About

I’m a safe container that holds a space for people to be real, open and direct. From there, we can have a conversation that creates greater understanding and connection.” — Marianne DiBlasi

Marianne DiBlassiMarianne’s Life Experience

I was born with a physical disability called Spina Bifida—which is essentially a partial paralysis from the waist down.

I have felt the anguish of being “different” from my siblings and friends because my disability has required multiple surgeries, medical procedures, walking with crutches and braces, and the inability to play sports or participate in many other activities.

I grew up in a time before the ADA, IEPs, and many social services existed. I attended public schools and lived immersed in the able-bodied world, working hard to fit in and be “normal” like everyone else.

It was in my adult years that I moved from a fierce determination to overcome my disability to actually accepting my disability and embracing it as part of myself. I continue to learn and grow in my understanding of both the gifts and the challenges my disability presents.

I am blessed to have parents that believed I could do anything I set my mind to. I credit my dad, Maurice, with my determination and persistence to never give up. From my mom, Marguerite, I learned the grace of patience and the power of love to endure through great hardship.

So, now it is my time to stop, turn to look back and offer support to others whose lives have been touched by disability or illness, and to assist with the emotional, social and spiritual issues that come into play.

Marianne’s Professional Background

My corporate experience extends over 22 years, including human resources administration, personnel recruiting and 13 yrs at Hewlett Packard in sales & marketing. During this time, I acquired extensive experience designing and executing robust marketing programs, and working collaboratively on teams.

In addition to my business experience, I’ve engaged in numerous modalities to do my own inner work—coach training programs, therapy, other personal development—to hone my readiness to really “be there” for my clients.

I am committed to meeting you where you are. My professional certifications include:

Highly sought after as a coach, consultant and public speaker, Marianne helps people learn real and tangible things that they can put to use right away. She has a plain-speaking and practical manner, and she makes a genuine connection with people.  Marianne is the editor of Disability Issues, a quarterly newsletter devoted to providing education and resources to individuals and families living with disability, and their advocates.

Disability Visibility is a professional coaching and consulting practice designed to support those whose lives have been touched by disability and to act as a bridge between the able-bodied and disabled worlds. Marianne is committed to enhancing communication and fostering more effective relationships between employers and their staff, companies and their customers, parents and their children, spouses, medical professionals and families, and members of the community.

Contact me to get the conversation started.