To Edmund Asiedu, (inclusive) mentoring means creating spaces where individuals of all abilities feel seen, valued, and empowered to thrive. It’s about recognizing the unique experiences and strengths that people with disabilities bring to the table and providing guidance that affirms their identity, potential, and leadership. Inclusive mentoring goes beyond support – it is a commitment to dismantling barriers, fostering disability pride, and nurturing confidence in mentees to advocate for themselves and others. For Edmund, it is both personal and transformative – rooted in his own journey and dedicated to cultivating future generations of leaders with disabilities.

 

Edmund Asiedu (Phonetic Pronunciation of Name: Eh-dmehnd Asy-eh-doo) (he/him) is a proud person with disability and a passionate accessibility, disability inclusion, inclusive mentoring, and universal design advocate who raises awareness on the needs of persons with disabilities in educational institutions, workplaces, and cities. Born and raised in Ghana, he relocated to the United States in 2010. Before joining New York City Department of Transportation as the Accessibility Policy Advisor and ADA Coordinator, Edmund held positions at Columbia University School of Public Health, Berkeley College, Cypress Hills Local Development Corporation, National Disability Rights Network, and Ghana Society of the Physically Disabled. He holds a Bachelor of Social Work from the CUNY – Lehman College and a Master of Public Administration from CUNY – Baruch College School of Public and International Affairs. He served on the Disability Access and Accommodations Committee at the Columbia University Medical Center and advised ENABLE student organization at the Columbia University School of Public Health. Edmund currently serves as Co-Chair of the Advisory Council of the National Disability Mentoring Coalition (NDMC). In his personal time, he enjoys spending time with his family and riding handcycle.