ALP Alumni Network - Advocate Story Library - 2024

Agique has Cerebral Palsy. If he could magically change one thing about the world, it is to have the ability for all people regardless of gender, orientation, or disability to co-exist in one place. One skill or experience he hopes to share is that he is a support system and mentor for all  People with Disabilities and the LGBTQ+ community.

Felicia is lovable and enjoys people. She is in the health field. One thing she would magically change would be everybody getting along. Felicia hopes to share her skill of teaching as a gift for ministry with her husband.

For sixty-two years Tim's life has epitomized the essence of a survivor: he has surpassed goals, limitations, and medical predictions set during his lifetime. In middle school,Tim had the first of two documented brain injuries which jeopardized his academic abilities, but his surviving energy helped him advance through life. Following Graduate school he worked as Social Worker with families, individuals and groups through 2001 when he suffered another brain injury in 2008 wherein the effects were more profound and threatened his growing family.Tim has worked with a number of organizations and companies in effort to support family's needs. Tim is currently working with Central Carolina First In Families as a Facilitator and Peer Mentor with three individuals who have suffered TBIs.

Jessica is ADHD and also works with people with disabilities. She has been working on spreading the word about the Registry of Unmet Needs and helping transition aged kids find a place at Nevins. Jessica is a great storyteller. She loves evoking laughter, sympathy, sadness, joy, etc.

I identify with ADHD/neurodivergent family. I would implement a form of government/economy that would get rid of our false belief in a lack of resources and that would provide everyone with a baseline healthy lifestyle. I have had the opportunity to hone my skills in teaching music to a diverse  group of students and learning styles.

Anna works with adults with differing-abilities. She has been working with her team to help community employers adapt their hiring practices to be more accessible to job seekers with differing abilities.

I use people first language for myself. If I could magically change one thing about the world it would be that ableism no longer exists. Since taking part in the Peer Mentor training, I've become passionate about  self determination for those with lived experience can use it. I think self f determination is an important aspect in advocacy and leadership.

I am employed as an Advocate I at Murdoch Developmental Center, one of the state operated centers supporting adults and children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. I would like to change the hate and lack of civility some people express when communicating differences of opinions.

I'm Archana, an emerging artist currently focusing on preparing for a professional SAS certification. I have had a Spinal Cord Injury, quadriplegic since 2010. As I navigate through my artistic journey and explore potential career paths, I'm equally dedicated to becoming a disability advocate, supporting causes that are important to the disabled community. I'm excited to connect with like-minded individuals in this group and also learn from experienced advocates.

Rozelle K. Gipson is a dedicated advocate, guiding parents through the complexities of resources and support for children facing autism, learning differences, and mental health challenges. As a parent of a child diagnosed with Autism, ADHD, developmental delays, and anxiety, my passion is born from the challenges I've overcome while navigating resources for my own child. I find genuine fulfillment in assisting fellow parents on their journey, witnessing their growth in confidence and resourcefulness.

I am the parent of a neurodivergent child. If I could magically change one problem about the world today it would be that people took more time to understand and empathize with others. I believe that the better we can understand others the better we can work together.

Jennifer Ingerman is a sibling of an individual with I/DD and an early childhood special educator. She specializes in: conferences,  consulting,  leadership,  meeting facilitation,  progress,  and teaching.

Meenal (pronounced MEENA) Khajuria is excited to learn about advocacy and partnership with the disability community. She enjoys connecting with---and learning about---all people. A big interest for her is the intersection of policy and practice. Meenal swears by the following: 1) when you bring people together to talk to each other, good things can happen and 2) you don’t know what you don’t know.

I am a student at Meredith College studying Psychology and English. I am the Events Coordinator for Angels for Disability Advocacy (advocacy club on campus). I have a cat named Tana who I rescued recently. I love hiking, reading and music. 

Pam is a neurodivergent person with mobility issues. She has EDS. One problem Pam has been trying to solve is working towards voting access for persons with disabilities. She works to empower others to use computers and the internet as a way to remove many barriers to participate.

Robin is a recently retired special education professional, a parent of an adult with autism, and an advocate. She is a cancer survivor, has Meniere's Disease and is hearing impaired. Robin supported teachers, students and families in least restrictive environment education and access to government and community supports.

