# @thehandydje on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/CvK3IKigfQs
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/19841012-thehandydje-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/bb01efe60e.jpg
- **Posted:** 2023-07-26T17:55:07.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Ethan Beaudoin (a.k.a. DJ E) (@thehandydje) — https://gondola.cc/thehandydje

## Caption

Five years ago, I underwent a big tracheotomy surgery that became a lifestyle change for myself and my family. 

Due to my neuromuscular disease, my breathing, speaking (vocal volume) capabilities, and my health had been progressively declining for years prior to this.

At the time, I was approaching the start of my senior year of my undergraduate career of college at Regis University; my doctors, family, and I thought it would be best to get the tracheotomy surgery done sooner rather than later. 

The overall decision was by no means easy; in fact, it was one of the hardest decisions I had ever made. However, looking back, it was the best decision I had ever made (so far) for my breathing, health, and communication capabilities.

Much has changed since then. From graduating college to obtaining 7 certifications across the areas of sports business and event production to consulting with companies on projects to DJing some incredible events - I have learned a lot and will continue to take education seriously.

During my tracheotomy surgery recovery, the mucus pathway that historically ran through my sinus passages was trying to figure out a new route to take. Throughout this exploration phase, the mucus moved into my eardrums - clogging up my ears. For the first time in my life - in addition to living with a permanent mobility impairment - I was living with a situational and temporal hearing impairment. I would get ear tubes surgically implicated inside my eardrums in an effort to release the pressure and clogging.

Little did I know that experiencing these impairments would lead me down a path of taking one area in particular very seriously: event accessibility. So much so that I recently became a certified Event Accessibility Strategist, which I feel very proud of.

These new discoveries have motivated my desire to help event organizers, planners, and producers brainstorm, ideate, strategize, and implement accessible and inclusive features that will open the door for all people to have equitable event experiences. Everything from: parking, to signage, walkway access, safe entrances to buildings, security queues, food and beverages, and more.

## Stats

- **Views:** 0
- **Likes:** 224
- **Shares:** 0
- **Comments:** 19

## Credits

| Name | Username | Profile | Role |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Ethan Beaudoin (a.k.a. DJ E) | @thehandydje | https://gondola.cc/thehandydje | Creative Director |

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