ETB 28: In this episode I talk with Ricky Broussard, Self-Advocate, Peer Support Leader and all around great guy, who at the age of 10 had to move out of his family’s home and into a large facility for people with disabilities. Ricky lived in 4 different facilities over the next 29 years. He went from having most of his decisions made for him, to surrounding himself with people he knew and trusted to support him as he began to speak up for himself and advocate for changes in his life.
Today, Ricky lives in his own place, has an accessible van, hires his own support staff, manages his schedule and works full time at a job he loves. As a Peer Support Leader, Ricky works for Imagine Enterprises, training others on self-advocacy and self-determination. He’s traveled all over Texas, sharing his story and teaching others the importance of learning to advocate for themselves.
Ricky sits on various boards, speaks at state conferences, has won numerous awards and has presented his testimony at legislative sessions in Austin. He meets monthly with a group of self-advocates and is also a member of Toast Masters.
In 2013, the Ricky Broussard Act was signed into law. The law provides that improved and consistent transition services be available to high schoolers regardless of their school district, thus increasing the likelihood of graduates obtaining post-secondary education and employment opportunities.
Ricky believes anyone who wants to work, should be given every opportunity to do so. He encourages others with a disability to pursue meaningful employment and says, “All we need is support, an opportunity and a chance!”
This is part 1 of a 2 part series. Tune in next week for the second half of Ricky’s interview.
Arc of Texas
https://www.thearcoftexas.org/
Arc of the Gulf Coast
https://thearc.org/chapter/the-arc-of-the-gulf-coast/
Imagine Enterprises
https://www.imagine-enterprises.org/
Gulf-Coast Self-Advocates
https://www.facebook.com/gulfcoastselfadvocates/
What is Self-Advocacy/Texas Advocates
http://www.texadvocates.org/our-history/
Texas Council for Development Disabilities
https://tcdd.texas.gov/
The Ricky Broussard Act:
https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.tcase.org/resource/resmgr/Bill_Summaries/HB_617_Bill_Summary.pdf
The Arc of Texas 2021 Virginia Eernisse Legacy Award Winner – Ricky Broussard:
https://www.thearcoftexas.org/get-informed/newsroom/the-arc-of-texas-2021-virginia-eernisse-legacy-award-recipient-announced/
Connect with Ricky:
ricky.broussard@imagine-enterprises.org
Connect with Sandy:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/sandydeppisch
Embrace the Blessing Facebook Group: http://bit.ly/ETB4ME
Website: http://www.embracetheblessing.com/