Los Angeles Ambassador Program

Local disability activists lead Abilities Expo’s community outreach efforts through ambassador program

Abilities Expo has appointed Ambassadors—members of the local community of people with disabilities and their families—to spearhead community outreach initiatives. These individuals will meet face-to-face with rehab institutions, independent living centers, local manufacturers, service providers and local associations to generate excitement and increase attendance at each event.

Meet the impressive individuals who have chosen to represent Abilities Expo to the Community.

Margarita Elizondo

Margarita Elizondo, Ms. Wheelchair California 2013, is a Spinal Cord Injury survivor who sustained a gunshot wound to the neck, leaving her paralyzed from the chest down after an intruder broke into her home in 2006. Now a single mother of three, and proud grandmother of two, she attends Grossmont Community College in pursuit of a bachelor's degree in Communication. She is employed by Axia Management where she holds the position of Director of Social Initiative Strategies, marketing wireless telecommunication services by True Wireless and Heart Mobile. 

Her everlasting passion of encouraging individuals with disabilities of all ages to further their education, be self- advocates, and inspire others through the pursuit of their individual dreams despite their challenges is demonstrated through her involvement in numerous organizations, and volunteerism.

In 2007, she founded Blessed with Life, which is a faith based peer support program for people with disabilities and their families. In 2008, she became a Peer Support Advisor for SHARP Memorial Hospital and by 2009, she established the SHARP/HeadNorth Mentor Program for individuals affected by spinal cord injuries. In 2011, she continued to pursue her passions when she founded a Joni and Friends San Diego Chapter, which teaches and encourages churches to disciple and minister to individuals with disabilities. She is a motivational speaker and leadership development trainer for the San Diego Unified School District working with at risk middle school and high school students through 2nd Mile Ministry and she is a radio talk show host for an internet radio show she produces herself, Wheel Talk Wheel Issues, and celebrates diverse abilities through her blog, Celebrating ADA & Ability Awareness.

Anthony R. Orefice III

I was 19 years old and thought I had the world at my fingertips. I loved to ride dirt bikes, surf, snow board, wake board, fish and work out. On November 27, 1993 just after Thanksgiving, my parents and brother joined some of our family in Laughlin, Nevada, while I stayed home since I had to work. Believe it or not, this was the first time my parents left me home for an extended period of time. Since they were gone, I thought what better time to have some friends over. A good friend came over with his street bike—which I loved to ride—and I later took another friend for a ride on the back of the bike late that night. While I was driving the motorcycle with my friend, he fell off. With the balance was thrown off, I was not able to keep the bike on the street. The bike swerved off the road and I hit a telephone poll. I would soon learn that my life would not be the same. 

According to the reports, I needed to be resuscitated twice and, due to my internal and external injuries, I only had enough blood to keep my heart pumping. I remained in ICU for 6 weeks on life support. After I was taken out of ICU, I was transferred to several hospitals.  During that time, I had 9 surgeries and remained in the hospitals for 6 months.

As a result of my accident, I am a T4, T5, T6—incomplete paraplegic. Fortunately, I have had the opportunity to meet several others with spinal cord injuries. They have shown me a new way of life and given me hope. Today I still remain friends with many of those people that gave me hope and so much encouragement. I thank God that they were sent to show me that my life will go on, but in a different way.

I have learned so much in the last 17 years, living with a spinal cord injury. I thought it was a life I could never live, but it became easier in time, with lots of practice and prayers. You learn to be creative.

Today, I am happily married to my girlfriend at the time of my accident, who I only knew for 6 months, and we have a 3-year-old son.  I am CEO of Wheelie Medical Supply, owner of Wheelie Distribution, a realtor for Keller Williams VIP properties, an ambassador for the Abilities Expo Los Angeles and a proud Rider for Ralphs Riders, a nonprofit which helps people with spinal cord injuries. I enjoy helping others who face challenges similar to my own and various other disabilities. I want them to be able to overcome some of the obstacles that I was able to.

When I am not working or volunteering at hospitals, I enjoy spending time with my family.

I tell people that I have been blessed to have bonus time for the last 17 years. Although some days present more challenges than others, I would never trade them for anything.

NEVER SAY NEVER!

