Our Story
Founded by Kara and Adam Ayers, Mind Ramps is an innovative think tank and social change collective. Mind Ramps aims to support people in unlearning the lies they’ve been told about disability. From decades of lived experience, we know the world, societies, organizations, businesses, and our communities are made better because-not despite-disability exists. Our team of consultants has collaborated alongside some of the world’s leading organizations to improve accessibility, promote inclusion, and initiate belonging. We specialize in meeting people and organizations where they are to learn and unlearn what they need to unlock the potential in disability as a driver of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
We are passionate about this work because we’ve benefited from access and inclusion. We also know the pain of lost opportunities from ableism, stigma, and exclusion. We are a disabled-led, family-led business.
Our Team
Kara Ayers, PhD
Co-Founder
Adam Ayers
Co-founder
Our Experience
Kara Ayers, PhD
Co-Founder
Kara Ayers, Ph.D. (she/her) is a globally recognized, disability thought leader, sought-after speaker, published researcher, and committed consultant. She completed her undergraduate degree in Psychology at Wright State University and then, a PhD in clinical psychology at Nova Southeastern University. She is the Associate Director of the University of Cincinnati University Center for Developmental Disabilities, where she leads and co-leads several projects, including the National Center for Disability, Equity, and Intersectionality and the Disability Research Lab. Kara’s research interests include parenting with a disability, disability ethics, health equity, and disability in media. She’s committed to a cultural shift in the way we view disability. Kara openly shares her powerful stories of disability advocacy, disabled parenting, and belonging in an ableist world. She was born with Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI), which is a rare, genetic disability that causes bones to break easily. Breaking-and more importantly, healing-has been an integral part of her experiences. Stigma and ableism, however, have been far more painful and at times, limiting. Because of this, Kara is committed to a more inclusive future.
Adam Ayers
Co-Founder
Adam Ayers (he/him) is a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist with decades of experience in training, speaking, and consultation. He earned his Bachelors of Science degree in Recreation Management with a Track of Therapeutic Recreation from Florida International University. After college, Adam returned to Cincinnati, where he’s helped to build one of the country’s leading adapted sports programs. He’s consulted in the development of several accessible and inclusive playgrounds and recreation spaces. Adam is the President of the Dwarf Athletic Association of America and President of the Greater Cincinnati Adapted Sports Club. He’s also a long-time City of Mason Parks Board member. He is also the Head Coach of the Cincinnati Dragons Wheelchair Basketball Prep Team. Adam has also shared his own insights on life with a disability, the power of sports, and defying stigma as a disabled parent. Adam was born with Osteogenesis Imperfecta. He is a little person and wheelchair user.