Individuals with disabilities face physical, systemic, and social barriers as they navigate a world that was not made for them. Yet many people with disabilities have built unique strengths through experiences that lead to creative problem solving, innovation, and resilience. Join our conversation with Kathleen Downs, a Disability Justice Activist who was born with Cerebral Palsy, on embracing one’s abilities and recognizing unique strengths that exist beyond limitations and enrich individuals and our society.
Guest Presenter: Kathleen Downes, LMSW BCPA
Kathleen Downes, LMSW, BCPA holds a master’s degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (2018) with a concentration in leadership and social change. Born with cerebral palsy and a rare spinal disorder called Tarlov cyst disease, she is a passionate advocate for the disabled community, especially those navigating Medicaid, Medicare, Social Security, and home care. While unable to work in a formal capacity due to her disability and fluctuating health, she remains involved with many causes, including Medicaid Matters New York, where she serves as a volunteer Steering Committee member and consumer representative. She has been a board-certified patient advocate since 2021. She volunteers as her health allows to create parent education materials for families of disabled youth at a non-profit dance program called Dancing Dreams. She serves on the St. Mary’s Patient and Family Advisory Council, representing families of medically complex children and adults with disabilities receiving in-home care. Kathleen is an avid reader, writer, and thinker who resides on Long Island with the help of her parents, her caregivers, and her bossy lap dog Dolly.