Paul Amadeus Lane

Accessibility Consultant | TV & Radio Personality | Brand Ambassador | Keynote Speaker

Over 20 years ago, after being involved in a multi car collision that left him a C-6 Quadriplegic and confined to a wheelchair, Paul's life was nowhere near where it is today. In fact, there was a time when he and his doctors believed that he only had 72 hours left in his life. Paul ended up spending 8 months in a hospital recovering. Undeterred and inspired to live his dreams, Paul attended the Academy of Radio and Television Broadcasting in 2006. He went on to graduate from the school with honors.

In 2007, he landed his first paid radio gig at CBS Radio KFWB-AM as a News Production Assistant. while working at CBS he landed an additional radio job in which Paul earned the title of Bureau Chief for NBC News Radio, KCAA 1050-AM, in Southern California's Inland Empire. He also served as a Host for their weekday morning show until 2014. By 2015, he became the Bureau Chief of ABC News Radio, KMET 1490-AM. Here, he hosted the morning show.

Paul has long been a self-proclaimed nerd and techie. When January of 2016 came around, he decided to use his love for all things nerdy on his new show, TECH ZONE. He discusses technology and how it has changed everyday life, gaming, entertainment, sports, health and education. At comic-con 2018 in San Diego, he debuted his new show, Entertainment Zone.

As an Accessibility Consultant Paul uses his unique experience as a former able-bodied consumer and now a disabled consumer. This helps him to see the challenges from both angles. Paul has worked with video game developers and game console manufactures in helping them make gaming inclusive for all. He has also worked with different consumer technology companies assisting them in areas where the disabled community can use their products more fully.

 In May 2018 Paul was invited to speak at Sony Interactive Entertainment (PlayStation) in San Mateo California for global accessibility awareness day to give a TED TALK. He shared his story about his injury, overcoming obstacles, career, advocacy, mentoring and love of gaming. A career highlight for Paul was being asked to moderate the first-ever "ACCESSIBILITY IN GAMES" panel at E3 2018 in Los Angeles, California.

Outside of his work on TV and Radio, Paul has served on the Board of Directors for the American Advertising Federation's, Inland Empire Chapter. Paul is also a Brand Ambassador for Abilities Expo since 2014 and Host of the Abilities Zone. In June of 2015, he was given the privilege of being the Keynote Speaker for the United States Equal Opportunity Commission's annual training. He served as a Moderator at the Black Enterprise TechConnext Summit in 2016.

For more on Paul, visit Paulamadeuslane.com.

Donna Russo

Donna Russo is proud to be an Ambassador for the Abilities Expo for the last 4 years.

Donna was born with Turners Syndrome, a chromosomal disorder in which a female is born with only one X chromosome, and now has adult onset FSH Muscular Dystrophy, a condition that slowly robs the muscles of movement. The two conditions are unrelated. She is 4' 5"tall, many women with Turners Syndrome are of small stature. Donna started dancing at the age of 10 with ballet and tap and later adding jazz, modern and acting classes.

She graduated from Mercyhurst University with a BA in Dance. Donna had her heart set on joining a ballet company, but she found out that for many companies she was considered too short. She was still determined to dance, and found a place in the dance world performing as elves, aliens, dolls and monsters in Television, Film and Music Videos. She was on the National Tour of Alvin and the Chipmunks and the Magic Camera as Alvin, performed in Lord of the Rings, Passions, Power Rangers and in many other roles.

In addition to dance, Donna was in the hospitality industry for 30 years, working her way up to an Entertainment Sales Manager position where she assisted music industry/television production clientele with accommodations. Donna received awards for sales and was voted "Top Dog" award recipient two years in a row by music industry professionals.

Donna has often been asked to speak to various groups, which has led her to becoming a motivational speaker.

She can be seen on You Tube in the video "I Won't Give Up." The video went viral. "I Won't Give Up" was performed live at the Expo. Donna says, "It is very exciting to perform at the Expo with "I Won't Give Up" and "Fall For You" both choreographed by Tam Warner.  I love the connection with the other dancers and the audience." 

Currently Donna is the Star of the series Donna On The Go which features the dance "Fall For You", from its live performance at the Expo to its professionally filmed version. The series was submitted for 8 Emmy awards this year. Donna herself was submitted as Outstanding Actress in a Short Form Series.

Donna On The Go can be viewed on the You Tube Channel : https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHpQYW0ndh-bkyWOOYhrIdw

and also on the Official Website : https://www.donna-on-the-go.com/