Theresa Bates

Teri Bates is a clinical social worker who was able-bodied until 2016, when a catastrophic injury during a routine medical procedure changed her life forever. Post-injury, Teri turned her attention to disability access “microadvocacy” initiatives. Those efforts have touched nearly all domains: healthcare, academia, insurance, banking, nonprofit safety nets, federal-level services, state-level services, media, publishing, entertainment, retail, and organized religion. Teri looks forward to collaborating with the other 2026 Disability Lead Fellows in pursuit of justice and equity. Teri shares her life and love with her husband, kids, grandchildren, and greyhound.