As a proud member of the Board of Directors, I am deeply honored to welcome you to this year's Disability Advocacy Conference. This conference is more than an event, it is a movement. A movement grounded in the belief that every voice matters, every story holds power, and real change begins when we come together across communities, abilities, and experiences. As someone who has navigated life at the intersection of race, disability, and leadership, I know firsthand the resilience it takes to navigate spaces there were not built with us in mind. I also know the strength that grows when we build new spaces together. Whether you are a long time advocate or new to this work, your voice and your leadership are needed now more than ever. Together, we honor the work of those who came before us, challenge the barriers that still exist, and envision a world where everyone can thrive with dignity and pride. I encourage each of you to be bold, be authentic, and to remember that our presence is powerful, and our advocacy is unstoppable. Let's continue to raise our voices, lift each other up, and lead the change toward a more inclusive world. Thank you for being part of this vital movement. - Crystal Waters, Board of Directors

I am thankful for the help I received from DRNC. I amfinally able to have a education similar to my peers.

See you there! 😀