National Leadership Program, Fall 2023
Kaitlin Martinez-Hall
Kaitlin Martinez-Hall was a Policy and Civic Engagement Fellow in RespectAbility’s National Leadership Program for Fall 2023. RespectAbility is a nonprofit organization fighting stigmas and advancing opportunities so that people with disabilities can fully participate in all aspects of community.
Martinez-Hall graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in English, Philosophy, and Religious Studies and a Master of Arts in Mass Communications. In her thesis she analyzed coverage of people with disabilities in the United States. Through this research she examined the impact that healthcare, housing, employment, and transportation policies had on people with disabilities. Her research was inspired by her personal journey with multiple disabilities. Born three months early, Martinez-Hall manages Cerebral Palsy and a chronic lung condition. She also identifies as being on the Autism spectrum. Conducting research for her thesis inspired her to pursue policy research and advocacy related to disability issues.
Currently, she is involved in workforce development as a job coach with ICAN California Abilities Network. She supports clients in the Orange and Los Angeles County areas to meet employment goals and increase their confidence. She is looking forward to advancing workforce development policies to expand the kind of support offered through these programs and discovering new ways to help more disabled workers secure employment that utilizes their strengths so they can follow their dreams.
