National Leadership Program, Fall 2019
Otilia Lampman
Otilia Lampman was a Public Policy and Employment Fellow in RespectAbility’s National Leadership Program for Fall 2019. RespectAbility is a nonprofit organization fighting stigmas and advancing opportunities so that people with disabilities can fully participate in all aspects of community.
Lampman was born in Romania and came to the United States in June 2004 for surgery. She stayed with the family that later adopted her. This past June, Lampman completed her Associates Degree in Communication at Northern Virginia Community College. She recently applied to George Mason University for the Spring semester 2020. Lampman will earn her Bachelor’s Degree in Communications or Journalism in 2022.
Lampman applied to the National Leadership Program because she believes in equality for all people. She also wants to have more knowledge about not only her own disability experience, but also about other’s disabilities. She wants to gain professional experience, especially in an office, and learn to present herself and her disability well. She also wants to know what careers and opportunities exist.
Lampman’s plan for the future is simple. She wants to work and not be poor and on the street. Beyond the necessities of a house, job, food, health insurance, she hopes, one day, to learn how to tell other people’s stories and promote their artistic and social work on radio or podcasts.
Lampan wrote several pieces during the Fall 2019 Fellowship. Check them out on our website:
- Gov. Hutchinson Encourages “Fellow Citizens to Realize the Contributions Individual with Disabilities Add to Our Workplaces” (October 23, 2019)
- “People with disabilities are equal to the task” Says Gov. McMaster (October 24, 2019)
- Gov. Whitmer Focuses on Michiganders with “invisible disabilities” in October Proclamation
(October 31, 2019) - Gov. Ducey Says Arizonans with Disabilities Have “Essential Role” in “Arizona’s Success”
(October 31, 2019) - Gov. Michael Dunleavy reaffirms “Alaska’s commitment” to Jobs for People with Disabilities
(October 31, 2019) - Gov. Tim Walz Argues that Employees with Disabilities “Benefit Minnesota’s Economy”
(October 31, 2019) - Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee Recognizes “the Value of Employees with Disabilities.”
(October 31, 2019)
