LAQUANDA CLARK
ABLE SOUTH CAROLINA
Lexington,SC
1
Language
14
years of professional experience
Accomplished Disability Rights and Independent Living Professional with 14 years of experience driving inclusion and accessibility for individuals with disabilities. Expertise in staff supervision, systems advocacy, and interagency collaboration enhances community integration. Proficient in implementing disability laws and developing inclusive practices to empower individuals toward greater independence and access to essential services.
Work History
Director of Independent Living Services
4 Years 4 Months- Led and supervised team of 7 staff, interns, and volunteers to enhance delivery of independent living services.
- Provide case management, consultation, and individualized support to people with disabilities.
- Train and mentor staff in the Independent Living philosophy, consumer choice, self-determination, and disability rights.
- Advocated for disability rights and equitable access, influencing policy changes across multiple systems and community settings.
- Collaborate with community agencies and service providers to address barriers affecting individuals with disabilities.
- Assist consumers transitioning from hospitals and other institutional settings to less restrictive, community-based environments.
- Educate individuals with disabilities and community partners regarding the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Fair Housing Act (FHA), and other disability-related laws and protections.
- Participate in statewide FoodShare committees and community initiatives addressing access and resource needs.
- Collaborated with community agencies and service providers to identify and reduce barriers impacting individuals with disabilities.
Independent Living Coordinator
1 Year- Supervised 6 staff, interns, and volunteers to enhance team effectiveness and service delivery.
- Coordinated independent living services, empowering consumers to develop essential skills for greater independence.
- Supervised 6 staff members, interns, and volunteers.
- Facilitated interagency training on cultural competency and effective service delivery for individuals with hearing disabilities.
- Supported collaboration among agencies to improve accessibility and service delivery.
- Presented at a professional conference on sustainable healthcare, equitable access to contraceptive care in South Carolina, and disability inclusion.
Lead Independent Living Specialist
6 Years- Supervised 3 staff members, interns, and volunteers to enhance service delivery and support team development.
- Managed caseload of approximately 40 consumers, delivering tailored independent living services that fostered autonomy and community involvement.
- Provided specialized education and advocacy related to healthcare navigation and home modifications.
- Supported staff development and service delivery consistent with the Independent Living philosophy.
- Connected consumers with vital resources and services to promote independence, accessibility, and active community participation.
- Supervised 3 staff members, interns, and volunteers.
Independent Living Specialist
2 Years 9 Months- Delivered individualized independent living services, empowering people with disabilities to enhance their quality of life.
- Oversaw caseload of 40 consumers, ensuring tailored support and resources for each individual.
- Facilitated healthcare navigation and home modifications, enhancing clients' access to necessary services.
- Provided specialized assistance and information regarding healthcare navigation and home modifications.
Education
Master of Arts - Government
Bachelor of Arts - English
Skills
Independent Living Services
Disability Rights Advocacy
ADA & Fair Housing Act Education
Case Management
Consumer Education
Systems Advocacy
ADA education
Cultural Awareness
Staff Supervision & Leadership
Cultural competency
Public speaking
Workshop Facilitation
Problem Solving
Progress Tracking
Interpersonal Communication
Accomplishments
- Disability Rights & Systems Advocacy: Advocate for individuals with disabilities across healthcare, housing, employment, education, transportation, and community service systems.
- Organizational Leadership: Progressed through four positions at Able South Carolina, advancing from Independent Living Specialist to Director of Independent Living Services while taking on increasing supervisory and organizational responsibilities.
- Staff Development: Train, mentor, and support staff in disability rights, independent living principles, consumer-directed services, accessibility, and culturally responsive practices.
- Community Integration: Support individuals transitioning from institutional and hospital settings into less restrictive, community-based environments.
- Public Speaking & Professional Training: Present to professional audiences on disability inclusion, cultural competence, accessibility, healthcare access, and creating inclusive environments.
- Interagency Collaboration: Work with government agencies, community organizations, healthcare providers, and other partners to address systemic barriers affecting people with disabilities.
- Consumer Empowerment: Educate individuals with disabilities about their rights, available resources, and strategies for achieving greater independence and self-determination.
- Disability Inclusion: Bring professional expertise and lived experience to advocacy efforts focused on removing barriers and ensuring people with disabilities are included in all aspects of community life.
HONORS & AWARDS
Employment Achievement Award — 2014, South Carolina Governor’s Committee on Employment for People with Disabilities
Languages
ASL
Full Professional
Timeline
Director of Independent Living Services
ABLE SOUTH CAROLINA
06.2022 - CurrentRead More
Independent Living Coordinator
ABLE SOUTH CAROLINA
06.2021 - 06.2022Read More
Lead Independent Living Specialist
ABLE SOUTH CAROLINA
06.2015 - 06.2021Read More
Independent Living Specialist
ABLE SOUTH CAROLINA
09.2012 - 06.2015Read More
Gardner-Webb University
Bachelor of Arts from English
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Regent University
Master of Arts from Government
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