AAPD Disability Advocacy Certificate Program

2020 ANNUAL REPORT: AAPD Disability Advocacy Certificate Program

About the AAPD Summer Internship Program The AAPD Summer Internship Program provides an opportunity for current and recent college graduates all across the United States to gain hands-on professional experience and advance their career goals. Through the Summer Internship Program, AAPD provides a class of interns with disabilities the skills, resources, and networks they need to not only become employed, but to be employed in high-level positions. We are able to recruit a diverse class of interns that may not otherwise have the opportunity to participate in a program like ours by covering the costs of travel and housing, and providing a living stipend. For many of our interns, AAPD’s Summer Internship Program provides their first exposure to the broader disability community, which empowers them to be advocates and sets them on a path of employment.

The program was established in 2002, nearly 18 years of providing meaningful experiences to interns with disabilities

Nearly 400 interns have furthered their career by participating in AAPD’s programs

600+ colleges and universities in AAPD’s network

The premier leadership development opportunity for people with disabilities

Our Summer Internship Program provides a comprehensive experience beyond just the 9-to-5 intern work week. We curate a diverse class of interns who are placed on Capitol Hill, in government agencies, with national nonprofit organizations, or in the private sector so they can be exposed to different employment opportunities and develop a peer network. Each intern is also matched with a professional mentor based on their career goals. In addition, AAPD educates each intern class on the history of the disability rights movement and the challenges our community faces today. We are committed to advancing the intern’s professional development by providing numerous opportunities to participate in social and professional networking events and other career development opportunities.

AAPD made the difficult decision to postpone the in-person AAPD Summer Internship Program to summer of 2021. For the summer of 2020, AAPD implemented the following changes: ● Offered the selected 2020 interns an opportunity to participate in the 2021 program ● Hosted an online 3-credit optional Disability Advocacy Certificate Program, in partnership with American University during the summer of 2020. Participants who elected to join the Certificate Program received a stipend. ● Paired 2020 participants with a mentor virtually. About the AAPD Disability Advocacy Certificate Program The AAPD Disability Advocacy Certificate Program was established in 2018. While participants completed their internship Monday to Thursday from 9-to-5, they completed a Disability Advocacy Certificate Program course in-person on Fridays. The Certificate Program prepared participants to be knowledgeable and effective advocates for the disability community. During this course, participants had the opportunity to become familiar with the history of the disability rights movement and current pressing issues in the disability community through a variety of topics such as disability legislation, healthcare, employment, and more. Through lectures and panels with issue experts regarding current disability issues, participants applied their learning through homework assignments such as policy memos, group projects, and social media posts to advocate effectively to influence policy change.

For 2020, AAPD translated the Certificate Program online. In partnership with American University, students could take the course for 3-credits and transfer them to their home university if desired. In addition, since all the participants joined the program remotely, the Certificate Program included information about advocacy in their home state, universities, and state, in addition to information about federal advocacy.

2020 Disability Advocacy Certificate Program Demographics While AAPD expected to host a class size of 25 participants, some withdrew from the program during its planning stages due to external factors or decided to defer their participation to 2021. For the summer of 2020, there were 16 participants that received a certificate in Disability Advocacy. The demographics below represent the class of 16 participants.

133 applications received 25 expected interns, 18.8% acceptance rate

Ages 18-28 12 states represented in the 2020 class

All self-identify as people with disabilities 17 different disabilities represented

2020 Participants Matthew “Bruno” Arnold

Year: Rising Senior Major: ESE/Elementary ED College/University: University of West Florida

Matthew Arnold is a Junior at the University of West Florida working towards a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary/ESE Education. During his time at the University Matthew has served three years as a Senator for Student Government and started an organization targeted at helping those with disabilities. His student organization has now grown to become a non-profit known as Trident Disabilities. Matthew enjoys participating in undergrad research in various fields including American History and English. He also participates in many local and state initiatives such as the Equal Justice Initiative, Southeastern Guide Dogs Walkathons, and Rally in Tally just to name a few. Matthew wants to continue to work for disability rights no matter what field he goes into and feels that advocacy is an empowering freedom for us to have.

