We’re pleased to welcome the newest members of the ASCV Self-Advocate Advisory Council! Self-Advocate Council members advise and support the ASCV in the development, implementation, and evaluation of our programs and services to ensure we are appropriately including and amplifying Autistic voices in all that we do. Our Council members represent a broad range of ages, cultures, and autistic experiences. Meet the rest of the council and learn more HERE.
Katherine Wallace (she/her)
Katie is from the rural county of Halifax where she was the first Autistic girl in the country to be crowned Homecoming Queen in 2004. In 2007, she graduated from the Partners in Policymaking Program and was also honored with the “Yes I Can” Award by the Council for Exceptional Children for her self-advocacy at the state and international levels. Katie is a Special Olympics Athlete and serves as an Altar Server at her church.
Twitch Justice (they/them)
Twitch is a multiply disabled, non-binary autistic adult who has a passion for advocacy, activism, social justice, volunteering (service), and photography. Through the years, they and their photography have been published in multiple magazines, featured on MSNBC, mentioned in newspapers, as well as displayed in a gallery. They enjoy using their photography skills to highlight social issues and non-profit organizations as well as documenting the world we find ourselves in.
April Thompson (she/her)
April was diagnosed with High Functioning Autism in 2015 at 27 years old. Her interests include listening to music, watching documentaries, going for walks, word searches, and traveling, especially to the beach. She is active in her church, Speaking Spirit Ministries, the ASCV and Jacob’s Chance. April is currently enrolled in J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College, where she is taking classes to become a doctor.
Rachel Matthews (she/her)
Rachel grew up in Tappahannock, Virginia. She moved to Richmond in 2007 when she began her undergraduate studies at Virginia Commonwealth University. She has lived in the Richmond area ever since. She holds a Master’s degree in Special Education from George Mason University. In her free time, Rachel enjoys reading, hiking, kayaking, and indoor rock climbing.
If you would like to find out how to get involved in the Self Advocate Council, please reach out to [email protected].