“Powerful Message”
“I have wanted to say how significantly you impacted all of us as our keynote speaker for our Rhode Island 10th Anniversary Student Dare to Dream (D2D) Conference. As situations arise through life, work, and community connections, reflecting back on your words of encouragement and inspiration in your powerful message that you have to keep going and work through it provides such hope for anyone who has walked or will walk the road you have traveled. We truly thank you.” /// Colleen Polselli – Rhode Island Department of Health
“The Power of Story”
“The power of story! Russell’s keynote address to our 6th Annual Autism Conference moved and inspired 160 parents, professionals, and adults on the spectrum. Standing ovation! Our conference planning for next year has begun and we want Russell back.” /// Bill Weismann – Lewis County Autism Coalition
“Challenging Boundaries”
“Russell reinforced why I am committed to serving students with disabilities. His story inspires, and confirmed for me that the possibilities for the students we serve are without boundaries.” /// Carol Beitler – Broward County School District
“Strong Insight”
“Wow, very powerful, so much tough stuff… So much heart, and also such a strong insight!” /// Andy Faletti – Supported Life Institute
“Moving Us Forward”
“Inspirational speaker who shares the ups and downs of his life journey while embodying strong self-advocacy and the will to move us all forward in the disability rights movement.” /// Ed Holen – Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council
“Every Teacher Should Hear Him Speak”
“We had the pleasure of having Russell speak at our autism conference last fall. He is a remarkable person with an amazing story to tell. I was inspired by his presentation and have really enjoyed his book. Every middle school and high school student (and teacher!) should hear him speak.” /// Judith Bailey-Hung – Young Adult Institute (YAI) – New York
“Touched Our Hearts and Gave Hope to Us All”
“Russell Lehmann touched our hearts with his personal story at the Stanford Neurodiversity Summit. He transformed his personal struggles to passion and strength. The neurodiverse community – neurodivergent people, their families, mental health providers, educators, service providers – was inspired by Russell’s resilience and motivated by his powerful and genuine poems. Thank you, Russell, for sharing your gifts and giving hope to us all.” /// Lawrence Fung, MD, PhD – Director, Stanford Neurodiversity Project
“Much Needed Perspective for Our Research”
“Russell gave an inspiring talk about his experience living with autism spectrum disorder and other mental health comorbidities to our master’s students at USC. As brain researchers, we are frequently detached from the experiences of individuals like Russell, making it easy to disconnect with the overarching purpose and significance of the types of knowledge gaps that brain research is trying to address. Russell’s testimony was refreshing, informative, approachable, and a much-needed alternate perspective of what it means to live with a neurological condition.” /// Lauren Salminen, PhD – Instructor of Research, Neurology, University of Southern California
“Stirring Presentation”
“Russell Lehmann offers a stirring presentation that leaves you feeling inspired and awed. He vulnerably shares his experiences and reminds you to show compassion and a commitment to truly honoring people and their choices.” /// Anne Tapia – Regional Autism Advisory Council – Cincinnati
“Intriguing Story”
“Russell Lehmann’s intriguing story and sincere presentation captured our staff’s attention. He brought challenges and issues that we see on a daily basis to life, increasing our insight and understanding. He also provided staff tips that will increase their skills and ability to work with individuals facing similar challenges. I found his story and ability to turn his challenges into strengths inspiring, and motivating and encouraging for individuals worldwide as each person faces their own.” /// Kara Lang – Nevada Vocational Rehabilitation
“Highly Recommended”
“Russell spoke about his own courage, persistence and resilience. I highly recommend him as a speaker. Inspiring guy!” /// Steve Degnan – Nestle Purina PetCare North America – St. Louis
“A Voice for The Silent”
“I had the pleasure of experiencing Russell’s presentation as part of the Nevada Association for School Psychologists (NVASP) lecture series. His heartfelt, honest testimonial and poetry struck a chord and echoed true to professional experiences perceived over the years. His perspectives added another layer to my helping skills arsenal. What was most refreshing to hear was Russell lending a voice to those students who are silent.” /// Emma Dickinson – Nevada Association for School Psychologists (NVASP)