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  • 01

Opening Remarks: Finding Our “Why”

8:30 – 9:15 a.m.
Cascade Ballroom

Session Description

The Youth IDD/Mental Health Summit kicks off with opening remarks from three different speakers, who each bring their unique advocacy experience to the table.

Em Braman, Executive Director of The Arc Oregon, reminds us why the Summit matters and calls on us to connect to our personal “why.”

Joe James, family advocate and recent DRO Partners in Policymaking graduate, shares his family’s journey from crisis to hope.

Finally, Gillis Williams, autistic self-advocate and social media creator, shares his path to self-advocacy and the “why” that drives his platform.

How lived experience informs this session

Em Braman is the executive director of The Arc Oregon and a parent of two young adults with IDD and mental health needs. Joe James is a parent and family advocate with lived experience navigating IDD and mental health services alongside his young adult son Gabe. Gillis Williams is an autistic self-advocate who shares his voice and advocacy journey through social media.

Presenters