Testimonials
International praise for Russell’s work in advocacy

“Motivated Us to Change the World!”
“Russell Lehmann is relatable, relevant, and real. He is honest about his past and optimistic about his future. He shares stories of heartbreak and breakthrough. He left our audience of professionals inspired to do hard things, challenged to persevere, and motivated to change the world!” /// Dave Bratcher, Director – The STAR Center, Jackson, TN

“Powerful and Inspiring”
“Russell keynoted our Speak Up and Speak Out Summit. With over 500 self-advocates in the audience, Russell’s message of hope and advocacy was powerful and inspiring, Hearing Russell’s story motivated the audience – if Russell could find success through all his struggles, so could they. He encouraged everyone to find their voice and speak up.” /// Janet Donahue – Director, Arc of Illinois

“An Authentic and Truly Great Motivational Speaker!”
“Russell keynoted the Oregon Statewide Transition Conference, connecting over 500 participants, made up of teachers and agencies who work with youth who experience disabilities throughout the state. The presentation was so helpful. Russell’s message was touching and inspiring to all the participants. His sincere and powerful life story, poems and journey is a great reminder of what some of our youth struggle with and how to better support them in their transition to adulthood. He is an authentic and truly great motivational speaker! Russell, you are a great inspiration for people to push themselves out of their comfort zone to grow!” /// Lisa Catherwood MS, LPC, CRC – Host Home Coordinator, State of Oregon Developmental Disabilities Services

“Standout Presentation”
“The WV Autism Training Center, located at Marshall University, delivers an annual conference designed to communicate current, relevant information about autism to those diagnosed, their families, and educators. Each Autism Across the Lifespan conference features voices of those from the autism community; in 2021 that voice was Russell Lehmann. Mr. Lehmann’s session – Triumph: Overcoming the Odds – was a standout presentation at the two-day event. Through his personal story Mr. Lehmann helped audience members understand challenges associated with autism and co-existing conditions, and recognize the need to teach resilience-building skills. Mr. Lehmann’s story reminds each of us to see value in each human being, and inspires us to work harder to develop deep, meaningful relationships with them.” /// Marc Ellison, Ed.D., LPC – Executive Director, West Virginia Autism Training Center