Ryann Mason

Ryann Mason is a nationally recognized disability advocate, registered nurse, keynote speaker, adaptive athlete, and sexuality educator known for her work at the intersection of healthcare and disability inclusion. Mason was born with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, a genetic collagen disorder, and began using a wheelchair for most of her mobility needs at age 26. She pursued a career in healthcare, starting as a volunteer EMT and later working as a nurse in the emergency department.

Mason uses her experiences as a lifelong patient and her education as a registered nurse to educate and support Ehlers-Danlos syndrome patients and new wheelchair users. Her advocacy began with her Instagram page, Chronically Ry, where she shared her story and connected with a broad community. Mason's social media presence extends across Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, and LinkedIn.

Mason earned the title of Ms. Wheelchair Virginia and received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Ms. Wheelchair America foundation for her advocacy work. She became the first registered nurse using a wheelchair in the postpartum unit of her local level one trauma center, advancing disability visibility and representation in healthcare.

Mason has spoken at events such as the National Institutes of Health's National Disability Employment Awareness Month celebration and has been featured in publications including Women's Day, Forbes, and Teen Vogue. In addition to her advocacy, Mason is a published model and adaptive athlete, participating in wheelchair basketball, obstacle course racing, and weightlifting. Her dance background spans more than two decades, with training in ballet, tap, jazz, acrobatics, modern, and hip-hop. She is affiliated with Infinite Flow Dance, an inclusive professional dance company based in Los Angeles. Mason's work focuses on disability inclusion, healthcare equity, and adaptive athletics, and she continues to educate audiences about living with disability and advancing representation in healthcare and the broader community.