Dorothy Clark
Where I Live: Virginia Beach
About Me:
My name is Dorothy Clark. I live in my own apartment, where I make my own decisions. I am a Christian. I am a member of London Baptist Church. I love to sing and was in the choir when London Bridge had a choir. I am a member of a self-advocacy group, Our Voices. I am a board member of the Hope House Foundation. I have been serving on the board since 2005-present. I am an artist and I have had my art in the Stockley Gardens Arts Festival. I served on the Virginia Board for Persons with Disabilities from 2007-2012. I was a co-teacher for the Peer-to-Peer Mentoring Program, which was utilized to transition people with disabilities out of institutions like training centers. I like to teach/help people understand what their rights are as a person with disabilities. As a person who has Autism, I like to help all people with disabilities advocate for themselves to live a good quality of life of their choosing, regardless of the severity of their disability. I am a graduate of the Partners in Policymaking Class of 2022.
Hobbies & Interests:
I love to sing. I love to draw. It brings me joy to hear that a person with disabilities got a job, got their driver’s license, moved into their own place or got married. I search stories about these things online, on the news and in magazines. I collect the article even if I don’t know the person. I collect soft blankets. I like riding my bike.
Mentor Skills
Helping others find resources. I am a good listener. I am good at role playing. I am good at taking notes. Helping others come up with ideals to help them meet their goals. I am a good public speaker. I already have experience in peer mentoring. I know when I should step back and not get into topics that can be controversial to my Christian beliefs without being judgmental. I have skills in teamwork.
Areas of Expertise
I am a great peer and self-advocate. I am great at pencil drawings of animals. I am great at getting things done on time. I am good at encouraging others. I am not a quitter. I am good at helping others find resources. I am a good public speaker.
Communication
I use spoken word and sometimes role playing.
Other
I am working on getting my driver’s license and educating people that people with disabilities can live, work, and play in the community