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Lancaster Art Vault

April 17 @ 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm

Join Friendship Community for a meaningful panel discussion exploring the resources, opportunities, and collaborations available within the arts community for Individuals with Intellectual Disability and Autism.

 

MEET OUR PANELISTS 

Joseph Roach - Artist

Joseph is an artist who is autistic who turned to art as a way to navigate the challenges of school, loneliness, and feeling misunderstood. Through creativity, Joseph found a powerful form of self-expression that speaks when words fall short. Art has not only helped him process emotions but has also opened doors to connection, purpose, and community. Today, Joseph continues to grow as an artist with dreams of inspiring others and creating spaces where neurodiverse artists feel seen, supported, and valued.

Jessica Schweers - Associate Director of Operations at Friendship Community

Jessica has spent over 20 years supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities, many of them through her work at Friendship Community. She’s a passionate advocate for creative expression as a vital tool for building confidence, independence, and joy. Jessica believes that true inclusion means valuing every individual’s gifts—and she works to create spaces where both people and possibilities can thrive.

Chrissy Ansari - LSW, School Social Worker, and Therapist

Chrissy brings over a decade of compassionate leadership supporting youth and families. With deep knowledge of navigating school systems, they help families find the right resources and advocate effectively for their loved ones. Passionate about building bridges between families and professionals, they also champion support for the dedicated educators, therapists, and program staff who make inclusive programs possible.

Sugey Cruz - Filmmaker & Advocate

Sugey Cruz is a dedicated advocate and storyteller amplifying neurodiverse voices through film, tech, and community work. He co-founded The Tommy Foundation, produced the Oscar-qualifying documentary The US of Autism, and co-created Bestie Bot, a tech tool supporting independent living for autistic individuals. His work blends innovation and advocacy to inspire real, inclusive change.

 

This event is free and open to the public!

Click here to learn more.

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