Champion of Inclusion- Mike Ochoa- Disability Pride Month Collaborative
Hello all!
To end Disability Pride Month, we have the compelling and mindful story of Mike Ochoa; he is a true leader and community-driven champion of inclusion.
Where do the worlds of disabilities and the arts intersect for you? Additionally, where do you feel that this intersection empowers you or your community?
These two worlds intersect for me through the belief that creativity belongs to everyone. The medium does not lessen the impact of storytelling. Whether it is film, music, theater, visual art, dance, trading card games, or tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs), the arts create shared spaces where people can connect across differences.
Film critic Roger Ebert famously described film as "a machine that generates empathy." I believe this insight applies to all forms of artistic expression. The arts expand our capacity for kindness, understanding, and human connection. For people with disabilities, the arts are not only a means of self-expression but also a powerful avenue for visibility, inclusion, and belonging. When communities embrace accessible and inclusive artistic experiences, everyone benefits by gaining new perspectives, challenging assumptions, and recognizing the richness that diverse lived experiences bring to our collective story.
Can you tell us a bit about your journey and how TTRPGs, the arts, or storytelling have left you in a better place?
I am a newcomer to the world of table top role playing games (TTRPGs). I had always been curious about how they worked, but the barrier to entry seemed quite high. I attended a beginner's Dungeons & Dragons panel at Denver Fan Expo, where one of the panelists demonstrated the core chance mechanics used in many TTRPGs with a deck of cards and a few enthusiastic volunteers. Seeing the combination of storytelling and chance mechanic I was able to enter into the world of TTRPs.
That experience became the foundation for creating my own campaigns. Today, I use these skills professionally as a Group Facilitator at a residential treatment facility. I incorporate DnD brain breaks to engage youth in therapeutic processing and skills integration. One of the Primary Therapists described these D&D brain breaks by saying, “It helps the kids who are usually quieter come out of their shells while bringing together imaginative collaboration and social connection for all clients. At the same time, it reinforces emotional regulation and distress tolerance skills through an imaginative and fun game”. I hope to continue using TTRPGs to create meaningful stories while providing safe, engaging spaces where people can learn, grow, and connect with one another.
3. May you share a unique insight you have gained from taking pride in the disability community?
I have learned that inclusive, accessible, and welcoming environments do not happen by accident. They begin with small gestures and simple acts of kindness.
One example of this comes from my time volunteering at Denver Fan Expo. A child needed assistance navigating the convention floor. From his body language and tone of voice, I could tell he was overwhelmed and on the verge of tears. I offered to help and asked him a question I came up with on the spot, "Who is your favorite Marvel character, who is your favorite DC character, and who is your favorite character I've never heard of?" the unexpected question immediately shifted his focus and helped ease his anxiety. He became excited as he thought through his answers, especially the last one. Before leaving, he asked if he could come at a later time to give me his answer. The next day, he made a point of finding me. With an ear-to-ear smile, he proudly shared the character he had chosen and explained why that character meant so much to him.
Moments like that remind me that creating an inclusive, welcoming community often starts with something as simple as making someone feel seen and heard. Small acts of kindness can have lasting impacts and help create spaces where everyone feels they belong.
4. Can you please share a call to action to inspire those within our community to pursue their dreams?
My call to action is simple: champion accessibility and inclusion within fan communities.
No one should be excluded from a fandom. We should welcome everyone who wants to learn, participate, and connect.
It has broken my heart to hear young women say things like, "I wasn't allowed to play," or "I didn't think you would teach me," when talking about chess or trading card games. That is not okay.
We CAN and SHOULD do better. It is wonderful to find joy and belonging in these communities, but it is equally important to hold the door open for the next person who wants to join. Instead of gatekeeping our hobbies, we should invite others in, share what we love, and help build communities where everyone feels welcome.
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. What are you most excited about for the future of your creative projects?
This October, I will be collaborating with Michelle Shewmake and her nonprofit, Rise Again Thrift and Mentorship. Rise Again is a community space dedicated to upcycling clothing, mentorship, and skills-development workshops. It is located at 525 Singing Hills Road, Unit 204, Elizabeth, Colorado 80138, and opened its doors to the public on August 1, 2026.
Rise Again has graciously invited me to host youth community events at its location.The first, Collaborative Storytelling: Introduction to Dungeons & Dragons and Other TTRPGs, will introduce participants to collaborative storytelling through role-playing games. The second, Card Champions: Learning and Playing Trading Card Games, will focus on teaching strategy, sportsmanship, and community through trading card games.
My hope is that these events provide a safe, welcoming place where young people can be creative, build friendships, and enjoy gaming together.
Looking ahead, I hope to expand these programs by incorporating elements of narrative therapy to help youth reduce social anxiety, manage symptoms of depression, and support healing from past trauma through storytelling and creative play.