Jack Brandt Studios

Recent James Madison University political science and philosophy graduate Jack Brandt has never let youth or his disability stand in his way, especially when it comes to advocacy for himself and others with disabilities. Despite a brain injury at birth and cerebral palsy, Jack has enthusiastically pursued education, achievement, and opportunities to help others.

An alumnus of the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council´s Partners in Policymaking advocacy and leadership program, Jack is an active board member at Valley Associates for Independent Living in Harrisonburg where he plays a vital role in establishing and advancing the agenda of its advocacy group and serves as a role model for others. At VAIL, he initiated a "get out the vote" campaign, issues action alerts on important issues, develops policy positions, and encourages others to become more active in the political process.

At JMU, Jack was recognized for his academic achievements, studied the impact of disability legislation on the formation of advocacy groups, and identified and developed grants for the university. As an American Association for People with Disabilities´ Congressional Intern for U.S. Senator Michael Enzi of Wyoming, Jack analyzed new federal regulations that affect people with disabilities. At Jack´s urging and with his assistance, the university restructured its lecture-based health policy course into a program of self-directed study, which became a regular offering during the 2006-2007 academic year.

Jack has petitioned the state and federal legislatures for policy changes expanding community supports, including full implementation of the U.S. Supreme Court´s "Olmstead" decision calling for greater self-determination and opportunities for people with disabilities to live in the least restrictive environments. Turning his words into actions, Jack serves as a peer mentor and counselor at VAIL, helping to identify, encourage, and support individuals with a desire to transition to community-living settings.

During his tenure as a 2006 Governor´s Fellow, working with the Office of Community Integration, Jack further distinguished himself as a scholar and advocate with broad knowledge and skills in local, state, and federal policy. He drafted a large portion of Virginia´s annual community integration status report, analyzed the state budget for its impact on people with disabilities, and participated in the Governor´s Hurricane Preparedness Task Force. Jack remains very active in state policy as a community volunteer and advocate, assisting in the development of Virginia´s emergency response plans for people with disabilities and helping to draft Virginia's interagency "Money Follows the Person" proposals to the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

Jack has also found the time to develop his skills as an artist and use his artwork in his advocacy, encouraging others to fully develop their abilities and pursue their dreams. He takes advantage of frequent opportunities to address disability professionals and advocates across Virginia and the nation and has already won numerous awards for his dedication, enthusiasm, and achievements.

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