More about Rebecca Alexander
Rebecca Alexander is an author, psychotherapist, disability rights advocate, group fitness instructor, and extreme athlete who is almost completely blind and deaf. Born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, she currently lives in New York City.
Rebecca was born with a rare genetic disorder called Usher syndrome and has been simultaneously losing both her sight and hearing since she was a child. She was told that she would likely be completely blind and deaf by the age of 30. Now, at 42, with only a sliver of sight and total deafness without the use of her cochlear implants, Rebecca has a thriving psychotherapy practice with two masters’ degrees from Columbia University. In addition to narrating the PBS American Master’s biopic documentary “Becoming Helen Keller” (Oct 2021), Rebecca has been featured on many TV shows and in numerous publications, has been honored with prestigious awards for her advocacy work, presented for TEDx, and has been the keynote speaker for many esteemed companies and organizations. Among her many extraordinary feats, Rebecca participated in the 600-mile AIDS Lifecycle ride, summited Mt. Kilimanjaro, swam from Alcatraz to shore in the San Francisco Bay, and competed in the Civilian Military Combine (CMC) races.
Rebecca’s critically acclaimed award-winning memoir, “Not Fade Away: A Memoir of Senses Lost and Found” is currently in development to be made into a major motion picture with producers John Krasinski and David O’Russell.
Rebecca is known for her sense of humor, her humility and candor. As a psychotherapist, she is trained to be a compassionate and attentive listener. As a fitness instructor, Rebecca harnesses her consistently upbeat energy to provide encouragement and inspiration to others who are facing their own challenges.
