Our Spring Speaking Advocates Showcase recently took place at the beautiful Rosette stage in Central Austin. Led by Art Spark Texas Speaking Advocates teaching artist Mitchell Bowman, the evening highlighted the voices, experiences, and creativity of five remarkable participants who shared deeply personal and memorable stories with the community.
We’re grateful to this session’s graduates for their courage, honesty, and talent:
Adam Griebel
Amrrita Chopraa
Delaney Shiono
Ariel Deruvo
Ryan Crabtree
Each story reflected the power of self-expression and the importance of creating spaces where disabled and neurodivergent voices are heard, valued, and celebrated.
About Speaking Advocates
Speaking Advocates is a six-week workshop series designed to support neurodivergent adults and adults with developmental and other disabilities in writing personal stories and building the public speaking skills needed to share them confidently in a variety of settings, including conferences, classrooms, civic organizations, legislative sessions, and community events.
Each workshop series concludes with a public Showcase where participants perform their stories for an audience of friends, family members, and community supporters. Stories are also recorded and featured on Art Spark Texas’ podcast platform, TRUE TALES PODCAST.
By combining storytelling with public speaking, Speaking Advocates challenges misconceptions surrounding disability and reminds audiences of our shared humanity, experiences, and aspirations.
Questions or Interested in Participating?
To learn more or get involved, contact Jerry at:
