Emeline Lakrout is a para climber and disability rights activist. She's been legally blind since childhood and has competed on the US National Para Climbing Team since 2022. Currently based out of NYC, she works as a marketer in the consumer products industry, and uses that expertise to consult brands on disability inclusion on the side. Among other things, her consultation focuses on disability language.

She’s worked on disability awareness campaigns, legislative lobbying, and as a community mentor --She is a force to be reckoned with. Her life's mission, she says, “is to fight for the rights, dignity, and joy of every single disabled person.”

She's an ambassador for the National Ability Center and a member of the ParaCliffhangers. In our conversation we get into some of the history of disability rights, and the importance of language as it can shape the image or idea of a community -- and how our language can impact how we see ourselves.

Resources for show notes:

University Interscholastic League in TX

Adaptive Climbing Group

ParaCliffhangers

Catalyst Sports

Paradox Sports

National Ability Center

Degree Gym Accessibility PDF

Climbing Business Journal Article [Accessibility]

Climbing Business Journal Article [VI Accessibility]

Adaptive Climbers Fest

- Indoor Blind Climbing Video

- Outdoor Blind Climbing Video

- The headset company that Emeline uses

Emeline’s instagram: Instagram.com/EmelineClimbs