ABOUT REBECCA ALEXANDER
Discover the inspiring story behind Rebecca Alexander's remarkable journey and achievements.
REBECCA’S STORY
As an adolescent, Rebecca received a life-changing diagnosis: retinitis pigmentosa (RP), a rare genetic condition that would gradually narrow her sight until she was completely blind likely by age 30. At 19, still recovering from a fall that left her athletic body shattered, Rebecca was diagnosed with Usher syndrome—the leading genetic cause of combined blindness and deafness.
Now in her 40s, living with a sliver of sight and total deafness without cochlear implants, Rebecca faces life with unwavering determination and a deep commitment to connection. Through her journey, she proves that life’s greatest challenges can open the door to profound strength and a deeper sense of self.
With two Master’s degrees from Columbia University and advanced certifications, Rebecca has a thriving psychotherapy practice in Manhattan. Rebecca also created and facilitates an in-depth mental health curriculum for mental health professionals as well as for organizations.
WHO IS REBECCA
Rebecca continuously redefines what it means to live with a disability - or, in her case, multiple.
AWARD-WINNING AUTHOR
In development to be made into a major motion film, Rebecca’s critically acclaimed memoir, Not Fade Away: A Memoir of Senses Lost and Found, received an Indie Book Award and was honored as one of the MS Society’s Books For A Better Life. Rebecca’s memoir celebrates the incredible strength of memory, love, and perseverance.
RENOWNED KEYNOTE SPEAKER
A distinguished speaker for the Washington Speakers’ Bureau and on the international speaker circuit, Rebecca has been the keynote speaker for many esteemed organizations including Microsoft, Peloton, eBay, Johnson & Johnson, Citigroup, Initiative, UBS, Harvard Medical School, NYU Langone Hospital, and others.
PSYCHOTHERAPIST
& MENTAL HEALTH EXPERT
With two Master’s degrees from Columbia University and advanced certifications, Rebecca has a thriving psychotherapy practice in Manhattan. Rebecca also created and facilitates an in-depth mental health curriculum for mental health professionals as well as for organizations.
MULTILINGUAL COMMUNICATOR & DOCUMENTARIAN
Rebecca communicates in spoken English, American Sign Language, and Tactile Sign Language. She is also the co-creator and host of the award-winning PBS American Masters’ documentary, Protactile: A Language of Touch, and the host & narrator of the PBS documentary, Becoming Helen Keller.
EXTREME ATHLETE & GROUP FITNESS COACH
Participating in the 600-mile AIDS Lifecycle ride, summiting Mt. Kilimanjaro, swimming from Alcatraz to shore in the San Francisco Bay, competing in the Civilian Military Combine races, and being a fitness instructor and registered yoga & meditation teacher (RYT) are among Rebecca’s extraordinary feats.
DISABILITY RIGHTS ADVOCATE
Rebecca is a passionate advocate for disability rights and mental health, holding key board member positions where she contributes her expertise. Her insights have been featured in esteemed publications and on the TEDx stage. Rebecca has also made notable television appearances.
AWARDS & RECOGNITION
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► Anthem Award Winner for Social Impact for PBS Documentary Protactile: A Language of Touch (2024)
► Heartshare Human Services of New York - Catherine White Achievement Award (2024)
► Future Vision Foundation Luminary Award (2021)
► Center for Hearing and Communication - Irving Berelson President’s Award (2019)
► Disability Rights Advocate Eagle Award (2017)
► University of Michigan Bicentennial Alumni Award (2017)
► No Limits for Deaf Children Spirit of Leadership Award (2017)
► JWI Woman To Watch (2016)
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► Washington Speakers Bureau
► Lululemon Ambassador
► GAP - International Women’s Day (2020)
► MLB First Pitch Ceremony, “Strike Out USH” - Chicago Cubs, NY Yankees, Boston Red Sox, Tampa Rays, Houston Astros (2018)
CREATING CHANGE THROUGH LEADERSHIP
