Healthcare Informed by Disability with Andrea Dalzell

Judy converses with Andrea Dalzell, also known as The Seated Nurse. She is a Registered Nurse committed to ensuring that healthcare is informed by disability. She advocates for the inclusion of disabled healthcare providers, as well as better care for disabled patients. Not to mention, she is so much more than a nurse! Andrea is an activist, social media influencer, educator, nonprofit founder, athlete, and more. Follow Andrea on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @theseatednurse. Andrea is a Registered Nurse, Healthcare Advocate, Disability Rights Influencer, and most importantly, Survivor! She was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. At the age of 5, she was diagnosed with transverse myelitis which is an inflammation of the spinal cord that causes pain, muscle weakness, and paralysis. She was using a wheelchair full-time by the age of 12. Although this diagnosis was very critical, Andrea let absolutely nothing get in the way of being all that she could be. Andrea received her degree from the City University of New York, College of Staten Island. However, life after graduation for Andrea was the beginning of a long disappointing journey of trying to convince employers that she could handle the job duties of being a nurse in a wheelchair. While diligently trying to secure a position in a hospital, Andrea worked as a health director, case manager, and school nurse to make ends meet.  After 76 interviews, she was finally given the opportunity to prove herself when she was hired as the first Registered Nurse in a wheelchair in New York state. Andrea Dalzell on Good Morning America  Craig H. Neilsen Visionary Prize  Find a shortened video version of this interview on Judy's YouTube channel. Intro music by Lachi. Outro music by Gaelynn Lea.