The most effective advocates for change in the disability movement are people with disabilities.

Real progress in understanding self-determination and supporting the full inclusion of people with disabilities did not happen before people with disabilities began speaking up for themselves. When self-advocates are respected and given the opportunity to speak, everyone learns. Systems of support and service for people with disabilities can immediately be improved and become more effective.

Early on, IHDD realized that self-advocates were the key to increasing public understanding of disabilities. Experts on Disability are self-advocates who have claimed their rightful ownership over themselves and the systems that serve them.

IHDD developed a team of Experts on Disability that will truly reflect the spectrum of disabilities, issues and audience needs. Whether alone, or as a compliment to IHDD training and programs, Experts on Disability challenge audiences to advocate for people with disabilities and the practices that make full quality of life possible for people with disabilities. IHDD’s Experts on Disability Speakers Bureau currently offers three experienced speakers:
Gail Bottoms, Toney Al Duvall, and Marian Jackson.

Click on photos for a brief bio of our speakers.