Submission Proposal
Barbara Williams Stewart
Barbara Williams Stewart MSW, LCSW/Facilitator
St. Louis Arc
Anna Brodsky
Patient Transporter
BJC
Scott Nelson
Law Library Assistant
Sandberg Phoenix & von Gontard p.c.
Noah Wangler
Self-Advocate
Kaliska Newston
Childcare Professional
Childgarden Child Development Center at St.Louis Arc
Mike Herndon
Server
Cape Albeon Retirement Community
Five panelists will present their unique individual journeys to independence. The topics shared will be transitions from school to work/college, independent living, navigating relationships, and significant life events of young people in their 20's. Their stories are poignant and laced with how their disabilities have affected their past, and how it affects the present. The panel will be facilitated by clinical social worker, Barbara Williams Stewart. The presentation includes interactive conversations with the audience, provides educational information for family members and young people about transitional issues, and gives deeper insights to professionals about how disabilities impact individuals seeking independence. The five panelists will also share their very personal stories of how bullying has affected them; how they grew to become their own voice and self-advocate; and why they want to share their experiences with others in their communities. These panelist have presented several workshops at the St. Louis Arc, where they began their relationships with support professionals, gained knowledge and built skills to help them be successful in their transition to adulthood. These local panel workshops have been extremely well received and due to their high demand, have been recorded so that they can be shared with other community organizations and schools teaching ability awareness.