Hi, my name is Sierra Lode. I have cerebral palsy, and I cannot speak. You can bet though, that I can be heard. For the past 14 years I have been a self-advocate. It was in the year 2000  that I attended the very first Montana Youth Leadership Forum, the summer between my Junior and Senior year of high school. I was shy back then and not very sociable. Who would have guessed that in five days attendance at the forum would significantly influence my life. I emerged a changed young woman. Talk about a super positive experience! I learned confidence in myself, and gained skills to advocate for myself.  There are two different areas of self-advocacy that I would like to talk about. Choosing to go to college is one, and depression, is the other.

I have always wanted to advocate for other people who have disabilities, especially youth. As I got older, I realized I was becoming passionate about working in the disability community. I have had lots of time two think about, and to pray about my lifetime goals. After researching careers in this area, I knew that I must seek a college degree. After all, data entry was very boring, and I wasn't helping anyone in ways that I thought I could contribute to the best of my abilities. I know I can motivate others to fulfill their potential by my example, by what I have to say, and through my spirited inspiration. How many conference speakers have you heard who cannot speak? The field is wide open for me! I love addressing an audience such as yourselves, to spread the word that there is hope for youth with disabilities to live a full and richly rewarding life, and they can make choices for themselves, not let their schools, parents, or some agency that thinks they know what is best for you. 

College Freshman

College Freshman

I was a member of the National Advanced Youth Leadership Institute headquartered in Washington, D. C. in 2005. I saw what my peers were doing to make a positive difference in the disability community. They were all in college, or in grad school. After thinking about what these youth were doing pro-actively in the national arena to champion human rights for people with disabilities, I decided it was now or never. I too, must take that critical step to better my education. My best friend, who was of great encouragement to me, and I, went on-line, and she helped me fill out an application to attend the University of Montana in Missoula. When my parents got home from work, I said, “Guess what? In a couple of months I will be moving away to go to college.” I was very proud to know that I was on my way to determining my own life goals. Talk about being scared!

 

For more information contact Sierra at sierrasmil@bresnan.net