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Our community is deeply saddened by the passing of our friend and colleague, Perri Spencer, yet we are profoundly grateful for everything he gave us. When someone shares as generously of their time, wisdom, heart, and lived experience as Perri did, they leave an indelible mark on an organization such as NASDDDS. Perri was more than a national advocate and a member of The Link Center Steering Committee, he was a leader, a mentor, and a powerful teacher to us all. Through his authentic advocacy and his fierce passion to make life better for others, he taught our organization and many others what could be possible by better understanding people with diverse abilities and the rich contributions they bring. His voice embodied what true empathy and advocacy looks like, and we are forever changed by what he taught us.
They ignored the thousand symphonies
Playing in my head
They only call me gifted
And label me instead.
Some people don't see my weaknesses
Just see my strengths gleaming overhead
All they see is gifted
So they label me instead.
Not knowing how I really feel
Exhausted and half dead.
They still just call me gifted
And label me instead
Some people don't see the real me-
Just my smart head
That's why they call me gifted and label me instead
~ Perri Spencer
Join us in striving to honor Perri not just to remember his words, but to live out his vision. Moving forward, we commit to listening harder, reaching deeper, and doing better by actively honoring, supporting, and centering people’s voices in every space we occupy. Let us carry his voice and passion into our daily work, making space for true understanding and fierce commitment.
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