In a world that often overlooks the needs of individuals with disabilities, Michael Cesarino, 39, has become a steadfast advocate for change. Born with spastic cerebral palsy, he has navigated life’s challenges with resilience, transforming obstacles into opportunities for activism. His journey is not just personal – it inspires others to champion accessibility in their communities.
“My life has been a complex journey of learning,” Cesarino said. He realized early on those systemic failures affected him and others in his hometown. “Things just didn’t work the way they should.” That realization sparked his passion for advocacy.
Nearly two decades ago, a pivotal experience set Cesarino on his path. While shoveling snow from his sidewalk, a police officer confronted him, believing the housing authority should handle the issue. Cesarino explained that ice had formed due to a leaking gutter that had gone unrepaired for two years. The officer documented the issue, and by spring, the gutter was fixed, eliminating the hazard. That moment taught Cesarino a key lesson: “You just have to say something. If no one does, nothing changes.”
His advocacy efforts expanded as he identified other community shortcomings. The town’s bus system lacked proper wheelchair-accessible training for drivers. Sidewalks were often in disrepair, posing risks for people using walkers and power chairs – including Cesarino himself. “I flipped my power chair in the park because the sidewalk had a one-inch drop, and I ended up on the ground,” he said.
Determined to improve accessibility, Cesarino reached out to city officials, including the mayor and the code enforcement officer. Progress was slow, but he remained encouraged. “I’ve experienced some success, but it has been very slow in coming,” he said.
His activism is deeply personal. Growing up in a small mountain town, his family was reluctant to “make a scene” about disability issues. But Cesarino saw the need for change. “I never wanted to make a scene. I just wanted to make a point,” he said.
Technology has played a crucial role in his independence and advocacy. Complex wheelchairs have significantly improved his mobility, and innovations like voice recognition and word prediction software have helped him communicate more effectively. “I’m dyslexic, and automatic punctuation is amazing,” Cesarino said.
He encourages others to use technology to amplify their voices. “Not everyone has the newest devices. But if you have a way to be heard, even in a small way, use it. Start there.”
Cesarino stays engaged through social media and virtual platforms like Second Life, which allow users to create avatars and interact in a world without physical limitations. “In Second Life, I can do things I can’t in the real world – go to clubs, attend concerts, even build and create. It’s not just escape. It’s expression.”
Beyond local efforts, Cesarino has participated in national advocacy. In 2023, he joined a Virtual Fly-In to Washington, D.C., to lobby for disability rights. He has also served on the Participant Advisory Committee for UPMC Health Plan, helping shape policies that impact people with disabilities.
Despite using a power wheelchair and requiring daily care, Cesarino maintains a strong level of independence. He moved out on his own at 19. “My mom was two hours away. My attendant staff was my only support. That’s when I really started learning how to speak up,” he said.
Transportation remains a challenge for people with disabilities, but programs like Community Health Choices and the Medical Assistance Transportation Program have helped Cesarino access nonmedical and medical transit. Still, he acknowledges that smaller communities often lack such resources, leading to further marginalization.
Advocacy requires strategic thinking, he said. “Choose your battles. Sometimes, people don’t know how to help because they don’t understand the needs. Be respectful, and if your request is too big of an ask, try a different approach. Practicality and persistence are essential.”
A lover of art and architecture, Cesarino finds inspiration in visionary architect Paolo Soleri, whose unfinished “city within a city” project in Arizona sought to redefine urban living. “Soleri had incredible ideas about how people could live together better. I think he would’ve been a disability advocate if he were alive today.”
Cesarino also enjoys reading, often pairing audiobooks with physical copies to accommodate his dyslexia. Economics fascinates him, as he believes understanding financial systems is key to shaping disability policy. “Decisions get made based on cost,” Cesarino said.
His guiding principle remains simple: “Live your truth. Figure out what you need—and use it. If you have a disability, continually seek out and learn how to use technology that best fits your evolving needs. Make your life what you want it to be.”
Cesarino’s story highlights how one voice can lead to meaningful change, proving that awareness and action can cultivate a more inclusive society for all.
Michael may be reached at michaeldanielcesarino@gmail.com.
Michael Cesarino has spent much of his adult life advocating for people with disabilities in Pennsylvania and beyond. He served on the Participant Advisory Committee for UPMC Health Plan for three years and took part in the 2023 Virtual Fly-In to Washington, D.C.