Kyra Beckish

Year: Rising Junior Major: Public Relations/Digital Media Engagement College/University: Temple University

Kyra Beckish is a rising junior at Temple University, pursing a degree in public relations and a minor in digital media engagement. She serves as the Director of Community Service for Temple’s chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America. Kyra is an account executive in Temple’s student-run public relations firm, PRowl Public Relations. Her account runs social media campaigns and plans events on behalf of the Department of Communication and Social Influence. Outside of her major-related activities, Beckish is a resident assistant in James S. White Residence Hall, working directly with 42 freshmen. Kyra was awarded the Burne Excellence Scholarship by the Abington Heights Scholarship Committee for her academic and personal achievements. She also earned the title of “Public Relations Top Freshman” at the Department of Advertising and Public Relations awards ceremony last May.

Fanisee Bias

Year: Rising Junior Major: Sociology, Change-making College/University: University of San Diego

Fanisee Bias is a second-year college student attending the University of San Diego. She grew up in Boise, Idaho, and her activism developed once she was diagnosed with a spinal disease called Transverse Myelitis. Fanisee had to learn how to advocate for herself and her disability which made me passionate about advocating for others. Throughout junior high and high school, Fanisee became involved in clubs, volunteering, and work that unleashed her passions for social justice, advocacy, and working with others! Specifically, Faniesee’s participation in the Youth Leadership Forum (YLF) motivated her to continue her passion for disability justice and bringing awareness to our community. As she attends college and navigates other spaces, Faniesee brings issues related accessibility and accommodations to the forefront. Faniesee created a student organization called the Alliance of Disability Advocates. She serves as the Vice-Chair of the Youth Steering Committee for APRIL (Association of Programs for Rural Independent Living). This year, Faniesse has a lot of activities planned for the 30th Anniversary of the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990.

Nadia Bon

Year: Recent Graduate Major: History/Science and Technology Studies College/University: Cornell University

Nadia Bon is a recent graduate of Cornell University, College of Arts and Sciences. She received her BA with Distinction in All Subjects as a History major with a minor in Science and Technology studies. She is a member of Phi Beta Kappa. As a person living with cerebral palsy, Nadia is interested in what determines a person to be considered ‘of worth’ by society, especially people with disabilities, and how this determination translates into policies and legislation that impact attitudes. She believes that studying our past treatment of people with disabilities, with all its prejudices and injustices, can pave the way for a more equal, inclusive and accessible future. She envisions her future as an advocate for others living with disabilities and a voice for change on an international level. At Cornell, Nadia served as Co-Chair of her college’s Dean’s Advisory Council, performed as a member of the Wheelchair Ballroom Dance Club, and modeled in Cornell’s first Disability Fashion Exhibit. She was awarded the Samuel R. Berger National Leadership Scholars Fund Scholarship, as well as Cornell’s 2019 Annual Phi Beta Kappa Scholarship Prize. Nadia is also an adaptive

6 athlete with several sports organizations. In her spare time, she loves reading, attending the theater, and traveling. She has visited over a dozen countries in Europe, Canada, the Caribbean, and many of that states across the US.

Katy Brennan

Year: Rising Sophomore Major: Political Science and Human Rights College/University: Columbia University

Katy Brennan is a rising Sophomore at Columbia University studying Human Rights, Political Science, and Hispanic Studies. She is an activist and a writer, and has worked extensively on issues of gender-based violence, disability rights, and climate justice. Her writing, which often focuses on disability and chronic illness, has been published in Al Jazeera, Yahoo News, and NYAToday. Currently, Katy serves as the Digital Content Director to Diversability where she fosters inclusive spaces online to discuss disability-related issues. In the future, she hopes to pursue a law degree, specializing in international human rights, in order to address pervasive inaccessibility in domestic and international legal systems.

Jonas Bryson

Year: Rising Senior Major: Political Science/Minor, History College/University: North Carolina State University

Growing up in Wilmington, North Carolina, Jonas Bryson is currently a senior at North Carolina State University where he is studying Political Science and History. While at Isaac Bear Early College High School, he served as President of Music Club, was inducted into the National Honors Society, and graduated summa cum laude. Since then, he has gone on to work in the Offices of Congressman David Price, Governor of North Carolina Roy Cooper, and the Public Defender of New Hanover County, NC. He has also served as a staff writer at his local newspaper, the Wilmington StarNews, worked on a congressional campaign based outside of Charlotte, and has recently returned home after studying abroad in Copenhagen, Denmark. Between all this, Jonas also volunteers with several charities in his community aimed at helping people with disabilities, many of which he himself used as a child while coming to terms with his own visual impairment. A strong advocate for social and economic justice, he is passionate about expanding quality healthcare to all, empowering America’s working class, and fighting on behalf of marginalized communities both at home and abroad. After graduation, Jonas hopes to work in the realm of politics, championing progressive policies and standing up for the underdog. In

7 his free time, he loves going to the beach, playing guitar and piano, and watching stand- up comedy.