Because I use a wheelchair, other people identify me as disabled immediately. I see myself as someone with Cerebral Palsy and ADHD. Olivia would like to share her experience going to college. She stood out as the only person who used a power wheelchair for mobility and needed an assistant for ADL. 

I’m Vivianette Ortiz Caraballo, originally from Puerto Rico. My personal journey has taken a new turn with a recent diagnosis of ADHD. This has opened my eyes to the challenges of neurodiversity, deepening my understanding and reinforcing my dedication to advocacy. It's important to me to create inclusive spaces where diverse voices, including those like mine, are valued and acknowledged. Outside of my professional life, I enjoy spending time with my two kiddos and dog. My passion lies in promoting outdoor inclusivity and advocating for the Latino Community. I spend most of my weekends on a trail or in the mountains hiking.

I am a Mother of a child with Auditory Processing Disorder, and a professional that works with parents of children who are deaf or hard of hearing. I would ensure that everyone in the world has access to quality health care and education. I would also eradicate poverty. Through my experience, I’ve learned how crucial it is to approach advocacy with cultural sensitivity, empathy, and a deep awareness of the systemic obstacles that minority, undocumented and migrant families encounter. I hope to bring a perspective that highlights the importance of tailored advocacy strategies—those that are  inclusive AND also adaptable to the specific needs of marginalized communities.

Jeff is a father, provider, and advocate for people living with disabilities. If he could change one thing about the world today, it would be more tolerance and respect. Jeff hopes to share his experience gained through being a parent, professional, and advocate for special needs.

I am autistic. I am a Public Speaker, IDD Trainer Facilitator, Trauma Informed Coach, and Artist. One of the problems that is consistent is the lack of ability to acknowledge the common human condition of trauma and the mental health conditions that occur whether it be a singal event, sporadic or long term. In the world of disability, I have witnessed trauma across the board. It affect not only the individual, but also the family, friends, caregivers, therapists, community workers and medical professionals. I hope to share methods of developing self care skills.

Matt has cerebral palsy. He is involved with: Partners Behavioral Health Forsyth County I/DD Advisory Committee, NC Governor's Council on Educational Services for Exceptional Children. Matt chose to be a part of ALP-NC to help improve the future of disability advocacy in North Carolina and across the US.

If Dr.  Price could change one thing it would be to have more acceptance across society. She would like to share the skill of data sharing across allies.

I'm a parent of a neurodivergent adult and a parent educator. Wilma would like to develop more resources and supports for Spanish speaking parents that have a child with a disability. Wilma has experience in listening and supporting parents that have a child with a disability.

I have autism and intellectual disability. I would change all the negativity that's been happening in the world, and change the world into more of a positive and safer space instead of the wars happening. I hope to share my certificate from Peer Mentor Training Program as well as my skills in self-advocacy and kindness towards other people in order to become a good leader.

Olivia Rose is autistic. She enjoys reading, listening to music, and coloring in her many coloring books. One problem that Olivia has been trying to solve lately is how to make a sustainable life for those who have disabilities. Olivia wants to give individuals with disabilities the encouragement and power to be the catalysts for change in their own communities, not just in North Carolina, but across the globe.

Latisha is the child of a Mother with an intellectual disability, the Mother of a 9 year old son who measured on the autism spectrum, as well a Direct Support Professional with an autism paraprofessional certificate. She has been promoted to Relative As Provider (RAP) for her maternal cousin who she provides Direct Support Professional services to. One skill that she hopes to share is empathy. 

Johnnie is someone that suffers with depression, anxieties, ptsd, and substance use issues. The one problem that I work daily on is to make my community more inclusive and to have a better understanding of those less fortuante, disenfrancised, and underserved. One skill I have is my ability to connect with the community I work to help comes from and through my lived experiences.

I am a Support Specialist at LIFESPAN. I am compassionate, hardworking, friendly, and reliable. I love helping people. I am on the board of NCASPE. Which allows me to focus  on advancing integrated employment for individuals with disabilities. I am also, able  work at both the national and state levels to ensure everyone is afforded the right to work, earn commensurate wages, benefits and opportunities to advance their careers, contribute to society.

I am a mother of a child with lives autism and I also have a child with rare neurodivergent syndrome. One skill that I have learned is to be a bookkeeper.  I keep note of my son's doctors appointments and the results of tests and exams so I know what has worked and what hasn’t also because doctors don’t effectively communicate.  This helps bridge the gap.