Grace Fisher Creates an inclusive environment for children with disabilities through art, music, and dance

Entrepreneurship is contagious. You have high hopes and visions of success, and it requires hard work and hustle. It doesn’t require a lot of physical strength to start a foundation or company. All you need is a strong work ethic, and mental stamina. Zippia reportedIn 2019, the United States has more than 31,000,000 entrepreneurs. What about those with disabilities, who seem to be the underdog? According to the Bureau of Labor StatisticsPeople with disabilities are nearly twice as likely to be self-employed than their non-disabled peers. The 2019 American Community SurveyReports indicate that around 700,000 disabled workers were self-employed, taking advantage of the flexibility and opportunities that entrepreneurship offers.

Grace Fisher, founder Grace Fisher Foundation (GFF), music composer, and filmmaker Connects childrenPeople with disabilities can dance, music, and art. The Foundation provides a space for inclusion in the community, education, and self-discovery. It has allowed her to continue creating music and films while broadening the lives of others.

Fisher was 17 years old and was about to enroll at Berklee College of Music. Fisher was paralyzed from the waist downward due to Acute Flaccid Myelitis, a rare condition that has afflicted 682 people since 2014. After a brief pause, Fisher was able to continue writing music using a mouthstick. She has since composed music for four Symphonies and released a few documentaries. A Critter Fablea short film. She has won numerous awards, including Best Composer at Venice Shorts, Best Shorts Competition for Women, and Best Score at the Los Angeles Film Awards.

Fisher shares that a second program was just launched with two speech therapists. This program is a social program. One thing I don’t want to see is that this becomes a dance class for children with disabilities. Dance classes should include children with disabilities. It is vital that all people are included in the same space. Growing up, I believe that we can all relate. However, if you see someone with a disability or are unable to communicate with them, you shouldn’t approach them or ask about their experiences. These are questions I, at least, welcome, as I believe its important for people. … It is important to be educated as a child about people who are different and about people with disabilities.

Fisher had already learned to play the cello, guitar, and piano by the time she applied for college. She was accepted into Berklee College and was soon on her way to a career in performance art. Fisher, who was 17 years old, had to be taken to the hospital due to severe back pain. In just five minutes, Fisher lost her ability of walking and couldn’t breathe at night.

Her family knew it would take a long time to recover after she was diagnosed as the 101st AFM patient. Fisher shares that she was able to return from rehab seven years after my graduation. It was the time that all my friends were going off to college. I was a driven individual. Looking back at my life did not make me a healthy person. Also, it was scary to think about the future and all the possible procedures and tests that may be required. It was crucial to be very focused on the moment and my family. This helped me to focus on the present. For example, what can you do right now to improve my situation? Sometimes it was just going outside for ten seconds to get some sun. It was difficult at first, but I soon found my way to a happier and more comfortable body.

Debbie Fisher, Fisher’s mom, noticed that her daughter didn’t lose her sense for humor while adjusting to a new life and future. By the time she left rehab, all the nurses were laughing at her. Fisher learned to paint with a mouth stick while in recovery. She quickly learned how to use this technique to create music using the computer. She was unable to play so she began to compose, produce, and explore other creative avenues for musical expression.

A Winter Music ShowcaseFisher presents an annual live concert in Santa Barbara, CA that features orchestral, choral, and small group ensembles. The Showcase featured an original piece in 2018. Waltz of the Waves, for a symphonic ensemble. This December will mark her fifth showcase.

Fisher also knew that she wanted to give back the kindness and generosity she received in hospital. Eight months after Fisher returned from the hospital, Make-A-Wish Foundation approached Fisher. GFF was born from a wishFishers dream to help children with disabilities through music, art, and the arts. The Foundation plans to expand nationally, but for now, the Foundation is focusing on Southern California. Fishers’ latest short film, “Everyone Feels Included”, is Fisher’s latest. A Critter Fable, Designed around some of the Foundation’s children’s art creations.

Fisher and her family continue to navigate life’s pivots. They focus on these essential steps:

• Even when things seem overwhelming, take time to enjoy the small moments. This will make things less stressful and help you to focus.
• Your strengths and expertise are what you should be focusing on. Doing this will keep you excited and motivated about the work you are doing.
• Give back. Helping others helps you to help yourself.

Fisher says that I became comfortable with my body by focusing my energy on other things, such as music and art. It has been a great help to look outside myself and help the children I work with. It’s not an easy task. It took a lot of effort on my part to shift my focus and what was important to me.