Dr. Emily Townsend presents
“Disability: The Religion of Resilience”
Linda Mowers, Worship Leader
Eileen Morrison, Accompanist
With music by:
Emily Townsend-Cobb, Piano, and Guest Vocalist Ashley Townsend-Tavera
As Unitarian Universalists, we are called to welcome diversity, and advocate for social justice for all. In this sermon, Emily commemorates Disability Pride Month by discussing her journey with disability and the impact the disability rights movement has had on her life. Weaving disability rights into theology and facts; Emily offers a cultural perspective shift regarding perceptions of disability, and provides a call to action to continue the fight toward accessibility and inclusion for all.
About our Speaker
Dr. Emily Townsend works with Brooks Rehabilitation as a physical therapist and clinical team lead. In 2015, Emily became one of a handful of blind healthcare providers in the world when she completed her doctor of physical therapy (DPT) from the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. Emily speaks on the national and international levels regarding dismantling ableism in clinical practice by promoting disability representation in lead healthcare careers. She is also the creator of Insightfully Sightless, where she shares her advocacy work and lived experience for the disabled community on social media. At home, Emily is a proud wife and mother of two energetic and curious daughters who she loves more than life. In her increasingly rare spare time, Emily enjoys distance running, arranging and writing music, and reading banned books. Emily and her husband, Ryan, joined BBUUC earlier this year, and she is so grateful to have finally found a spiritual home in this amazing community of love and family.
About our Musicians: (Member) Emily Townsend-Cobb, Piano, and (Guest) Ashley Townsend Tavera, Vocals
Emily began playing piano at seven years of age, and took formal lessons for 12 years. She has performed in a variety of settings and platforms including Very Special Arts, Florida. Emily also began playing the clarinet around age 9, and participated in concert and marching bands through high school and college often serving in leadership roles. She is honored and excited to share her music with her BBUUC family.
Ashley Townsend Tavera (Pronouns: She/Her/Hers) is a music therapist and licensed trauma therapist who has worked with survivors of abuse and sexual assault, children and teens in foster care, and adults on the path to recovery from addiction. She grew up in Ormond Beach, Florida, and now lives with her husband Matt, her guide dog Lolly, and her cat Maya in Denver.
Growing up in musical theater, she developed her passion and training as a vocalist. She brings a spirit of fierce compassion and activism to her work and personal life, and enjoys spending quality time with beloved animals, family and friends.
Ashley is a proud graduate of Guiding Eyes for the Blind (GEB), where she trained with her current guide dog, Lolly. Ashley volunteers for the Graduate Council of GEB, offering support to fellow guide dog handlers, and advocating for the rights of blind and disabled people. Ashley would like to share her gratitude and excitement to join us here today in celebration and support of disabled people everywhere.