Shirley Carrillo-Acevedo

Year: Recent Graduate Major: Communication Studies, opt. PR/Advertising & French College/University: California State University-Los Angeles

Shirley Carrillo is a recent graduate from California State University-Los Angeles. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Studies with an emphasis in Public Relations & Advertising. She also double-majored and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in French Language & Literature. Throughout her years in college, Shirley participated in leadership roles such as PR Director and President of a pre-professional organization, she was also a member of two different honor societies. As a part of her education, Shirley worked on projects where she fulfilled roles such as Account Manager, Account Planner and copywriter for Advertising campaigns, as well as managing a PR/Social Media Marketing campaign. Her academic achievements are demonstrated through earning a spot on the Dean’s list for the College of Arts & Letters at Cal State LA for the past two consecutive years. She is interested in pursuing a career in international relations, where she can use her knowledge of communication, previous work experience, and tri-lingual speaking ability. Shirley believe there is a need to have more people with disabilities involved in foreign affairs so that we can ensure laws are enacted and enforced to protect the civil rights of people with disabilities around the world. Shirley is a self-motivated, optimistic, and open-minded individual, who is passionate about advocating for and educating others about people with disabilities.

Danny Charney

Year: Rising Junior Major: Politics/Communications College/University: University of Puget Sound

Danny Charney is a rising junior at the University of Puget Sound working towards a bachelor’s degree in Politics and Government and Communications. Danny has previously worked with GLSEN, a national LGBTQ nonprofit, working with students across the country in ensuring respect and kindness in school. Through his coursework at Puget Sound, he became increasingly interested in advancing self- advocacy and accessibility for students with learning disabilities. While at Puget Sound, Danny has served as a student senator, advocating for students with disabilities in

8 roundtables and meetings to ensure students got the accommodations and respect they deserve on campus. Danny’s extracurricular interests revolve around student engagement: He is currently a resident assistant on campus, supporting first year students with the transition into college. He is also the Lectures Coordinator for the university, bringing speakers from diverse backgrounds to give important lessons to the campus community. After he graduates, Danny plans to enter the journalism/media relations field with the goal of highlighting stories and experiences that often don’t get shared. He is especially interested in working on ways to bring trust back into the media, in regards to the post-truthq era we are living in.

Courtney Felle

Year: Rising Senior Major: American Studies / English and Public Policy College/University: Kenyon College

Courtney Felle is a junior at Kenyon College, majoring in American Studies, minoring in English, and concentrating in Public Policy. She aims to use her experiences with chronic illness and the medical system to improve healthcare access and outcomes for all, especially underserved populations. She has previously interned with the Ohio Democratic Party, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand’s Office, the Museum of DisABILITY History, and the Knox County Health Department. She is also an executive member of Kenyon Democrats and the president of Kenyon’s LGBTQ+ women and gender-nonconforming students’ society. In her free time, she enjoys crocheting, drinking tea, and taking long road trips.

Naomi Hess

Year: Rising Junior Major: Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs intended major, Journalism intended minor College/University: Princeton University

Originally from Clarksville, Maryland, Naomi Hess is a rising junior at Princeton University, where she is majoring in the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs with a minor in Journalism. On campus, Naomi is a former Staff Writer and current Associate News Editor for the Daily Princetonian. She is a Community Engagement Intern at the Princeton Center for Jewish Life, where she initiated and led Jewish Disability Awareness and Inclusion Month Shabbat in 2019 and 2020. As a Student Fellow for the AccessAbility Center, she plans events supporting Princeton students with disabilities and runs communications channels for the Center.

Naomi also blogs for the Undergraduate Admissions Office. Naomi got her start in disability activism at a young age through her position as the Maryland State Goodwill Ambassador for two consecutive years. She served as a Public Policy Intern for the Center for Disability Rights in summer 2019, with one of her main projects being a position paper about increasing the political engagement of people with disabilities. Naomi’s writing has been published in a variety of publications, including the Birthright Foundation blog, New York Jewish Week, and The Mighty. She hopes to combine her passions for politics and writing in her future career. In her spare time, Naomi likes to read, watch TV, and spend time with friends.

