The power of mind transformation | Katerina Alder | TEDxUTulsa

Growing up in the Soviet Union without exposure to individuals with disabilities, Katerina Alder experienced fear and confusion when first confronted with inclusion. Her perspective completely shifted after giving birth to a daughter with Down syndrome, leading her to defy societal expectations and raise her child as a single mother. Through her personal transformation, she went on to found Amelia's Friends Foundation to build inclusive spaces, offer vital support to immigrant families, and advocate for every child's potential. Katerina Alder is an educator, nonprofit founder, and advocate for inclusion whose life journey spans continents and cultures. A first-generation immigrant from Belarus, Katerina moved to the
United States with her family in 2008 and has called Tulsa home ever since. For over 30 years, Katerina has taught English as a Second Language, supporting multilingual learners in finding their voice, confidence and discovering the power of reading and writing. She is the founder of Amelia’s Friends Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating friendships, inclusion, and joyful experiences for children with disabilities and their families — a mission inspired by her daughter Amelia who was born with Down Syndrome. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx