Advocacy
Advocacy is very important in my life as an individual with an intellectual disability. It began with self advocacy during IEP meetings in school and extended beyond high school, where I engaged with the Minnesota legislature on inclusive higher education options. Throughout my life, I have been a fierce advocate for individuals dealing with traumatic brain injuries and who are survivors of shaken baby syndrome like myself. Sharing my story has been important in these efforts. As I transition into adulthood, my focus remains on advocating for more supported living options and more inclusive, customized employment opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Taking my advocacy to the next level, I began taking the partners in policymakers course through the State of Minnesota which I will complete in May of 2024.
Throughout my life, I have been a fierce advocate for individuals dealing with traumatic brain injuries and who are survivors of shaken baby syndrome like myself. Sharing my story has been important in these efforts.
As I transition into adulthood, my focus remains on advocating for more supported living options and more inclusive, customized employment opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Taking my advocacy to the next level, I began taking the partners in policymakers course through the State of Minnesota which I will complete in May of 2024.
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• Self-Advocate
• Legislative Lobbying
• Trauma Survivor
• Storytelling for Change
• Inclusive Employment
• Policymakers Course Participant
made a very short trip to New Orleans to speak at The National TASH Conference last Friday. I spoke about my journey to college, the obstacles faced, the importance of inclusion and most importantly my journey to become my own self advocate.
Jennifer Sommerness spoke with me. I did such an amazing job and has been offered some new opportunities which would include possible travel to LA, Denver and Vermont. I will also be involved in a film.