The Neurodiversity Community faces many challenges in employment and community engagement, and leadership models are often in conflict with neurodiversity authenticity. Jillian Nelson discusses how we can reframe leadership theories and lean into neurodiversity as a valuable tool for leadership rather than an impairment.

Episode Resources:

Learn More About Wise Here

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Learn More About Oregon Department of Human Services Here

Learn More About Oregon Office of Developmental Disabilities Services Here

Watch the Full Episode with Video on Youtube Here

Nicole Adler is a speaker, human rights advocate, and host. She is a two-time governor-appointed council member of the California State Council on Developmental Disabilities and made history as the first Grand Marshal for San Francisco Pride with Down syndrome. Nicole Adler discusses building communities of support for LGBTQ+ people with down syndrome and other disabilities. LGBTQ+ people with disabilities is a segment of the population that needs more awareness and support at all levels – from our local communities and on state, national and global scales. She aims to amplify the authenticity and voices of LGBTQ people with disabilities and empower them to get involved in advocacy, be brave, share their story and to become the best version of themselves.

Episode Resources:

Learn More About Wise Here

Learn More About Oregon APSE Here

Learn More About Oregon Department of Human Services Here

Learn More About Oregon Office of Developmental Disabilities Services Here

Daniel Ensley (he/they) is a queer, transmasculine person of color whose identity and lived experiences deeply inform his work and provide a unique perspective on issues related to equity. As a member of the QTIPOC (Queer, Trans, Intersex People of Color) community, Daniel is especially passionate and committed to equity in his personal and professional life and works to uplift and support those most impacted by oppressive systems. Daniel works with Oasis Youth Center, the only LGBTQ+ youth center in Pierce County, Washington, and provides leadership, prevention, and advocacy programs for youth aged 11–24.

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Nancy Peterson (they/them) is a Disability Services Accessibility Specialist with Columbia Basin College in Pasco, Washington, and a member of the Oregon Disabilities Commission. Having been born both autistic and with a rare degenerative brain disease that took 22 years to diagnose, they learned how to advocate for themselves and were moved to help others do the same. They are a speaker, teacher, writer, artist, and activist. They discuss some of the thought processes that lead to accommodations in a variety of environments and the importance of individualization.

Thomas Mangrum Jr. is a leader of the DC disability advocacy coalition and is an active advocate in the gay community. He helps trains lawyers, Georgetown University medical students, and disability professionals to know how to best support people with disabilities. He is a strong advocate for affordable and accessible housing for people with developmental disabilities, accessibility in neighborhoods, and transportation. In this conversation he discusses the importance of both advocacy and acceptance.

Episode Resources:

Learn More About Wise Here

Learn More About Oregon APSE Here

Learn More About Oregon Department of Human Services Here

Learn More About Oregon Office of Developmental Disabilities Services Here

Watch the Full Episode with Video on Youtube Here

Hannah Voss (they/she) is a Program Manager at Work Opportunities in Washington State and has worked in supported employment since 2016. They share their perspectives from both lived experience as a queer and gender-non-conforming employee as well as their professional experience providing advocacy and support to LGBTQIA+ individuals with disabilities.

Episode Resources:

Learn More About Wise Here

Learn More About Oregon APSE Here

Learn More About Oregon Department of Human Services Here

Learn More About Oregon Office of Developmental Disabilities Services Here

Watch the Full Episode with Video on Youtube Here

Learn More About Wise Here

Learn More About Oregon Department of Human Services Here

Watch the Full Episode with Video on Youtube Here