Karen Ricci ~ Staff Support Specialist

My role as Staff Support Specialist gives me the opportunity to be involved in every aspect of the Council. From exhibit preparations for Weber Gallery to soliciting sponsors for Art from the Heart I am engaged in the mission of the Council. It has always been my passion to help people with disabilities to achieve their fullest potential.

Having grown up with a disability gives me a unique perspective into the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities. That is why I am honored to be the Advisor to the Self-Advocacy Connection. In this role I am a resource to individuals entering into the adult world with its many obstacles, providing them information, trainings and encouragement to use their voices in the community.

My daughter Lydia drew me to the Council through her struggles with Autism and Epilepsy. As a parent I was looking for resources to help Lydia to succeed in school and to prepare her for success in life. I was introduced to the Council through the then “Parent Outreach” Parent Support Group meeting, where I met Pamela Mc Daniel and became friends with her. It was after the loss of Lydia that I was encouraged by Pamela to become more active in the Council and it was then in the spring of 2011 that I began volunteering where ever needed. Through my volunteer work I realized I had found my niche and I began praying to be asked to become a part of the staff here at the Council. On July 1, 2012 my prayers were answered!

So as my dad once said “Life is complex and we all must be flexible or be broken.”

I am here to help others learn how to be flexible so they will not be broken by the obstacles they face in the adult world.

---

“It is the mission of The Council to initiate positive change on behalf of individuals with developmental disabilities.”