Our Story
United Disabilities is more than just a company; it's a testament to human resilience, the power of teamwork, and the unwavering belief that adversity can be transformed into opportunity. At the heart of this inspiring journey is our founder, Terry Loerch, whose life experiences have shaped the very essence of what United Disabilities stands for today.
Early Challenges & Triumphs
Terry's journey began long before the start of United Disabilities. Growing up with an extreme learning disability, Terry faced significant obstacles in his educational pursuits. However, his determination and perseverance shone through as he not only overcame these challenges but excelled academically. Against all odds, Terry graduated from the top journalism and public relations school in the United States, an achievement that would set the tone for his life's trajectory of turning obstacles into stepping stones.
Following his undergraduate success, Terry's thirst for knowledge led him to pursue a Ph.D. in neuropsychology. His path was set, but life had other plans.
A Life-Altering Event
In 2003, Terry's life took a dramatic turn when he suffered a spinal cord injury and a stroke. This event marked the beginning of an arduous 12-year journey to relearn how to walk. For many, such a setback might have been defeating, but for Terry, it became a profound learning experience. With each challenge he faced, Terry gained invaluable insights into the struggles of others with disabilities, unknowingly laying the foundation for what would become United Disabilities.
Continued Trials & Lessons
Terry's health challenges were far from over. In 2012, he found himself in the ICU with a ruptured colon, an experience that brought him face-to-face with mortality as he clinically died for nearly three minutes. Upon waking from surgery, Terry found himself with an ileostomy bag – yet another hurdle to overcome, but also another opportunity to gain firsthand knowledge of the challenges faced by many in the disability community.
Nine months later, after having the ileostomy reversed, Terry once again found himself fighting for his life in the ICU, this time battling septic shock that had spread to his lungs. The road to recovery was long, requiring him to relearn how to walk after being bedridden for over five weeks.
In 2016, Terry faced yet another life-threatening situation when doctors accidentally punctured his colon during a procedure, leading to a septic infection that was antibiotic-resistant. Given only a 2% chance of survival, Terry was sent home after six weeks in the ICU. Despite being on strong medications, a double PICC line, and a feeding tube, Terry's indomitable spirit shone through. He continued to be there for his son and worked tirelessly on United Disabilities.
Personal Struggles & New Insights
As if the physical challenges weren't enough, Terry also faced personal struggles that would provide yet another layer of understanding to the complexities of life with a disability. Over the course of a year, Terry suffered three strokes – not from health issues but as a result of domestic violence. This experience opened Terry's eyes to a startling statistic: 98% of disabled relationships fail due to domestic violence. After 23 years, Terry found himself part of this heartbreaking statistic.
Turning Pain into Purpose
What sets Terry apart is his remarkable ability to transform his pain into purpose. Each setback, each challenge, became a lesson – not just for him, but for others. This is the essence of what United Disabilities does: we educate and teach by example, turning personal struggles into valuable insights that can help others navigate their own challenges.
The Power of Teamwork
While Terry's experiences form the backbone of United Disabilities, he is the first to emphasize that it's the team that makes dreams come true. Terry firmly believes in the power of teamwork and dedication to the disabled community. Without the incredible team he has assembled, United Disabilities would not exist as it does today.
Terry's leadership style is rooted in his belief that collective effort can move mountains. He has created an environment where each team member's unique experiences and perspectives are valued, fostering a culture of innovation, empathy, and relentless dedication to improving the lives of those with disabilities.
United Disabilities Today
Today, United Disabilities stands as a beacon of hope and a catalyst for change in the world of accessibility and disability rights. Terry's team is taking on the world, working tirelessly to create a better environment for people with disabilities.
We at United Disabilities believe in the power of education, the strength of the community, and the importance of leading by example. Every product we develop, every resource we provide, and every initiative we undertake is infused with the collective experiences of our team and the invaluable lessons learned through Terry's journey.
Our mission goes beyond just providing services or products. We aim to change perceptions, break down barriers, and create a world where disability is seen not as a limitation but as a different way of experiencing and contributing to the world.
Looking to the Future
As we look to the future, we carry with us the resilience, determination, and visionary spirit that Terry has instilled in every aspect of United Disabilities. We continue to grow, to learn, and to push the boundaries of what's possible in the realm of accessibility and inclusion.
United Disabilities is more than a company it's a movement born from one man's struggles and nurtured by a team's dedication. Together, we're not just dreaming of a more inclusive world; we're building it, one innovation at a time.
Join us in our mission. Together, we can turn challenges into opportunities and create a world where everyone, regardless of ability, can thrive.