Jake Linn

Year: Rising Senior Major: Film and Public Policy College/University: School of the Art Institute of Chicago

Jake Linn is a junior attending the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) where he is obtaining a Bachelor of Fine Arts with an emphasis in film and public policy. Jake has worked in variety of fields including Film, Non-Profit, Public Relations, Fundraising, and Public Policy sector. Due to living through adverse experiences, Jake has had to advocate for himself since childhood, but it has inspired him to become an action-oriented advocate focused on using creative tools to drive public-policy changes. In his spare time, Jake provides user- feedback to STEPS (Israeli company), marketing for Batia Vineyards (CA), a Patient Advocate under Voters for Cures, and President of a student advocacy club at SAIC aiming to reduce stigma and discrimination while improving inclusive opportunities for all students on-campus.

Olser “Kendall” Moore Jr.

Year: PhD Student Major: Computer Science College/University: Mississippi State University

Osler Moore was diagnosed with several learning challenges as a child, including Asperger’s Syndrome and various speech challenges. During speech therapy sessions, Osler accessed a set of online games in 1998 meant to help improve my language processing abilities. His reading comprehension increased two years within an eight-week period. Osler hopes to work on visualization and big data analysis platforms for industrial, military, entertainment, or academic applications. In sum, he want to use the power of story, enhanced by technology, to educate, entertain, and improve

10 the lives of others. Osler has worked for a number of government agencies and several private companies, including the National Data Buoy Center, Oak Ridge National Laboratories, and the Naval Labs at Stennis Space Center. He has received a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from the University of Southern Mississippi and a master’s degree in Computer Science from Mississippi State University. Currently he is pursuing a Ph.D. in Computer Science with an emphasis in large data and visualization. Osler’s dissertation is focused on using Virtual Reality to help teach children on the Autism spectrum everyday social skills.

Louis Paniccioli

Year: Recent Graduate Major: Political Science with a dual minor in legal studies and philosophy College/University: College of Staten Island

Lou Paniccioli is a recent college graduate of the College of Staten Island, where he graduated with a Bachelors of Arts in Political Science with a dual minor in legal studies and philosophy as well as being a dean’s list recipient. Currently, Lou is a political activist and disability rights advocate who is seeking to enter the worlds of electoral politics, policymaking, and law, utilizing the skills gained from his experience to achieve his dreams of not only becoming an attorney but creating a direct platform for individuals with disabilities and underrepresented groups in the world of politics so that we may adequately and accurately represented. Being a racially mixed young man with a disability who is the son of immigrants, Lou has developed a strong understanding of the significant importance of diversity and inclusion in both the workplace and in society. This understanding that developed given his circumstance, he is fully intent on incorporating it into his work and overall career.

Alma Silver

Year: Recent Graduate Major: Communications and Journalism / Psychology College/University: St. Catherine University

Alma Silver is an incoming member of the American Association of People with Disabilities 2020 Summer Internship Program. This spring, Alma will be graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Communications and Journalism from St. Catherine University in St. Paul, MN. Throughout her college career, Alma has claimed a wide variety of opportunities to become involved as a visible leader within the St. Kate’s community. As Editor-in-Chief of The Wheel student newspaper, she mentored a team of writers and editors while overseeing the consistent release and campus-wide distributions of both online and

11 print publications. Alma integrated her leadership experiences during her time as a Spirituality and Justice Program Coordinator Intern for the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet and Consociates, as she assisted in coordinating the logistics and outreach of the community food shelf. She currently works as a Program Development Specialist in the Abigail Q. McCarthy Center for Women at St. Kate’s, where she oversees collaborative initiatives and visibility projects related to disability and neurodiversity within the student body. Alma looks forward to pursuing a master’s degree and establishing a career in disability services, access consulting, and freelance writing. When she is not in the classroom or office, Alma enjoys writing, reading classic literature, exploring nature, and sampling new restaurants with her friends.

Verlencia Somuah

Year: Master’s Student Major: Masters in Social Work, Policy Practice College/University: Columbia University

Verlencia is obtaining her Master’s of Social Work from Columbia University in the City of New York. She is specializing in Advanced Generalist Practice and Programming with a field of practice in social contemporary issues focused towards diversity, equity, and inclusion geared to marginalized and oppressed groups. Verlencia previously graduated from the University of Connecticut in May of 2018. Since beginning her advanced degree, Verlencia hopes to further her career working with nonprofit organizations and philanthropic services. She has gained versatile skills through her position at the Urban Justice Center and with her background of policy practice, clinical skills, and programming she believe she has a platform to expand and advocate for disability rights and diversity, equity, and inclusion policies. Verlencia has a passion for interacting with and supporting the people around her. Verlencia hopes to utilize the advocacy she has received from those in her own community to advocate for others in similar situations as herself. She has always had a strong interest in serving and changing to better the needs of individuals, groups, and diverse communities. Or at least to be able to impact those who need a little inspiration.

