DIANA 
PASTORA CARSON

Diana Pastora Carson, M.Ed. has been an elementary educator for over 30 years, and co-teaches a Disability Studies course at San Diego State University. She is a consultant and educator on diversity as it relates to disability, and is the author of several articles and books including Beyond Awareness: Bringing Disability into Diversity Work in K-12 Schools & Communities, and children’s book, Ed Roberts: Champion of Disability Rights. Her disability awareness work has earned her statewide PTA recognitions in the areas of advocacy and outreach, as well as her school’s designation of Teacher of the Year. Aside from her TEDxTalk, Diana has been featured in several articles and podcasts. She served two terms on the Board of Directors of Disability Rights California, and currently serves as a board member of Disability Voices United. Diana credits her passion for this work to her brother, Joaquin, who endured years of segregated schooling and subsequent institutionalization. She takes the most pride in knowing that after many years of fighting for his release, Joaquin now lives a life of self-determination, inclusion and quality, in the community, as her next-door neighbor.