Jonathan Gardner Self-Advocate & Motivational Speaker

About this episode

Jonathan Gardner shares his journey as a disability rights advocate, discussing his experiences with autism, cancer, and the importance of supported decision-making.

Jonathan Gardner is a dedicated advocate for disability rights at both the state and national levels. A homeschool graduate, cancer survivor, and individual who happens to have Autism, Jonathan serves as an Official Ambassador for Operation House Call through the Arc of Massachusetts, a Flutie Fellow for the Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism, Co-Chair of the Massachusetts Supported Decision-Making Coalition, a board member of Massachusetts Advocates for Children, and a Council Member of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. Jonathan shares his personal journey, including overcoming early challenges, his autism diagnosis, educational struggles, and his battle with cancer. He explains supported decision-making as an alternative to guardianship and emphasizes its importance for individuals with disabilities in maintaining autonomy. His advocacy work includes passing the Massachusetts Restraints and Seclusion Law, advocating for such bills as Operation House Call, Hospital Training, Health Care Discrimination, Police Training and more. He has also spoken on Capitol Hill about the Autism Care Act and the Education Bill. Drawing on his experiences with early intervention…

People in this episode

Guest: Jonathan Gardner

Topics covered

• disability rights
• autism advocacy
• supported decision-making
• personal journey
• educational struggles
• healthcare discrimination
• legislative advocacy

Keywords

• disability rights
• autism
• advocacy
• supported decision-making
• personal story
• legislation
• education
• healthcare

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Operation House Call, Arc of Massachusetts, Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism, Massachusetts Supported Decision-Making Coalition, Massachusetts Advocates for Children, Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Massachusetts Restraints and Seclusion Law, Autism Care Act, Education Bill

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