D.J. Albarian
D.J. Albarian is a dynamic motivational speaker, disability rights advocate, and professional who transforms how organizations approach inclusion and leadership. Living with Cerebral Palsy, D.J. serves as a lifelong student of his own disability, bringing a vital, on-the-ground perspective to the conversation around employment and accessibility. His work bridges the gap between the lived experiences of employees and the organizational leaders tasked with supporting them, making him a powerful voice for systemic change in the modern workforce.
DJ will be speaking Friday October 16, 2026 via Zoom for CalState Long Beach
More about DJ
D.J.'s journey to advocacy was shaped by navigating his own systemic barriers and roadblocks. After starting at a community college, he pushed through significant challenges to earn his degree from California State University, Long Beach. Experiencing firsthand the complexities of workplace intimidation and the lack of true inclusion, he channeled his resilience into the realm of education and employment services. Having worked as a Job Developer within the Anaheim Union High School District, D.J. realized that while many state and local initiatives successfully focus on job placement, there is a massive, unaddressed crisis in long-term job retention. To solve this retention crisis, D.J. developed his signature advocacy frameworks: 'Person-Centered Management' and 'The Cortisol Tax.' He educates organizational leaders on the heavy physical and mental burnout — the Cortisol Tax — that employees endure when navigating invalidating or uneducated leadership. A captivating and authentic storyteller, D.J. recently brought his message to the stage by delivering a keynote address and an advisory presentation at two major regional events. He produces digital content including his YouTube video 'The Disability Glass Ceiling: Resilience, Mentorship, and Building Business Better.' He is eager to partner with corporations, educational institutions, legislative advocates, and professional associations as a keynote speaker and expert panelist.
Appeared on:
- Poorman's Morning Rush with The Poorman
- Employer Panel: Disability Inclusion in the Workplace
- Keynote Speaker at OCLPA Transition Event