By Olivia Minnier

A Powell resident hopes to inspire others and focus on lived experiences with her newly released book and upcoming podcast.

Emma Pequignot, a 28-year-old Powell resident, published her first book called “It’s Cool to Have Different Disabilities!” with her friend Julia Truby. Emma said her main goal with the book is to spread awareness.

“I want them to know like, it’s okay to have different disabilities. It’s okay to open up about your disability.”

Emma and Julia wrote the book as a part of a program offered by Buddy Up For Life. Buddy Up for Life is a 5013c based out of New Albany, Ohio that provides individuals with Down Syndrome a “fun, active and supportive environment for our athletes and students to grow.”

Emma said she and Julia were paired together in the program and received resources along the way to help them complete the book, such as writing help.

The book has been out since July 11 and has sold approximately 200 copies to date. Emma said she has been invited to speak on a radio show, at Olentangy Schools, and has had several book signings.

“It’s actually really cool to have my own book out…The reception has been really great.”

Since publishing her book, Emma said she wants to continue to advocate for others by releasing an interview-style podcast. She said she wants this podcast to allow others to talk about their lived experience in a more personal way. She has even thought of some influencers she’s interested in speaking with.

“I do follow some people with different disabilities. Like I follow Zach and Pat (Zach and Pat Valentine). Zach has Down Syndrome and Baker Banter (Derek Baker) so I would like for them to come on my podcast and to ask them how they are living with their disability.”

Outside of these projects, Emma is very excited about what the future holds. Maggie Reynolds, Emma’s Service & Support Administrator, said the best part of working with her has been seeing her growth as she enters adulthood.

“She is always willing to try new things and has such a positive outlook on life.”

Maggie said that they are currently working with Emma on what employment will look like for her in the future.

“We want to help her find something that she will love and that really aligns with her interests,” she said.

Emma’s provider for ten years, Elizabeth Lofreso, said she has gained more confidence the older she has gotten which has given her the courage to take on more of an advocate role.

“The more confidence she’s had, the more she’s had the confidence to write a book, so we’re really proud of her. She wants to advocate for others with disabilities and cares about other people with disabilities, and not everybody does, and that’s something she wants to keep up with,” she said.