Speak-Up Spotlight: Mandy, Machal, James and Jim

The latest Speak-Up Spotlight highlights four advocates who demonstrated leadership and shared their advocacy and employment journeys to educate and inspire others in October.

As part of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), Mandy visited a Bath ESC classroom and shared her high school experiences. Mandy was open about struggles she faced and overcame and how those experiences helped her become the advocate she is today as she found her voice and now encourages others to speak up. Mandy also encouraged students to not give up when it comes to employment as the first job might not be the right fit. After some trial and error with different jobs, she started employment at a local day care where she has now worked for 19 years. Mandy left the students with one final piece of advice: find what they enjoy doing and stick with it.

Machal visited a Shawnee ESC classroom in October as well. This was special for Machal as she was a student of that same teacher 20 years ago. Although when Machal was younger, she was shy and did not speak up, she had no problem sharing her story with the students that day. On her path to employment, she discovered that exploring her likes and interests assisted her in finding the perfect volunteer opportunity: playing piano for residents at a senior living community. Like Mandy, Machal is celebrating 20 years at her job and inspired the students that they too can work and share their hobbies with others.

The other two advocates spend a lot of time talking together and brainstorming how to grow advocacy not just locally but even at the state level. Jim and James, current President and Vice President of the Allen County People First Chapter, were invited to lead advocacy training for the Allen County Board of Developmental Disabilities board members as part of the required board member training. Jim and James were able to share what advocacy means to each of them. They explained local advocacy efforts such as Allen County People First and advocacy trainings offered, as well as statewide opportunities like the Synergy conference and DD Awareness & Advocacy Day at the Statehouse. One memorable moment for Jim from this year's Synergy Conference was advocating for t-shirts that have the designs/logos on the front so people using wheelchairs can enjoy the designs as well.

James shared how his advocacy journey started with speaking in front of large groups when he attended the School for the Blind in Columbus and he has grown from there. In addition to his role as Vice President locally, he is also the Treasurer for the Executive Board for People First of Ohio.

Jim found his voice before graduating high school as well when he confronted those who had teased himself and other students. He has continued to grow and speak up since finding his voice. Jim has served in leadership roles with the former local People First chapter years ago and is happy to bring that experience to his current role.

Jim and James shared that when it comes to employment for those with disabilities, the process may take longer to find the right fit, but they encourage everyone, with or without a disability, to not give up and know that things may be challenging but are always possible.

For the future of advocacy, all four of these advocates want to continue to grow their leadership skills and are helping to explore and create a new advocacy training format that helps others feel inspired to share their stories, speak up and encourage others. Thank you Mandy, Machal, James, and Jim for leading, sharing your experiences, and encouraging others to speak up!

Want to nominate someone for the Speak-Up Spotlight? Please send the name of who you would like to nominate, along with a brief description on why that person has been nominated, to Tammy Smith at tsmith@acbdd.org.