What a summer it has been! One of my favorite and most memorable experiences thus far this summer was meeting Richard Chapman for the first time in Orlando, FL. Richard was recruited by Amy Woodard, MSW, Arts In Action’s Research Manager (you all know her as SuperAmy) to work with us on FDDC’s FL SAND Self-Advocacy project. Richard was referred with glowing reviews from Amy and I knew he was going to be an integral part of our project. What I had not planned was how I would be charmed and wowed by Richard’s outstanding advocacy skills, and his knowledge & passion for the Self-Advocacy Movement. Richard sees the Self-Advocacy Movement as being parallel in many ways to the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950’s and 1960’s. And I totally agree!
A week or so ago, the Tampa Bay Times published an article about Richard, here below is the link.
Richard will be guest blogging now and then on Arts In Action’s Blogsite. Keeping us up to date on Self-Advocacy issues and charming us with his talent and intellect. I feel blessed to be part of this amazing team and blessed to know and work with such an extraordinary guy!
-Grace-Anne Alfiero, MFA
President & CEO of Arts In Action Consulting, LLC