Today we’d like to introduce you to Sean Gold.
Thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, how did you get started?
I began public speaking at the age of 16. I was flown out to Houston, Texas, two years in a row to present at a Cerebral Palsy conference that my former neurologist puts on each year. Before my nineteenth birthday, I auditioned for a TedTalk in Saint Louis, which he got to present in 2019, titled The Obstacles of Disabilities after his twentieth birthday. Since then, I’ve given over fifteen talks on disability advocacy, Justice, education, and inclusion. I also have one published book (Pure Love, or Is It?), and my second book will be out early this fall! It is an alphabet book for children. I host a YouTube series, Crippled by Culture, that debuted in January of 2023, where I discuss and interview both disabled and non-disabled people on the intersections of disabilities and topics that interest each guest. I have my “Voice Transcriber” speak out everything written in a document that is typed up beforehand, and for any additional comments and questions I have during the interview, I’ll text them. Please share your experiences with us and the world. Whether you want to talk about music, advocacy, your favorite music genres, medical trauma, or the education system, I will discuss your passion from a disability lens. I had various topics during the first season, from school accommodations to dancing to human trafficking. I was able to interview Lachi, a Black, blind singer and songwriter, and even the former co-host of The Real, Jeannie Mai. Season two has been airing on Sunday evenings and is available on YouTube and all podcast platforms! The last few episodes should be out early in the summer.
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It wasn’t a smooth road, and it still isn’t! I remember almost missing my Tedx event night because I threw up the day before due to nerves! I had tried to get on a few speaker agencies before I was accepted onto Collective Speakers, and it has been the best fit to advance my visibility and professional outreach. My podcast has slowed down this season, and I’m trying to get that straightened out. No success story is easy; I am no exception, but I keep pushing forward, even with breaks in between. Also, I had to buy my voice technically! When I was preparing for my TED talk, I had to research a computer program that would speak out my words and create pauses when needed. Thankfully, I found the computer program that I still use to this day called TextAloud, and it has been one of the biggest blessings, saving everything for me! My speeches definitely would not be as effective without this program. I loved the trial version so much that it quickly became the perfect fit.
I appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am known for my writing and advocacy for the disabled community. The Ted Talk and my books are among my top three accomplishments. Also, it is huge for a Black, disabled, gay man to interview celebrities on his independently run podcast! My books make me proud, too. Being nonspeaking yet outspoken is essential to emphasize when it’s so unexpected and not something I ever imagined doing! However, I thank God that I’m able to do all that I’m doing, and I wouldn’t be doing any of it without my disabilities. My disabilities are blessings. There is no way that I would be who I am in any way without them.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
Yes. I just shared about TextAloud. Another amazing thing is the accessibility options on the iPhone and iPad. I use the Assistive Touch feature for many basic functions like the volume, locking my phone, putting my phone on and off mute, and screenshots as I have trouble with the side buttons. I highly recommend going through the accessibility options on devices to make navigating your phone, iPad, or tablet easier and faster. TTY’s also built-in if I need to call a number I can’t just text. The T-Mobile IP Relay is also free to sign up and use. I remember using it when one of my favorite YouTubers made a fan phone line, which was hilarious when he didn’t understand what was happening at first! I’m always trying to figure out ways to make things easier for myself and share anything I find beneficial with people.
Pricing:
- TextAloud (One time license price): $34.95
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/authorseangold
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/AuthorSeanGold
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorSeanGold
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sean-gold-305855bb
- Twitter: https://x.com/AuthorSeanGold
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCqYl7ePruXfbL6TFkZD0UBQ
- Other: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Sean%20Gold/author/B08ZCB44H3
Image Credits
Photo 1: FestAbility, Photos 2 and 3: Crippled by Culture
