UC Santa Barbara on making adaptive equipment so people with disabilities can work out at a gym like anyone else. Steve has a mission in life to create a society that is accessible to all. He approaches this with humility and humor. I am proud to know Steve and to call him a friend. After Steve spoke at Maywood, the students were in awe of his courage and drive and with hope, they will be empowered to spread his message."