Jesica Weaver

Year: Rising Senior Major: Political Science/History and Russian College/University: SUNY at Binghamton

Jesica was born and raised in Northern Virginia, and she is currently a rising senior at SUNY Binghamton. At Binghamton, she is working towards a bachelor’s degree Political Science with a concentration in International Relations and Global Affairs and a possibility of double majoring in Russian Studies. In the Spring of 2020, Jesica studied abroad in St. Petersburg, Russia where she was accepted into the International Relations, Political Science, and Economics faculty. At her home campus, she is a co- founder and treasurer of the national organization Leading Women of Tomorrow where she works towards closing the gender gap in civil service and government careers. In the Fall 2019 semester, Jesica interned at Congressman Anthony Brindisi’s Office in Binghamton, NY. She saw the importance of community engagement and outreach within local and national politics. Since discovering her love for international affairs, she has become an ardent world traveler and is interested in international disability rights and policy.

Class Schedule Course Goal By the end of the course, participants were empowered with knowledge and strategies to advocate for the disability community in their home school, their community, home state, and nationally.

Course Objectives Participants in the Disability Advocacy Certificate Program: 1. Identified strategies on how to advocate for their community on the local, state, and national level 2. Communicated their story on issues across multiple mediums (e.g. social media, blog posts, policy memos, Hill visits, presentations) 3. Communicated their story to different audiences 4. Described how different legislations impact the disability community on variety of different levels 5. Understood their role and responsibility in the collective disability rights movement

Topics and Speakers During the 10 week-course, we covered a variety of topics. We thank all the presenters and panelists who joined the classes.

Week 1: Introduction to Organizing, Advocacy, and Politics ● Mary Dolan (Executive Director, FDR Memorial Legacy) ● Jim Dickson (Co-chair of Civic Engagement and Voting Rights, National Council on Independent Living) ● Rob Engel (Professor, AAPD Disability Advocacy Certificate Program)

Week 2: How to Tell Your Story ● Emily Ladau (Editor in Chief, Rooted in Rights) ● Day Al-Mohamed (Supervisory Program Analyst, U.S. Department of Labor Office of Safety and Health Administration) ● Sara Luterman (Freelance journalist) ● Teresa Nguyen (Curriculum Developer, Colorado Office of Employment First) ● Blessit Shawn Bryant (Sr. Director of Digital Storytelling & Strategic Projects, Do Big Things)

Week 3: Americans with Disabilities Act ● Dr. Rabia Belt (Associate Professor of Law, Stanford University) ● Majority Whip Representative Steny Hoyer ● Senator Tom Harkin

Week 4: Medicaid ● Matt Cortland (Attorney) ● Dr. Diana Cejas (Pediatrician, UNC Chapel Hill) ● Emily Kim (Disability Law Fellow, Disability Rights North Carolina) ● Abby McCartney (Legislative Fellow, Senator Elizabeth Warren) ● Swarna Vallurupalli (Health Issues, Senator Bob Menendez)

Week 5: Individuals with Disabilities Education Act ● Dr. Jane West (Jane West Consulting) ● David Johns (Executive Director, National Black Justice Coalition) ● Shain Neumeier (Attorney) ● Kimberly Knackstedt (Sr. Disability Policy Advisor, Senate HELP Committee)

Week 6: Disability Employment ● Meredith DeDona (Sr. Policy Advisor, US Department of Labor Office of Disability Employment Policy) ● Teresa Danso-Danquah (Manager of NextGen Initiatives, Disability:IN) ● Liz Weintraub (Sr. Advocacy Specialist, Association of University Centers on Disabilities) ● Mat McCollough (Director, District of Columbia Office of Disability Rights) ● Michael Gamel-McCormick (Disability Policy Director, Special Committee on Aging, Senator Bob Casey)

Week 7: Power of the Disability Vote ● Bob Kafka (Disability Activist and Organizer, ADAPT and REV UP Texas) ● David Carey (Advocacy Specialist, Ability 360) ● Helena Berger (fmr. AAPD President & CEO) ● Rachita Singh (REV UP and Communications Coordinator, AAPD) ● Lilian Aluri (REV UP intern and NYU Vote Fellow, AAPD) ● Fannie Lou Hamer Organizers: o Adreenah “Dreezy” Wynn o Jalyn Radziminski o Ra Malika Imhotep o Shayla Gaither o Tolu Adedoja

