Andrea "Annie" Streit

Annie Streit has dedicated her life to disability awareness, advocacy, and education. A graduate of Ball State University with a degree in Social Studies Education, she originally planned a career in interior design before a spinal cord injury in 2005 shifted her path. Rather than let her accident define her, Annie found new purpose in teaching, advocacy, and writing. Today, she serves as Grassroots Advocacy Manager for the United Spinal Association, a role she has held for over five years, where she manages advocates across the United States to promote disability awareness and build a national advocacy network.

Her personal journey has deeply influenced her creative work. Drawing from her own experiences as a wheelchair user and her background in adoption, Annie began writing children’s books in 2015 to help young readers embrace differences and practice kindness. Her published works include Scooter and His Scoot Scoot, A Dog Named Bird, and Rough and Tough T-Bone, which explore themes of resilience, bullying, and adoption. Her most recent collaboration, In My Heart Forever, was created in partnership with Barbara Backgard of Vera Bradley to help children understand Alzheimer’s disease. Through these stories, Annie has engaged children in schools and communities, encouraging acceptance and empathy while sparking meaningful conversations—such as when a young girl once asked her about using a wheelchair.

Annie often credits her past experiences in teaching and interior design with shaping her creative approach to advocacy. She is passionate about using her platform to inspire others, share her story, and break down barriers surrounding disability. Beyond her professional role, she enjoys connecting directly with children and families, helping them to see beyond disability and embrace differences with compassion. Her advocacy approach includes live-stream conversations that spotlight advocates across the country, giving others a chance to share their work and inspire change. Annie describes her work as profoundly fulfilling, a path she was meant to follow, and she is excited to continue raising awareness, empowering others, and reaching wider audiences through both her books and her advocacy efforts.

• Ball State University