Disability Advocacy and Empowerment with Julia Chalker

Today we have the pleasure of speaking with Julia Chalker. Julia is the Director of The Arc of DFW Area, a role in which she is able to apply her 30+ years of experience in public education and advocacy for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and her personal experience as being sister to Bobby, who has autism.  She holds a B.S. in Special Education and a M.S.Ed. in Special Education & Transition, and she last served as Transition Coordinator in a school district, where she led initiatives to assist students in transitioning to adulthood.  Julia has served on the board of The Arc of DFW Area and REACH Centers for Independent Living, is certified in Person Centered Planning, and she enjoys working with siblings through the Sibshops (sibling support) program.  Julia is passionate about advocating for and protecting the rights of those with disabilities and for helping individuals and families navigate the supports, services, and knowledge required to ensure a quality life for everyone.Today in our conversation we discuss her former and current roles and the importance of planning and preparing early to help prepare adults with disabilities for the transition to adulthood. We also discuss the current state of rights for those with disabilities and how to get involved in advocacy. https://siblingsupport.org/sibshops/https://www.reachcils.orghttps://www.thearcofdfw.org