Listen and Engage with us on some of the most impactful perspectives on The History of Human Services Systems & Self Advocacy from those who have been there and live it. A variety of experiences lead us to react in today’s system of support. Leave having been shaped by what you hear, ready to influence your thinking, living and working. An exceptional session.
This is a virtual event. Everyone is welcome!
Speaking at the event will be:
Amanda Lay has been with Shared Support Maryland for several years. She has served in numerous capacities, including training and Support Brokering. Amanda has a variety of training experience including Toastmasters International and Project STIR. Amanda has a degree in Communications from the University of Maryland and is currently serving as a member of the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council.
Cody Drinkwater is the Regional Self Advocacy Specialist for the Eastern Shore in Maryland. Cody states: “ I am on the Autism Spectrum and have executive functioning disabilities along with mild Cerebral Palsy. This makes the work I do for self-advocacy even more important. My job duties entail assisting individuals in the self-advocacy process, networking with providers, providing outreach and guidance to Self Advocacy groups, and creating necessary trainings in the region. The main thing I like about being a Self-Advocacy Specialist is helping and empowering people. I want stakeholders to know they can always reach out to me. I’m happy to help them.”
Meredith Bartley is the Communications Coordinator at the Autistic Self Advocacy Network with an interest in accessibility, intersectionality, and storytelling. She has a BA in Film & Media Arts from American University and a Master’s in Disability Studies from the University of Leeds thanks to the Fulbright Scholar program. She’s also a huge fan of women’s soccer!
The Rev. Kendrick Arthur Kemp was raised in Upstate NY, Lyons. He earned a Masters of Divinity from Union Theological Seminary in NYC and an MSW from Binghamton University. He is ordained as a minister in the American Baptist Churches of Metropolitan New York. While at Union, Kendrick was the founding member and co-chair of the Disability Justice Caucus. Kendrick was mentored by Dr. James Cone, the founder of Black Liberation Theology. Out of the depths of theological wisdom, Kendrick constructed Black Liberation Theology of Disability. He has lived with a disability for over 30 years. Since graduating, Kendrick has preached and taught all over the US. He has also traveled to Puerto Rico and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where he shared his theological perspective. Kendrick also enjoys reading, listening to spirituals, and having critical conversations about race and disabilities. https://kendrick-kemp.com
Gail Godwin is the Founder of Shared Support Maryland, Inc. Gail’s MA is from the University of Pittsburgh, School of Education, Program in Severe Disabilities which had a focus on educational, employment & community inclusion. For 30 years, she has been an advocate in collaboration with people with disabilities and has worked in service provider organizations as a support staff, job coach, middle manager, administrator, and in training and development. She served 10 years as a member of the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council on the Executive and Cross-Cutting Issues Committee. She also served 10 years as a board member of The Maryland Association of Community Services and is a graduate and faculty member of the Leadership Institute Consortium on Developmental Disabilities. She is the co-founder of the New York Downstate Person-Centered Consortium and co-Founder of the Alliance for Citizen Directed Supports. Gail has extensive experience in self-directed service provision, positive supports, training, development, person-directed planning, individualized supports, and organizational development.
‘This is not the history you are expecting to hear.’
General Admission: $100
Available as a free selection with membership.