Emily Hornsby sat with her aunt, Joan O’Daniel, at the fourth annual NCHPAD art event, Every Body Blooms. It was similar to many experiences they’ve shared over the years, accompanying one another to theaters. This time, though, it resonated a bit more than a typical movie experience.

As each fashion model came onstage, sharing their personal experiences and accomplishments, the pair were amazed, over and over, by the stories of resilience and determination to live life to the fullest – a common theme for Joan.

Born with cerebral palsy nearly 80 years ago in rural Alabama, Joan undeniably had obstacles in her life. But with support from loved ones and encouragement from teachers, she’s lived a life full of travel, card games and higher education.

For Emily, NCHPAD’s Mindfulness Curriculum Coordinator, growing up with Joan familiarized her with disability. Her aunt did things a little differently, but she’s had interests and has lived a rich life and just so happened to have a physical disability.

The family has always been tight-knit. From spending time at Lake Martin to church outings, trips to hear the Alabama Symphony Orchestra and always Sunday lunches, each member of the family was always included.

Because Joan was always present and included in all activities, Emily never thought of disability as something that should separate people from their able-bodied peers.

“We would go to the lake, and I would see her all the time there,” Emily said. “She would be there for Sunday lunch. She used to meet me and my family at church, and then when she couldn’t drive, I would go pick her up and take her to church and have lunch. I was around her a lot.”

Joan’s life has been shaped by disability, but she’s been defined by persistence, community, adaptability and purpose.

Joan’s family, friends and teachers all played a part in nurturing her ambitious spirit, and one teacher left an indelible mark on her in grade school.

“I had a ninth-grade English teacher who went around asking people what they wanted to do,” Joan recalled. “When she got to me, I said, ‘I don’t know what I can do.’ She looked me straight in the eye and said, ‘You can do whatever you want.’ That will stick with me the rest of my life.”

That advice served her well down the line, refusing to accept limits placed on her by others. After graduating from Tallassee High School, she pursued a college degree. And when a professor told her she would not be able to complete student teaching because of her physical disability, she didn’t quit.

She pivoted to Auburn University, where she went on to double major in social sciences and library sciences and eventually earned a master’s in educational media.

Joan went on to be a librarian and worked for over 20 years at multiple schools, completing many forms of student teaching. She also served in advocacy organizations for people with disabilities and was honored with the Alabama Handicapped Professional Woman of the Year award (the award’s official name at the time) and inducted into the Tallassee High School Hall of Pride in 2024.

“I try to have a positive attitude, and I’ve always been that way throughout my life,” Joan said. “I have overcome many challenges that I have faced during my life, but I’ve always said you can choose to be positive or negative, and I’m going to choose positive every time.”

Emily attributes Joan’s positive attitude through resilience to her humor and quick wit.

Recently, Joan was hospitalized with a small bowel obstruction. She narrowly avoided surgery, and when she was discharged, Emily told her she dodged a bullet.

“She looked at me and kind of smiled and said, ‘Emily, I’ve been dodging bullets all my life,’” Emily recalled.

Throughout all of Joan’s life, Emily has gleaned many lessons that have served her during various chapters of her own life. From an early age, Emily learned to see the person first, to respect disability as part of identity, and that independence is a myth. Everyone, regardless of ability, relies on others.

“Integrating people with one another and making sure individuals with disabilities are seen and interacted with at a young age, I think, helps dispel any discrimination or ‘othering,'” Emily said.

Emily spent many years practicing law but eventually decided to leave the practice and pivoted to what she felt was a calling toward teaching mindfulness. Life came full circle, and an opportunity to teach mindfulness at NCHPAD appeared at just the right time.

Looking back, her work now feels connected to lessons she had been learning from Joan her entire life.

“The universe kind of just worked that out,” she said.

Emily discussed how NCHPAD’s work mirrors what she learned from Joan by meeting people where they are and supporting their autonomy by helping them live meaningful lives. She sees her calling as a way to help provide tools rather than imposing expectations.

“I can empathize and see them as human beings first.”

Joan has been a living example of the key tenets Emily now teaches in her mindfulness classes. Physical disability does not diminish a person’s capacity for joy, purpose or contribution.

NCHPAD teaches that every person deserves opportunities to participate fully in life, and wellness looks different for different people. And all of NCHPAD’s programs are geared toward empowering people to realize all the opportunities life has to offer.

From a distinguished professional career as a librarian to a fulfilling personal life of travel and hobbies, Joan has been the embodiment of the NCHPAD spirit.

At nearly 80 years old, Joan still amazes the people around her, not because of her accomplishments or overcoming a disability, but because of the way she approaches life.

And in many ways, Joan’s spirit continues to guide Emily’s role at NCHPAD, which was instilled in Joan by a teacher decades ago who refused to define her by perceived limitations:

“You can do whatever you want.”

The same belief continues to drive both women—and the work NCHPAD does every day.