ALP Alumni Network - Advocate Story Library - 2026

ALP-NC RECORDING 2026 LC1 Laverne Allison.mp4

Laverne M. Allison

C-Ptsd in Families of Medically and Behaviorally Complex Children

I am ADHD, C-PTSD, and part of a neurodivergent family. My goal is two-fold: 1) to be able to increase knowledge and understanding of local parents' needs, and 2) to gain experience and networking links to apply for graduate school.

ALP-SS RECORDING 2026 Mariame Boujlil.mp4

Mariame Boujlil

When the School Bus Stopped Coming!

ALP-NC RECORDING 2026 LC1 Gwynn Braswell.mp4

Gwynn Braswell

When Compassion Leads to Crisis

I have a back injury with some nerve damage. I want to be useful to a community that needs it and to learn more.

ALP-SS RECORDING 2026 Linda Campbell.mp4

Linda Campbell

What benefits the most severely disabled helps us all

ALP-NC RECORDING 2026 LC1 Julie Curry.mp4

Julie Curry

Strong Voices

I am the director of a day support program for individuals with I/DD. I would like to grow my leadership skills to assist in enriching the lives, integrity, and independence of those I am honored to serve. I am committed to always being a lifelong learner and am seeking this opportunity to engage in more resources for the I/DD population.

ALP-NC RECORDING 2026 LC1 William Dale.mp4

William Dale

Access and Transportation for Disabled People

I am Autistic, part of the neurodivergent family. I chose to join so that I could grow more confident and learn how to make connections to be better prepared to help others like myself.

ALP-NC RECORDING 2026 LC1 Melanie Dunston.mp4

Melanie Dunston

“From lemon to lemonade”

I have a lower mobility Disability. I definitely want to assist and advocate for more people of color with mobile disabilities.

ALP-NC RECORDING 2026 LC1 Ashley Eason.mp4

Ashley Eason

My Voice. My Why. Her Future. Our Fight.

I identify as a parent and advocate of a child with a disability. My daughter has Tuberous Sclerosis Complex, and her journey has shaped my role as both a caregiver and a strong advocate. I chose ALP-NC to strengthen my advocacy and leadership skills as I support my daughter, Nora, in navigating life with Tuberous Sclerosis Complex. I also want to grow in my ability to advocate not just for her, but for other families who need support and a strong voice.

ALP-NC RECORDING 2026 LC1 Jade Harris.mp4

Jade O. Harris M.Ed.

Finding the Perfect Worker for Cristin

I plan on gaining knowledge so that I can be a reliable resource for people with disabilities.

ALP-NC RECORDING 2026 LC1 Ky Kennedy.mp4

Ky Kennedy

Unwritten Struggle of The Disabled Mother

I am autistic with ADHD, with multiple mental health disabilities. I want to connect more with peers who share similar (or different) disabilities and lived experiences.

ALP-NC RECORDING 2026 LC1 Amare Leach.mp4

Amare Leach

Advocacy for Inclusive Spaces

I want to be able to provide the support to those who can not or do not know how to advocate for themselves. I want to be the foundation of the strength they need to be prideful in every move they make, to know that someone, even if not me, is advocating for them.

ALP-NC RECORDING 2026 LC1 Alex Martel-Matt.mp4

Alex Martel-Matt

Transportation in the triangle

I am neurodivergent. I want to be a better advocate.

ALP-SS RECORDING 2026 Pamela McAfee.mp4

Pamela McAfee

The Need for Space

ALP-SS RECORDING 2026 Laura Newell.mp4

Laura Newell

Bus Advocacy

ALP-NC RECORDING 2026 LC1 Sandra Kay Reynolds.mp4

Sandra Kay Reynolds

The Elephant in the System

I am the mother of an I/DD - Moderate daughter who is 28 years old. I want to learn to share the story of IDD individuals in a more influential way and create a network of relationships for advocacy.

ALP-NC RECORDING 2026 LC1 Melissa Swartz.mp4

Melissa Swartz

One Voice, All Messages

I am a professional in the field of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. I want to grow in my advocacy efforts by learning how to better meet the unique needs of individuals with IDD, simultaneously in larger group settings in support of their growing in advocacy and self-advocacy efforts.

ALP-SS RECORDING 2026 Royce Wolfe.mp4

Royce Wolfe

Inflexibility's Cost

ALP-SS RECORDING 2026 Anne Margaret Wright.mp4

Anne Margaret Wright

We Make a Great Team!

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🎓✨ Graduation Announcement! ✨🎓

I'm thrilled to share that I've just graduated from the Ability Leadership Program (ALP)! 🌟

During the training, I mastered essential leadership and advocacy techniques such as active listening, sharing my advocacy story, and networking with other advocates. It has prepared me to make a difference on behalf of people with disabilities and those with lived experience.

Thank you to the amazing team at ALP and my fellow graduates for the inspiring and supportive environment. We're not just graduates; we're a network of passionate leaders ready to make a difference! 💪

Here's to our next chapter in championing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in our communities! 🌍