Guide
Transition Talk: The Role of Self-Advocacy in Successful Transitions
Meet Derek Heard, an advocate with a disability. In this workshop, he and his mother share why raising self-advocates matters and offer strategies to help nurture this critical life skill.
About the webinar
Self-advocacy isn’t just a skill — it’s a powerful tool that helps individuals with disabilities live life on their own terms, with dignity and the opportunity to reach their full potential. Learning to advocate for yourself from a young age — and continuing to build that skill into adulthood — is essential for empowerment, inclusion, and greater independence.
Meet Derek Heard, an advocate with a disability. In this workshop, he and his mother share why raising self-advocates matters and offer strategies to help nurture this critical life skill.
Speakers
Derek Heard, graphic artist, entrepreneur, public speaker, and disability justice advocate
Allison Hall, Senior Research Associate/Project Director, Institute for Community Inclusion (ICI)
Download the presentation
additional Resources
- “Nothing About Us Without Us” Leaves Voices Out – Autism Spectrum News article
- Derek Heard: The Center on Youth Voice, Youth Choice
- Derek’s page on the Center on Youth Voice Youth Choice website
- Derek’s website (Derek’s Doodles)
- Selma Your Vote – A Disability-led March for Access in July, 2025
- DREAM: Disability Rights, Education, Activism, & Mentoring Group for College Students with Disabilities
- Association of University Centers on Disabilities – Disability Policy for All with Liz Weintraub
About Transition Talks
Transition Talks are a series of monthly, virtual workshops hosted by Perkins and industry experts, designed to help you plan your blind or visually impaired young adult’s future after High School. These workshops are free and open to families from across the country. Throughout the this year’s series, we’re tackling robust topics including sustainable financial planning, pre-employment skills, raising confident self-advocates, AI and more.
