Spencer West

Spencer West (born 1981) is an American motivational speaker and disability advocate. West became an amputee after being born with sacral agenesis. He speaks about overcoming adversity and uses social media to advocate for the disability justice movement and the LGBTQ community.

Early life and education Spencer West was born in 1981, in Rock Springs, Wyoming, to Tonette and Kenny West.

West was born with a birth defect, sacral agenesis, causing his spine and legs to not work properly. When he was three years old, his legs were amputated to his knees. Prosthetics did not work, so doctors removed his legs when West was five years old. He learned to move around using his hands and a wheelchair.

West graduated from Rock Springs High School, where he was a cheerleader. He earned a degree in communications from Westminster College. He volunteered at a TV newsroom. In 2008, West traveled to Kenya with a friend to support the Free the Children's school building effort. The trip inspired West to share his personal experiences as an amputee. He joined ME to WE as an ambassador.

The COVID-19 pandemic impacted West's advocacy efforts; he had previously traveled 200 days a year as a speaker. West developed a following on TikTok where he posts about the disability justice movement and his personal experiences as a gay amputee.

Personal life West resides in Toronto. He applied for Canadian citizenship after living there for 4 years. He is gay and advocates for disabled members in the LGBTQ community.

Selected works