At the age of six, Christine got up in front of the March of Dimes, proudly stated that her name was Christine, and she used a wheelchair, but now she was going to sit back down and eat her macaroni and cheese; and thus, a disability advocate was born!
After becoming part of a wheelchair sports community growing up with others who were “just like her” she realized how lucky she’d been to have been given the resources to successfully navigate an inaccessible world. And by the age of 17 when a child told her that because of her talk, she could go home to her uncle who’d become paralyzed and lost everything during Hurricane Katrina, that there was still hope… well that’s when she knew speaking wasn’t just a career path, but her true calling.
Whether it’s a corporate retreat, educational conference or youth theater groups, her goal is always to shine a light on the barriers we construct on the path to accessibility and help audiences forge their own blueprints of inclusion.
About Christine
For as long as she’s been able to talk, Christine has never been afraid to speak her mind.
This proclivity quickly morphed into advocating for the disability community. She received her bachelor’s in communications from the University of the Pacific and achieved her master’s in leadership from Capella University.
For over twenty years Christine has fought to help people discover the strength of their voice through the conduits of education, performance and public speaking. She is beyond humbled to have served the disability community as Ms. Wheelchair America 2022, working to put disability back in diversity.
Today, Christine works arranging accessible travel with Incredible Memories Travel and working as a Project Manager for Fuse Theatre’s Teatro para Árboles (Theatre for Trees).
Outside of work, you are apt to find Christine on or near a stage, visiting my Cast Member brother at The Happiest Place on Earth, reading the newest romance on my Kindle, writing away and attending various musical theater and sci-fi conventions from California to New York.
Christine's Talks
Putting Disability Back in Diversity
When the word “diversity” is brought up in conversation there are typically three criteria we think of: race, gender and sexuality.
The one we consistently leave out, despite being the largest global minority; disability. When we have diverse perspectives at the helm, we all thrive. Let me help you ensure that your table is accessible and inviting for all
Representation Matters: Disability Edition
Representation Matters: it’s a phrase we’ve heard a lot because in truth, everyone wants and deserves to see themselves represented authentically.
In this discussion we explore the history of disability inclusion and representation in the media and talk through some of the harmful portrayals and how we can work to change the narrative.
The Humanity of Disability
This is a talk that I have given in conjunction with my mother, who is a physical therapist. In it we have very real discussions about what it was like for her growing up as a healthcare professional with a disabled child, and vice versa.
We speak to a variety of industry professionals on grief, navigating the healthcare system and all the obstacles many don’t realize exist growing up disabled.
Christine's Testimonials
The world needs you and your perspective Christine. Understanding...inclusion...perspective...you know how to get it done!
Judy Filippoff Director of Early Stage Programs at Alzheimer's Association
Christine you are my hero, for posting, for empathy and teaching me constantly. Thank you
Christy Torkildson,
Ph.D, RN, PHN, FPCN
Associate Professor,
Program Lead
MSN-Public Health Nursing Program,College of Nursing and Healthcare Professions, Grand Canyon University
You have a gift... for sharing from your experience, intuitive ability, genuine desire to inform. I am grateful for you sharing.
Cynthia Bennett,
Senior Marketing Manager, Van Meter Inc.
"Because of your talk tonight, I can go home and tell my uncle, who's lost everything including his ability to walk, that he has hope"
a 12 year old girl from Louisiana speaking about her uncle who became paralyzed during Hurricane Katrina
Contact Christine
Email: christinespeaks@christineburke.com
Phone: (925) 216-7322
