Meet Lindsey Blankenship | Co-founder of Creating SPACE, a nonprofit

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lindsey Blankenship and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lindsey, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
If you had asked me ten years ago whether I’d found a nonprofit, I probably would have said no. But over time, a deep passion and a desire for cultural change led me down that path.

I co-founded Creating SPACE with, Kati Cahill, to help make conversations about disability more open, safe, and comfortable. Our mission is to break down the stigmas surrounding disability and educate people on how to engage with empathy and understanding.

As someone living with an invisible disability, I’ve experienced the shame, fear, and discomfort that often come with it. I know what it’s like to be surrounded by people who don’t know how to ask questions—or are afraid to bring the subject up at all. But I don’t blame them. The truth is, most people haven’t been taught how to have these conversations.

That’s why Creating SPACE was born four years ago. Through Storytelling, Permission, Acceptance, and Education, we empower both students and adults to talk about disability with confidence, compassion, and respect.”

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
A few years ago, I started a blog called Thrive with Disability. I created it as a safe space for people to share their stories and experiences of living with a disability.

Why did I feel compelled to do this? Because I live with a rare genetic eye disease called Retinitis Pigmentosa—a hidden, degenerative condition that is slowly taking away my vision. Growing up, I didn’t feel comfortable talking about it, and most people didn’t know how to talk to me about it either. I felt lonely, misunderstood, and embarrassed.

As I got older and my sight began to decline, I reached a point where I had no choice but to ask for help—which meant I had to talk about it openly and explain what I needed. That terrified me.

But deep down, I knew something wasn’t right. The shame and discomfort I felt over something I had no control over really troubled me. I wanted people to understand what I was going through—not just for my sake, but for others like me—so I started writing. And through that blog, I began encouraging others to share their stories too.

What I discovered was heartbreaking and unifying: no matter the type of disability, so many of us shared the same feelings—fear, shame, guilt, loneliness, and embarrassment. That realization made me want to do even more.

I knew I needed a partner who could help bring my rough vision to life—and the perfect person was Kati Cahill, Principal at Humanex Academy. Kati is intuitive, empathetic, incredibly smart, and has the biggest heart. She also lives with an invisible disability, and when I shared my idea with her, she immediately understood. It didn’t take long for her to say yes to joining this journey with me.

After a year of dreaming, planning, and design thinking, Creating SPACE was born. I’ve never been prouder—of myself, of Kati, and of the many people who have supported us along the way. This journey has been exciting, fun, challenging, and deeply rewarding.

Creating SPACE is special. What sets us apart is how we combine education with heart. Our programs and workshops are engaging, reflective, and transformative. We hear it all the time—from students, teachers, and professionals—how much it impacted them. We center everything around storytelling, intentional language, acts of permission and acceptance, and above all, curiosity.

Even during the quieter seasons, I know we must keep going. The work we’re doing is changing the culture. It’s breaking down stigmas. And it’s helping to create a world where disability can finally become a comfortable conversation.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I love being outdoors, so I would take them to the mountains, no particular place as you really can’t go wrong. Depending on the season, go to a Red Rocks concert or even see a show at the Grizzly Rose or Fiddler’s Green.

Another fun day would be to take a Pilates class at Pilates Evolution and then head to a delightful meal at any Culinary Creative Group restaurant, though Senor Bear is my favorite!

During the summer, a day at Water World is a must. I would also take them to Golden for a day trip as it is just the cutest downtown with so much to see and do.

To be honest, I would find the visit as a great excuse to explore new adventures as well. I have been wanting to check out Meow Wolf, the Denver Art Museum, and Blanchard Family Winery.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Thank you to Littleton Public Schools, Graland, Aspen Academy and other schools that have worked with us in helping break stigmas surrounding disability and continuing to make it a a comfortable conversation.
Also, a special shoutout to Whitcomb Selinsky PC, Make A Wish Colorado, Gates Corporation, PGA of America and other companies for engaging in our professional workshop. We appreciate your time and aspiration to educate your teams.

Website: https://www.creatingspace4.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creatings.p.a.c.e/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/80226846/admin/dashboard/

Image Credits
Olivia McGuire