C.R.
Disability Advocacy
I have been a part of the Youth Engagement Transition Initiative (YETI) with NTACT:C since 2020. Since then I have expanded my work from online content creation to developing products with my YETI team (re. family) to support youth with disabilities (like myself!) engagement in society.
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I have invisible disabilities (dysgraphia and ADHD) and beyond my work with YETI, I am passionate about increasing accessibility in the sciences. Because science is for everyone!
Youth Engagement Transition Initiative
Supported by NTACT:C and the RAISE Center
The Youth Engagement Transition Initiative is a nationwide youth advocacy board, in which I am a founding member, aimed at helping agencies to better reach youth and young adults with disabilities in transition-related material for more successful outcomes. We believe that youth and young adults are experts in their own experiences and provide valuable insights into what is needed for students graduating from K-12 and moving on to life afterwards.
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Most of our work focuses on youth voice, inclusion at the table, and developing advocates to be successful for years to come. I've worked with a variety of state teams, PTIs, and organizations looking to reach youth and sustain partnerships.
My specialties lie in students with disabilities in higher education and invisible and learning disabilities. I take my personal experience as someone with dysgraphia and ADHD pursuing higher education to help others along the way.
Additionally, I have a vested interest in making science more accessible because, as a scientist, science is for everyone!
Outreach
Presenter & Content Expert, Capacity Building Institute- Charlotte, NC, May 2025
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Rooted in Leadership: Cultivating Youth Engagement for Thriving Communities
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Youth Engagement Now: Fresh Tools & Strategies to Power Meaningful Connections
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YETI Greenhouse
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From Token to Transformative Table Talk
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Transition Tuesdays, NCCSD, SP 2025
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February 11- Find Your Perfect Fit: Research & Apply to Colleges with a Disability
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March 4- Steps to Accommodations in College
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April 8- Make the Most of the College Experience: Using Campus Resources
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No Filters, NCCSD, F 2024
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November 14- Part 1: The Nuts & Bolts of Getting Ready for College Life
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December 12- Part 2: The Realities of College Life
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Youth Engagement Now Series, YETI, September 2024
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September 16- The Youth Engagement Now Project: Practical Youth Engagement Tools for Parent Centers
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September 26- Empowering Youth Voices: Strategies and Resources for Self-Determination, Advocacy and Leadership
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Keynote Speaker, Capacity Building Institute- Charlotte, NC, May 2023
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Back Together To Build Together with Valerie Williams & Carol Dobak
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OCALICONONLINE, YETI, September 2022
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September 16- Strategies for Meaningful Youth: Young Adult Engagement on State and Local Teams
Media
Publications
Walters, Charles., Smith Hill, Rebecca., Waldron, Amanda., Russell, Cadence., Mansour, Nour., Badger, Josie., Deibler, Everett., & Shogren, Karrie. (in review) Reimagining Self-Determination in Research, Education, and Disability Services and Supports. Journal of Disability Policy Studies.
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Podcasts