Introduction

Denise Plante (Host): Our next award, the Innovation Award, goes to P.K. Beville. She’s been selected as the 2020 recipient of the Invisible Disabilities Association Innovation Award. P.K. has been chosen based upon her vision and innovation as the founder and developer of the Virtual Dementia Tour, otherwise known as the VDT. The VDT is a scientifically proven, evidence-based sensitivity training program which provides a better understanding of Alzheimer’s and related dementias through the use of patented sensory tools and instruction.

The VDT has been experienced by over 3 million people in 20 different countries. In addition, P.K. founded Second Wind Dreams, a non-profit dedicated to changing the perception of aging through the fulfillment of dreams and educational programs such as the VDT. Ladies and gentlemen, let’s watch P.K. Beville.

PK Beville’s Acceptance Speech

What an honor to receive the Innovation Award from the Invisible Disabilities Association, and I share this award with each of you living with an invisible disability. We are all innovators because in order to navigate life with an invisible disability, we have had to draw on innovative ways to chart our course. We even innovate ways to help those caring for us, and they too become innovators in providing our care.

Innovation is a gift we share, and it is usually born out of the need to cope with an untenable situation by developing ways to manage day by day. This award embodies that innovative spirit in each of us, and the Invisible Disabilities Association has taken a bold step in acknowledging that spirit.

The Origins of the Organization

Having polio as a child has resulted in many invisible disabilities for me, but at the same time, it has provided me with an empathic view of the world. It is through this lens that I endeavor to look at people from their point of view.

And because of this gift, I founded Second Wind Dreams and created the Virtual Dementia Tour. These programs shed light on those who are unable to speak for themselves, while allowing people the opportunity to share in their disabilities with the goal of increasing social awareness and empathic care.

Impact and Continuous Growth

Most of the time, we don’t view our disabilities as a gift. But behind every disability is a person waiting to be heard and a gift to be shared.

In some ways, we are living in the Wild West as we continue innovating new ways for our voices to be heard. And through organizations like Invisible Disabilities, it will happen.

Commitments and Acknowledgments

Thank you to the IDA on behalf of all of us living with invisible disabilities for this award. I hope each of you will take a moment to celebrate your innovative spirit with me and keep looking up.