Karen Lynn-Chlup has been an advocate for people with disabilities since she was a small child. She advocated for herself before people with disabilities began organizing into special needs groups, and she advocated for friends in school. Karen was a pioneering leader in the disability rights movement, and she spoke up for the rights of people with disabilities when others did not.

In 2002, Karen was elected to sit for a two-year term on the executive board of Protection & Advocacy, Inc. While on the board, she worked as part of a team that helped change state and federal laws in favor of people with disabilities. Karen led the effort to update Protection & Advocacy, Inc.’s vision and mission statements to include treating all human beings with dignity and respect. Protection & Advocacy, Inc., is now known as Disability Rights California, and is the largest disability rights organization in the United States.

Karen has also made a personal commitment by lending her expertise about people with disabilities. As a special needs advocate, Karen gives unconditionally to others and can even become the voice for their rights, when requested. She passionately writes letters on behalf of people with disabilities, and she helps them attain victories during their IEP and IPP meetings. Click here to learn more about how to deal with these critical meetings. Using her expertise, she also makes recommendations for specific services based on each individual’s capabilities and needs.

Karen speaks to and for people with disabilities. She speaks to them as a woman with CP and dyslexia. She speaks for them as a passionate advocate. Click here for more about Karen’s inspiring public speaking, and how it can benefit you or you organization.

Most importantly, Karen’s approach to special needs advocacy is based upon her own experience dealing with government and private agencies. Her passion for special needs advocacy allows her to help people of all ages, with disabilities to fight discrimination.