A South Florida woman is defying odds — proving wrong the doctors who said she’d never walk or graduate college. She’s accomplished both. And now, she’s helping others with disabilities live life to the fullest. Her story shines in our 7Spotlight with Courtney Allen.
When Yessenia Leyva was born, her parents got a dire prognosis.
Yessenia Leyva: “‘Your daughter is not going to make it. If she does, she is going to be a vegetable.'”
She was born with spina bifida — a condition affecting her spinal cord. Doctors said she wouldn’t live past 6 or 7 years old.
But now, here we are. Sitting in the office of the business she owns in Coral Springs, 40 years later.
She said it wouldn’t be possible without her biggest advocate — her mom.
Yessenia Leyva: “She fought with the doctors. She fought legal battles when I was younger. She was an advocate for me in the school system.”
It wasn’t easy. Her mom is from Ecuador and her dad is from Cuba.
Yessenia Leyva: “So they come, you know, working, hardworking people but they don’t know the language. They have no guidance.”
Her parents’ own challenges navigating the system inspired her to become a disability advocate for others.
Yessenia Leyva: “I feel like this is my God-given talent. This is my purpose that God has given me to now pay it forward to those that need it most.”
She started her business called Disability Programs and Training, or DPT, during COVID.
Yessenia Leyva: “I always refer to it as that one stop shop for people with disabilities.”
The one stop shop not only hosts what she calls “fun-clusion” events to connect the community. It’s also a service to help people with disabilities apply for jobs, and apply for government benefits like Social Security and Medicaid.
Yessenia Leyva: “They come not knowing what is available for them. When they come and I explain to them how it works, it’s like, ‘Oh.’ Their face lights up because now, I feel I can be productive.”
Juliet McLean is one of her clients.
Juliet said she lived a normal, healthy life — until she was 50 years old.
Juliet McLean: “10 years ago, I got up with a very discomfort in my back, and within 20 minutes of calling the ambulance, I was unable to walk.”
She hasn’t walked since. She was diagnosed with a rare neurological disorder that can be caused by a virus.
Juliet McLean: “I didn’t know where to turn for help. I didn’t even know what are some of the resources I would even need for myself.”
Yessenia connected her with personal care services and got Juliet registered in a vocational rehab program for access to counseling and even driving lessons.
Juliet McLean: “Without her, I wouldn’t even know that that exists.”
Juliet said having someone in her corner has helped her regain confidence and motivation.
Juliet McLean: “I was learning how to play wheelchair basketball. That is something that I never dreamed that I could handle. I have done 5K races in my wheelchair. Maybe if I was walking, I wouldn’t do that.”
Yessenia now advocates for more than 75 people.
Yessenia Leyva: “One day, one life at a time, one story at a time.”
Her goal is to equip each of them with the tools to feel empowered by their disability, and not defined by it.
If you’d like to donate, volunteer or get connected with DPT, we have information here.
Courtney Allen, 7News.
If you know of a person, place or group that you think we should highlight, email us at 7spotlight@wsvn.com.
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