Disability rights activist and advocate with an extensive background in community organizing and systems change. My passion is working to ensure that people with disabilities are equal participants in all aspects of society, not only as recipients of services, but as valued members of, and contributors to the well-being of their communities. Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) instructor and Program Manager skilled at gathering and interpreting data and working collaboratively with teams consisting of first responders, planners and governmental agencies to develop and implement emergency management plans, particularly for people with disabilities. Participated in several CERT exercises, including 2 National Disaster Medical Services (NDMS) exercises serving as a Site Manager at two local Denver hospitals. Recently served as a communications operator during the Colorado flood of 2013.Published author and blogger writing primarily about issues that affect people with disabilities. My articles have appeared in local media, national disability rights newsletters, The Huffington Post and a book called, "Voices of A People's History of the United States", by the late Howard Zinn, an internationally acclaimed, award-winning historian and author.