Lydia X. Z. Brown

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Lydia Brown at Colorado Trust (cropped)

Lydia X. Z. Brown is an American disability rights advocate, writer, attorney, and public speaker. They are known for their work in the autism rights movement and for advocating for the rights of people with disabilities, particularly those who are autistic and/or have other neurodivergent conditions.

Early Life and Education

Lydia X. Z. Brown was born in Washington, D.C. and grew up in the surrounding area. They attended Georgetown University, where they earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Arabic and Islamic Studies. Brown later attended Northeastern University School of Law, where they earned their Juris Doctor degree.

Advocacy Work

Brown has been actively involved in disability rights advocacy since their teenage years. They have worked with numerous organizations, including the Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN), where they served on the board of directors. Brown has also been involved with the National Council on Independent Living and the Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund.

Autism Rights Movement

As a prominent figure in the autism rights movement, Brown has focused on promoting the rights and dignity of autistic individuals. They have spoken out against Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy, which they and many other advocates consider harmful. Brown has also worked to raise awareness about the intersectionality of disability with other identities, such as race, gender, and sexuality.

Legal and Policy Work

In their legal career, Brown has worked on various issues related to disability rights, including education, employment, and healthcare. They have provided testimony before legislative bodies and have been involved in drafting and advocating for disability rights legislation.

Writing and Public Speaking

Brown is a prolific writer and public speaker. They have written for numerous publications, including The Washington Post, The New York Times, and HuffPost. Their writing often focuses on issues of disability justice, intersectionality, and social justice. Brown is also a sought-after speaker and has given talks at conferences, universities, and other venues around the world.

Awards and Recognition

Lydia X. Z. Brown has received numerous awards and honors for their advocacy work. These include the White House Champions of Change award, the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) Paul G. Hearne Leadership Award, and the National Disability Mentoring Coalition's Susan M. Daniels Disability Mentoring Hall of Fame.

Personal Life

Brown identifies as non-binary and uses they/them pronouns. They are also openly queer and have been an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights within the disability community.

See Also

• Autism rights movement
• Disability rights movement
• Neurodiversity
• Intersectionality

External Links

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