Week 8: Building a Relationship with Elected Officials ● Representative Tony Coelho ● Jon Monger (Counsel to the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Energy and Commerce) ● Caitlin Hodgkins (Policy Director, Representative James P. McGovern) ● Mark Martinez (Policy and Budget Advisor, Senator Patricia D. Jehlen)

Week 9: Elected Official Visit week Participants debriefed on their individual elected official visits.

Week 10: Final Group Advocacy Plan Presentations Topics covered: ● Disability Representation in the Media ● Disability Representation in Religion ● Voting Accessibility ● Economic Disparities ● Subminimum wage and employment Assignments In order to receive a certificate in Disability Advocacy, all participants completed a variety of assignments with an emphasis on storytelling. Throughout the different assignments, participants had ample opportunity to practice telling a story – personal and/or on behalf of the disability community – through different mediums. The assignments included:

Facebook Discussion Posts AAPD utilized a Facebook Social Learning Group platform to engage in discussions with each other offline. We posted a weekly discussion question on Thursdays in response to what they learned that week. Each participant responded with their thoughts and then replied to at least two other people’s comments. The discussion posts often provided another space and opportunity to continue their conversations in classes.

For example, Week 5’s discussion prompt asked: “Based on your experiences and our discussions this week, what changes would you advocate for K-12 education for students with disabilities?” Some proposed changes were: ● Eliminating standardized testing ● Start the conversation with the student with the disability early on instead of just parents ● Normalize individualized education plans for students with and without disabilities, so students with disabilities are not faced with the burden of “proving” their accommodation needs ● Removing any form of “punishment” including restraint and seclusion ● Address the intersection of racism and ableism ● More disability-specific training for all teachers, not just special education

Government Elected Official Visit All participants made an appointment with an elected official to discuss an issue of importance to the disability community. Our participants met with elected officials ranging from school board representatives, sheriffs, state legislators, and Congresspeople. Participants wrote and shared a policy memo that briefly described their issue with their elected officials.

A few examples include: ● Naomi Hess met with Senator Chris Van Hollen about the Accessible Voting Act of 2020. After her meeting, Senator Van Hollen co-sponsored the Act. ● Daniel Charney met with the local school board to discuss the impact of the coronavirus on high school students in his home district. He initially met with one member of the board, then presented in front of the full school board.

Participants wrote a blog post about their experience to share with others the power of meeting with your elected officials.

Social Media Posts Throughout the 10-week course, participants learned how to share their story and thoughts on addressing disability issues across three main social media platforms: Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. They all considered different kinds of audiences when drafting each post. Participants also learned how to make their social media accessible to the disability community, which includes writing image descriptions and captioning.

The first two prompts included: “When did you first learn about advocacy?” and “What does the ADA mean to you?” Then the next three prompts were in response to the topics covered in class: healthcare, education, employment, and voting.

Portraits of Empowerment AAPD was proud to launch the Portrait of Empowerment series to highlight our participants’ stories. The series included excerpts of their social media posts. We highlighted a few of the participants’ portraits below.

Image Description of Photo 1: There is an orange square on the left slightly overlapping a blue square on the right. Black and white picture of Katy Brennan over the orange square. Over both the orange and blue squares has the AAPD logo in white text, Portraits of Empowerment in black text, and Katy Brennan’s name in white text. On the bottom right is an ADA30 logo that says, “celebrating 30 years and beyond, 1990-2020”.

Image Description of Photo 2: A quote that says: “I have always lived in a post-ADA world. It may not be inherently accessible one, but it is a world in which I have the right to demand better. I am part of the first generation to never live without that privilege.” with Katy Brennan’s name underneath the quote along with the AAPD and ADA30 logo.

Image description of Photo 1: There is a blue square on the left slightly overlapping an orange square on the right. Black and white picture of Verlencia Somuah over the blue square. Over both the blue and orange squares has the AAPD logo in white text, Portraits of Empowerment in black text, and Verlencia Somuah’s name in white text.”

Image Description of Photo 2: A quote: “As a disabled person with multiple intersecting identities, my advocacy has been enforced and highlighted through my knowledge. I’ve learned that I need to not only understand my rights as a person of color, but also my rights as someone with a disability and my rights as a female.” with Verlencia Somuah’s name underneath the quote along with the AAPD logo.

