 |
Sign the Able to Choose pledge! |
 Day after day Jack Brandt’s creations grow. His paintings are colorful. They are bold. “Each individual holds an important position in life that is complex and intertwined with emotions,” says Brandt, a popular Virginia based artist. “This position, whether political, religious, personal or unknown, needs to be acknowledged.” Standing back for a moment, taking careful stock of his latest works, he then turns and asks – “Are the colors and designs substantial to the piece, or does this not make a difference on your view? Does the position of the colors effect the piece, or is it better to view the piece in black and white? And are the titles of my work substantial to understanding the piece beyond the color and elements of design?” Brandt pauses, and then adds, “Now, if I tell you that I have Cerebral Palsy, is that substantial for you to know? Brandt says that his art allows him to be expressive and bold. Painting enables him, he says, to speak more directly to an individual as opposed to other means of communication. “When individuals take a first glance at me they focus on my wheelchair and tend to forget that I have a substantial position in life,” he explains. “In my brighter, bolder pieces, the viewer will see my understanding of life.” A recent James Madison University political science and philosophy graduate, Brandt has never let youth or his disability stand in his way, especially when it comes to his art work, as well as advocacy for himself and others with disabilities. Born with cerebral palsy, Brandt has enthusiastically pursued education, achievement, and opportunities to help others. An alumnus of the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council´s Partners in Policymaking advocacy and leadership program, he is an active volunteer who has led "get out the vote" campaigns, issued action alerts, developed policy positions, and encouraged others to become more active in the political process. At JMU, Brandt was recognized for his academic achievements, studied the impact of disability legislation on the formation of advocacy groups, and identified and developed grants for the university. As an American Association for People with Disabilities´ Congressional Intern for U.S. Senator Michael Enzi of Wyoming, Brandt analyzed new federal regulations that affect people with disabilities. At Bradnt´s urging and with his assistance, the university restructured its lecture-based health policy course into a program of self-directed study, which became a regular offering during the 2006-2007 academic year. Brandt has also petitioned the state and federal legislatures for policy changes expanding community supports, including full implementation of the U.S. Supreme Court´s "Olmstead" decision calling for greater self-determination and opportunities for people with disabilities to live in the least restrictive environments. Turning his words into actions, Brandt has served as a peer mentor and counselor, helping to identify, encourage, and support individuals with a desire to transition to community-living settings. During his tenure as a 2006 Governor´s Fellow, working with the Office of Community Integration, Brandt further distinguished himself as a scholar and advocate with broad knowledge and skills in local, state, and federal policy. He drafted a large portion of Virginia´s annual community integration status report, analyzed the state budget for its impact on people with disabilities, and participated in the Governor´s Hurricane Preparedness Task Force. Brandt remains very active in state policy as a community volunteer and advocate, assisting in the development of Virginia´s emergency response plans for people with disabilities and helping to draft Virginia's interagency "Money Follows the Person" proposals to the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. When not advocating for others, Brandt continues to develop his skills as an artist and uses his artwork in his advocacy, encouraging others to fully develop their abilities and pursue their dreams. He takes advantage of frequent opportunities to address disability professionals and advocates across Virginia and the nation and has already won numerous awards for his dedication, enthusiasm, and achievements. |
Tilting his hat slightly to the side and surveying the crowd before taking over the mic, Solomon Miles, a seasoned front man for multiple bands, looks at home. With a gaggle of musicians warming up behind him, the crowd -- eager to hear his first tune -- adds to his vibe.
>> LEARN MORE
Virginia Still Is Playing Catch-Up in Disability-Rights Arena
"Each Virginian with a disability deserve to enjoy the same benefits of society and freedoms of every day life that Virginians without disabilities enjoy."
- Gov. Tim Kaine
>> MORE
College Bound 2009
College Bound 2009 Registration deadline May 31, 2009
>> MORE
| Able to Choose A public awareness campaign funded in part by Virginia Board for People with Disabilities |
|
Toll Free Voice/TTY: 800-846-4464 Info@VBPD.virginia.gov Copyright 2009 |
