My name is Katie, and I am a self-advocate associate. I am celebrating 10 years at The Arc Minnesota. I have been advocating for my whole life since I was born with my intellectual and developmental disability. Many years ago, in 2015 I took a risk from leaving a day program and going into employment.
10 years working with The Arc Minnesota is a big milestone. For many years I have been doing presentations about self-advocacy on many different topics. I’ve grown my leadership skills. I enjoy learning from others on many different community groups and boards. I have been leading the self-advocacy advisory committee since 2015. I advocate to make change and try to make the world a better place.
Just knowing I’m still learning and growing as a person and as a self- advocate. The world can be a scary place for people with disabilities. That is why you need to keep advocating for progress. Life can take you on a journey and you never know where you are going to go. Before I found self-advocacy I was lost. I’m proud of my self-discovery. Being myself and helping others is why I love my job.