Stumbling Through Purpose- Disability Pride Month Collaborative
Written by: Thomas R Wilson
Hello all!
For Disability Pride Month, we are putting together a Disability Pride Month Collaborative to celebrate our connection to how TTRPG's, The Arts, and Storytelling improve our lives. And the very first one is my article!
Where do the world of disabilities and the arts intersect for you? Additionally, where do you feel that this intersection empowers you or your community?
The arts are at the core of my work, life, and passion. Every day I spend my day exploring Dungeons and Dragons, various means of Storytelling, how teaching can be better done with creative empathy, and how we as people learn from creative leadership. I don’t know if I ever expected this to be my career but now that it is, my life is eternally blessed. These intersections have a long lasting and incredibly passionate and successful career. However, my favorite moments are when I get to see kiddos explore purposeful Play through D&D.
2 Can you tell us a bit about your journey and how TTRPG's, the arts, or Storytelling has left you in a better place?
Actually, I kind of stumbled into my work. My best friend asked me to join a D&D session about 10 or so years ago, and I immediately fell in love with the game. It was definitely nerve wracking, and a strange new form of storytelling, but it is wonderful. That friend also gave my my first gig as a professional Game Master and ever since then the work has taken off.
Regarding my artwork, it is actually a similar story. I started out of necessity and fell in love. When I started graphic design I was originally paying a friend to do the work, and that arrangement changed as they could no longer afford the work. So I started designing flyers and book covers and now it is one of my favorite things to do. It has been wonderful to witness the joy it brings others and to see the evolution of my skill set. The Best part though is seeing the effect my work has had on the community and how many people are excited to see more of what I do.
3 May you share a unique insight you have gained from taking pride in the disability community?
I have found that our community is one of the most talented, skillful, dedicated, and incredibly passionate communities I have ever known. We want to work, we want to pursue our wellness, and we do so in ways very few communities do. While we are often held back when we find our voices and we find something we are passionate about we can do incredible things. Finally, I have met some of the most creative artists, speakers, educators, and artists within this community and I highly believe that we are the future of what the workplace can become.
4 Can you please share a call to action to inspire those within our community to pursue their dreams?
Please understand there is no perfect project and no perfect pathway to success, especially in the arts. However, if you can find something you do well, then find a way to hone it in ways that reflect what makes you uniquely you can p find a pathway to success. So I encourage you to think about who you are, what you love about your art, and how it can make someone happy. I encourage you to keep your idea of success something that brings you genuine joy, and to not compare yourself or your art so closely to others that it robs you of the love you have for that work. And finally, I encourage you to find the ways you can draw boundaries with your art so that you do not become consumed by it. It is so vital to know ourselves beyond our work.
5 What are you most excited about for the future of your creative projects?
Currently, I am very excited for various camps I am putting on, new Dungeons and Dragons sessions, and to begin cementing my future as a storyteller/ public speaker. I am eager to also diversify my programs as a valuable community resource and a pillar of the community.
Here are my links to learn more:
Thomas R. Wilson is a professional Educator, Writer, Consultant, Business Owner, Program Developer, purpose-driven event Specialist, and Winner of Colorado’s 2025 Big Idea Contest. His work is centered around an empathic and person-first mindset that works to access and uplift community voices. It is inspired by his own lived experiences and his desire to enact mindful change. His work has been highlighted internationally, and he has partnered with over 55 businesses in the United States. Overall, Thomas’s work continues to be a bright spot celebrated by the community.
I have my important links on my work
Website: https://rhcreativeadvocacyandstorytelling.net/
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/ndttrpg
Linked in: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-wilson-42762927b/
Email: ndttrpg@gmail.com
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=9643132&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rhstorytelling?igsh=MTIzMWVwbXdkZnBlZw==