Award-winning Author, Psychotherapist, Extreme Athlete, Fitness Industry Leader, and Disability Rights Advocate
Rebecca Alexander came to national prominence with the release of her book Not Fade Away: A Memoir of Senses Lost and Found in which she shares her journey of going deaf and blind due to a rare genetic disorder called Usher syndrome (type III). Now almost completely blind and deaf, her powerful philosophy of positive thinking, physical and emotional well-being, and perseverance have made her a frequent motivational speaker at corporate and non-profit events.
Rebecca Alexander is an author, psychotherapist, disability rights advocate, group fitness instructor, and extreme athlete who is almost completely blind and deaf. Born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, she currently lives in New York City.
Rebecca was born with a rare genetic disorder called Usher syndrome and has been simultaneously losing both her sight and hearing since she was a child. She was told that she would likely be completely blind and deaf by the age of 30.
Now, at 42, with only a sliver of sight and total deafness, without the use of her cochlear implants, Rebecca has a thriving psychotherapy practice with two masters’ degrees from Columbia University. In addition to narrating the PBS American Master’s biopic documentary “Becoming Helen Keller” (Oct 2021), Rebecca has been featured on many TV shows and in numerous publications, has been honored with prestigious awards for her advocacy work, presented for TEDx, and has been the keynote speaker for many esteemed companies and organizations. Among her many extraordinary feats, Rebecca participated in the 600-mile AIDS Lifecycle ride, summited Mt. Kilimanjaro, swam from Alcatraz to shore in the San Francisco Bay, and competed in the Civilian Military Combine (CMC) races.
Rebecca’s critically acclaimed award-winning memoir, Not Fade Away: A Memoir of Senses Lost and Found is currently in development to be made into a major motion picture with producers John Krasinski and David O’Russell.
Rebecca recently received a grant from Global Genes, a non-profit, global, disability advocacy group, to develop and implement a 10-week mental health curriculum for mental health professionals. This 10-week curriculum provides education in cultural competency around ableism and disability and provides them with therapeutic tools for effective treatment. This uniquely developed curriculum has also been tailored to educate corporations, organizations, and the general population to improve equity, access, communication, and cultural competency.
Rebecca is known for her sense of humor, her humility and candor. As a psychotherapist, she is trained to be a compassionate and attentive listener. Consistently upbeat, Rebecca gives encouragement and inspiration to others who are facing their own challenges.
H.E.L.P. – Humanity’s Essence, Living Proof | Rebecca Alexander | TEDxCapeMay
A Luminary Story: Rebecca Alexander
H.E.L.P. – Humanity’s Essence, Living Proof | Rebecca Alexander | TEDxCapeMay
Rebecca Alexander’s Speech Topics
Finding Fulfillment: Live a Life Worth Celebrating
As an extreme athlete, author, and psychotherapist who is almost completely blind and deaf due to a rare genetic condition called Usher syndrome (type III), Rebecca Alexander will guide you to uncover your true potential to start leading a life that is worth celebrating. While we can not change the difficult situations we have experienced in the past, we can work to better understand and resolve the challenges we face today and be prepared for the future. Rebecca’s vulnerability, intelligence, keen insight and quick wit are simply a part of what make her such a captivating speaker. Her ability to engage her audience through emotion, in a safe and relatable way teaches us how to identify long-standing behavior patterns or negative belief systems and perceptions that may be holding us back from experiencing a more fulfilling and deeply meaningful life. If you are looking for extra support and guidance through a challenging time in your life or are just ready to move in a new, positive direction, Rebecca will motivate you to take the next steps towards achieving your goals.
Be The Elephant In The Room
Living with a disability means you are the designated elephant in whatever space you occupy; subject to the discomfort, uncertainty, fear, pity, sensitivity, and projections of each person you encounter. Only you have the power to use your “otherness” as your strength and not fall into the trap of identifying as or playing the victim.
Interdependence vs. Independence
From an early age, we are taught that we must become independent-we strive for it, we’re praised for it, and we believe that being successful comes from mastering the art of independence. So how is it that the strongest and most cohesive communities grow and thrive because of the high value they place on interdependence? What is interdependence, why does it matter, and how does it help us thrive, grow, and be successful?
Humor Is Vital To Our Humanity
Humor is a vital part of coping with life and developing resilience. We use humor to disarm ourselves, bridge the gap with others, cut tension, and help us tolerate discomfort and pain. While humor doesn’t take our pain away, it often soothes and connects us. Humor plays a demonstrable role in our ability to be flexible, distress tolerant, and to accept that many aspects of life can be remarkably out of our control.
Don’t Live In Fear, Live With Fear
How do we develop resilience in a world where we are conditioned to be overly sensitive, easily triggered, anxiety-ridden, and fearful? What would it mean if we learned how to live with fear rather than consumed and sometimes even paralyzed by it?
Grief And Loss Is Not Just A Part Of Life, It Is Life
Impermanence is one of the few absolute certainties in life–it’s also something that most of us avoid, resist, and fear despite its inevitability. Understanding and developing a relationship with impermanence is key to our ability to live deeply meaningful lives, in the present.