Image Description of Photo 1: There is a blue square on the left slightly overlapping an orange square on the right. Black and white picture of Fanisee Bias over the blue square. Over both the orange and blue squares has the AAPD logo in white text, Portraits of Empowerment in black text, and Fanisee Bias’ name in white text.”

Image Description of Photo 2: A quote: ““This ability to communicate my story, be vulnerable and open to listen to others, and be unapologetic when advocating for justice is so powerful and important to my journey, growth, and community building.” with Fanisee Bias’ name underneath the quote along with the AAPD logo.

You can view the full 2020 Portraits of Empowerment series on AAPD’s website. Thank you to Noah Friedman Studio for developing the concept and designing the series.

Final Group Advocacy Plan Project Groups of four or five participants worked together over the 10-week course to identify an issue that impacts the disability community and developed a mock advocacy plan. The advocacy plan included clear and doable action steps for their peers and colleagues to follow. Many of them developed toolkits with draft messages, a mock website, long-term goals, new platforms, and more to address the issues impacting our community.

During the last week of the Certificate Program, each group had 30-minutes to present their research and plan to a wide audience. We extended invitations to the AAPD Board, sponsors, mentors, and staff. Evaluation In order to improve for future years’ success, AAPD conducted four evaluation components:

1. Informal feedback at least three times throughout the 10-week period 2. Anonymous midterm evaluation during Week 5, reflecting on the general course goals and objectives, Weeks 1-4, and any immediate suggestions to implement 3. Anonymous final evaluation after completion of the Certificate Program, reflecting on the general course goals and objectives, Week 5-10, and future suggestions 4. One-on-one exit interviews with AAPD’s Programs Manager

Below, we share some of the results and quotes from the anonymous midterm and final evaluation with images of a pie chart. There is a color-coded legend: blue (strongly agree), red (agree), orange (disagree), and green (strongly disagree). Thirteen participants took the midterm and final evaluation form.

Picture 1: The statement: "I am more confident in my ability to be a leader in the disability community since the beginning of the Certificate Program." 84.6% indicated they strongly agree with the statement and the remaining 15.4% said they agree with the statement.

Picture 2: The statement: "I feel empowered with knowledge and strategies to advocate for the advancement of disability rights broadly defined." 84.6% indicated they strongly agree with the statement and the remaining 15.4% said they agree with the statement.

Picture 3: The statement: "The Certificate Program has been valuable for my advocacy."100% of the participants indicated strongly agree.

Quotes below were from participants responding to how the Certificate Program impacted the participants’ understanding of advocacy: “The certificate program tremendously challenged and expanded my preconceived notions of what authentic and inclusive advocacy means. Listening to nuanced perspectives from diverse members of the disability community inspired me to grow in understanding, recognize my own privileges and limited experiences, and continuously engage individuals in conversation as a means of broadening my perspectives surrounding disability identity and culture.”

“I have learned about the importance of collaboration in advocacy. I now have a group of friends who also believe in disability justice and we can rely on each other as a support system. I also know now that I am capable of causing real change and changing legislators' opinions and actions.” “It has given me a deeper purpose in understanding how much more we as a community have yet to go to achieve full equality. Listening to professionals' own experiences with their disabilities, the law, and their own advocacy motivates me to fully dive into disability advocacy. I feel like I now recognize the resources and tools to be an advocate.”

Picture 4: The statement: "I know why telling my story is an important aspect of advocacy." 92.3% of the respondents strongly agreed and 7.7% responses agreed with the statement.

Quotes below were from participants responding to how the Certificate Program impacted their understanding of disability issues: “I believe that through the program I have learned to look at the different circumstances for people with disabilities aside from my own. I think previously I was only looking at the circumstances that impacted me and I looking at things like Medicaid or the ADA that wasn’t in effect 30 years ago I’ve been able to look outside my own experiences.” “I have learned to approach disability issues through a more critical lens, specifically by contextualizing the nuanced history of the disability rights movement as well as recognizing the established outlets that facilitate the political advocacy necessary to foster long-term structural changes.” “Disability issues truly intersect with every policy issue. We must be purposeful in intersectionality to make sure all voices in the disability community are heard. Disability issues are essential to the success and wellbeing of individuals, but also the country as a whole.”

