The pandemic has changed many things in my life, just like it has changed the lives of many people who have disabilities. It has changed the way we have meetings.  Zoom is an online application where many people can video conference with each other at one time. Zoom is super convenient for many people who live in different areas of the country or even the world. It seems like Zoom is the new normal for meetings far and wide.

Many of the disabled organizations that I work with feel that a quick Zoom call is essential for meetups. Last night, I attended a Zoom meeting with the state coordinators for Ms. Wheelchair America. Many of these advocates and state directors are working through their state competitions using the Zoom platform. They are holding their state competitions on Zoom for the safety of their contestants.

In December, we held galas and annual meetings on Zoom, where people dressed up for the holidays and celebrated. For many of them, these events were welcome, having the opportunity to communicate with people they have known for many years. People around the world celebrated their holidays on Zoom as well.

Holiday Parties on Zoom

I loved attending the Bender Christmas party event with Joyce Bender and her crew from around the country.  Anyone who knows Joyce and Bender Consulting knows that this crew is all about laughter and joy. Of course, my favorite is hearing Mary say, “Madonna Long is in the House!” I always loved that. Bender Consulting is one of the most successful and recognized recruiting firm for people who have disabilities. Joyce and I have been friends for many years. Before the pandemic, I became accustomed to visiting Capitol Hill and seeing my friends. It made the holidays so much more enjoyable to see my everyone, even if it couldn’t be in person.

So, Zoom meetings are the new normal. I am looking forward to seeing these amazing people in person again sometime in the future. I am eager to get back to giving hugs and laughing together at dinners or galas.

About Madonna Long: Madonna works as a disability advocate to educate policymakers and congressional leaders on disability issues. She is a mother to four children and lives life on her terms, despite a spinal cord injury. Click here to learn more about Madonna.