Colton is a 2023 LEND Advocacy trainee.  He will focus his time in the LEND program learning more about the policies and systems that govern and drive access to supports and services for individuals with disabilities and their families.  He will use this new knowledge to improve the advocacy and public policy work he has been engaged in for years.  Colton is also considering a position in a medical setting perhaps in pediatrics.

Colton graduated from Duquesne University in 2023 with a focus in Performing Arts and Theater Production.  This degree comes in handy when speaking to large groups and testifying before government agencies in his advocacy work.  Colton was the first student with Intellectual Disabilities to live independently on campus and graduate from Duquesne.  In the past 9 years Colton has presented at more than 20 local, state and national conferences.  His primary areas of interest include competitive employment, building social capital and developing authentic relationships, living real lives in the community and advocacy.

Colton is an advisory board member of two local and one national non-profit and active in his community.  He lives in Pittsburgh.