“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
“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
“Captivating and Authentic”
“Russell is a captivating and authentic speaker who brings passion, truth, hope and compassion to his work on the Nevada Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities and to his audience. He has the ability to bring everyone in the room into his experiences, painting a picture that allows the listener to imagine they were on his journey with him. When he spoke at our National Conference in Washington D.C. there wasn’t a dry eye in the house.” /// Kari Horn – Nevada Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities
“Left a Lasting Imprint”
“Russell presented at the YAI Autism Conference in New York in November 2018. He was the highlight of the day! Russell tells his story and he will touch your heart. He makes your see how critical it is to have someone believe in you and love you unconditionally, and how this human connection can make all the difference in helping someone grow. He received so much positive feedback from the attendees; we hope to get him to present again. Russell has left such an imprint on our heads and hearts.” /// Lisa Cornall – YAI Network
“Poignant, Raw, Real”
“Russell Lehmann’s presentation is not to be missed! Russell’s story is poignant, raw, and real with an uplifting message that lets everyone know that whatever you are coping with can be overcome with the right support, a lot of faith, and much love. I highly recommend him when you want or need someone who can share their story in a very authentic way and hit home the points that disability and mental health conditions should never be stigmatized or hidden away. When Russell spoke to my organization’s conference attendees the room was silent and I would be shocked if there was a single dry eye in the room. I firmly believe that everyone benefits from hearing Russell’s story.” /// Donna Meltzer – National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD)
“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)