Mohammed Yousuf is a disability advocate, thought leader, and innovator who has dedicated his life to improving the lives of people with disabilities. His journey began with a challenging start: at the age of two, he was diagnosed with polio, which left him unable to walk. Despite these obstacles, his indomitable spirit led him to overcome adversity. Mohammed began his education at the age of 12, proving that setbacks were merely stepping stones on his path to success.

Mohammed holds a Bachelor’s degree in Electronics and Communication Engineering from Osmania University, India, and a Master’s degree in Computer Engineering from Wayne State University, USA. His academic achievements, despite facing physical and societal barriers, reflect his resilience and determination to excel.

In 2001, Mohammed founded the EquallyAble Foundation (formerly HelpHandicap Foundation) in Michigan, USA, with a mission to create an inclusive and empowering environment for people with disabilities. Under his leadership, the foundation has had a significant global impact, positively influencing the lives of individuals with disabilities in over 10 countries.

In addition to his work with EquallyAble, Mohammed currently serves as the Director of the Office of Infrastructure, Safety, and Asset Innovation at the Federal Transit Administration. He is widely recognized as a thought leader in the fields of disability development, research, and innovation. Mohammed has shared his expertise at numerous national and international conferences on transportation and disability development and has contributed to several congressional and presidential reports.

Mohammed’s academic and professional credentials include certifications such as Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) from Housing University, Universal Design, Fair Housing & ADA/ABA Guidelines from Harvard University, and Assistive Technology Applications from California State University. His research and contributions to disability-related topics have been published in several articles and book chapters, and he is currently working on his book on disability.

As a passionate disability activist, Mohammed has committed his career to advocating for greater accessibility, inclusion, and the advancement of technologies that improve the lives of people with disabilities. He lives in Northern Virginia with his wife and three children.

In 2020, Mohammed Yousuf authored Ascending Adversity, a memoir that chronicles his inspiring journey of overcoming obstacles and building a life dedicated to empowering others.