2020 Mentors Due to the pandemic, AAPD facilitated virtual mentoring. We appreciate all the mentors who participated this past summer. Thank you all for your leadership.

Day Al-Mohamed, Supervisory Wendy Iwaszuk, Director of Learning Program Analyst, Department of Labor and Development, Microsoft Zoya Awan, Sr. Manager Public Affairs, Mia Ives-Rublee, Field Director, Down Walmart Home NC Zach Bastian, Manager of Strategic Andrew Pulrang, Disability Rights Alliances, Verizon Advocate, Freelance writer Kathy Dixon, Sr. Program Manager, Emily Ladau, Editor in Chief, Rooted in Accessibility Lead, Microsoft Rights Dana Fink, Program Analyst, Conrad Reynoldson, Attorney, Administration for Community Living Washington Civil & Disability Advocate Merrill Friedman, Sr. Director Disability John Register, Chief Executive Officer, Policy Engagement, Anthem Inspired Communications International Judy Heumann, Disability Rights Justice Shorter, Disaster Protection Advocate Advisor, National Disability Rights Erik Hudson, Policy Analyst, National Network Disability Rights Network Joe Strechay, Consulting, Strechay Consulting

Alumni Network Thanks to generous support from the Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation, AAPD launched a new initiative called the Alumni Network in May 2020. The Alumni Network aims to proactively sustain relationships with the AAPD Summer Internship Program graduates beyond the course of one summer and provide programmatic opportunities to early and mid-level career professionals with disabilities. Since 2002, AAPD has witnessed the transformational impact of the internship program which, for countless participants, have sparked the initial sense of disability pride.

AAPD understands the importance of supporting these leaders and advocates throughout their professional and personal development as they continue to navigate a world that gravitates around ableist ideals. By strengthening the professional and social connections the Alumni Network will have a positive impact towards building trust among cohort members, blossom fruitful engagement across the country, and continue to fuel and sustain supportive relationships within our community.

To lead this initiative, the Alumni Network established an Ambassadors Council to lead and directly influence the direction of this project. The Ambassadors Council works as a team to collaboratively brainstorm ideas and make decisions on how the network can energize and uplift their fellow cohort body. The Council is composed of 14 AAPD Summer Internship Program Alumni. Members of the Ambassadors Council represent diversity across a wide range of ages (representing classes from 2004 to 2018), disabilities, race, ethnicities, sexual orientation, gender identity and other marginalized

22 demographics. This diverse composition of council members allows for a more inclusive approach that will resonate with the Alumni Network at large.

For the Americans with Disabilities Act’s 30th Anniversary, AAPD highlighted intern alumni below to share their thoughts and experiences around the legislation. View the highlighted intern alumni on AAPD’s website. Below is a featured alumnus, Hamza Jaka.

Hamza Jaka

Class of 2011 Hometown: Fontana, WI Gender pronouns: he/him/his

Hamza Jaka works as a contract associate with Gardiner Koch Weisberg and Wrona, and works as a contractor for the law firm of Willenson Law, both located in Illinois, from his home in Wisconsin and Gardiner, Koch Weisberg and Wrona’s office in Wisconsin. Hamza also serves on the board of Leaders Igniting Transformation in Milwaukee, a racial, economic and social justice organization led by Black and Brown youth. (https://www.litmke.org/about-lit). Hamza assists in various disability rights/disability justice projects. Hamza also hopes to start offering accommodations and other application assistance for disabled folks (particularly multiply marginalized disabled folks) in higher education.

Statement about the ADA’s impact and how the ADA can be improved: The ADA has changed so many things in this country, and has served as a model for disability legislation worldwide. It has allowed so many, himself included, to live our lives. However, so much of ADA enforcement is only available to folks with privilege, particularly wealthy and white disabled folks. Hamza would also like for the ADA to explicitly include addiction as a disability, promote funding that goes directly to ensuring disabled people can live freely. New legislation should not be used as a tool to justify harming and criminalizing disabled folks. Ideally, new disability rights legislation would ensure web accessibility was covered in the law, and provide for the dismantling of the carceral state, including psychiatric facilities and prisons. Community living must be a priority, nursing homes and institutions should also be dismantled. Undue hardship should also be redefined to further require good faith attempts at providing accommodation. *The opinions of Hamza are his own and not affiliated with his work.

Thank You to Our Generous 2020 Supporters! Aid Association of the Blind, District of Columbia

Arconic Foundation AT&T

The Coca-Cola Company The Coca-Cola Foundation

Microsoft Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation