From Independence to Advocacy: Connor’s Journey of Building a Life—and Creating Change

For Connor, advocacy didn’t begin in a meeting room or on a council board. It began with his own life experience.

Connor was born with Cerebral Palsy and is blind. From an early age, he learned how to navigate a world that wasn’t always built with accessibility in mind. But those challenges never defined what he believed was possible for his future.

He attended Dayton High School, where he completed his education while beginning to think about what independence would look like as an adult.

At 18, Connor began the process of transitioning into adult services. By age 21, he had moved to Walla Walla and into services supported by Valley Residential Services. Over time, those services helped him build the skills, confidence, and support system needed to live more independently.

Today, Connor lives in his own home with his wife, , whom he met through church. The couple will celebrate their second wedding anniversary this July.

Connor still has access to support services when needed, but much of his life is now built around independence, choice, and self-direction.

Transportation is a part of daily life that often requires planning. Around town, Connor and Samantha use public transportation whenever possible. Connor also has access to his own accessible vehicle, though driving often requires VRS staff support.

That same drive toward independence recently led Connor to take on a new role, serving on the Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council, where he hopes to help shape the future of disability services across Washington.

Connor applied in January and was officially appointed in April. He recently attended his first council meetings in Olympia, where he joined leaders and advocates from across the state.

“It was extremely overwhelming,” Connor admitted. “But I’ll get used to it.”

During his first meetings, Connor was introduced to the realities of statewide funding discussions and proposed service cuts.

“I wasn’t entirely surprised,” he said. “My services alone can cost around $8,000 a month. I’m a budget-minded person, so it really opened my eyes.”

Connor’s biggest goal on the council is deeply personal.

His wife, Samantha, says Connor’s goals may go even further.

“He wants to work in advocacy someday.”

Connor smiled.

“That’s definitely one of the goals. But first, I’d like to help get the funding in place.”

And Connor isn’t waiting for statewide meetings to create change.

During a visit to a local bakery, Connor encountered an accessibility barrier that nearly caused his wheelchair to come off a curb because of obstacles blocking safe access.

Rather than accept it, Connor and Samantha spoke up, documented the issue, and worked with local transportation and city contacts until the barrier was removed.

Whether advocating for better accessibility in his hometown or helping shape disability policy across the state, Connor is proving that leadership doesn’t begin with a title, it begins with lived experience, determination, and the willingness to speak up for others.