Speaker Series: Russell Lehmann
We recently had the privilege of hosting Russell Lehmann, a renowned motivational speaker, poet, and disability advocate, as part of our Annual Fund Speaker Series. Diagnosed with autism, Russell overcame significant hardships to become an influential advocate for autism awareness, mental health, and disabilities. Lehmann's visit was a resounding success, leaving a lasting impact on the AISG community through his powerful workshops and presentations.
Workshops and Presentations
During his visit, Russell Lehmann conducted a series of engaging workshops tailored for different groups within the AISG community, including caregivers, students from Grade 4 to Grade 12, and faculty. His presentations focused on several key themes:
Finding Success Through Struggle
Lehmann shared his personal journey of overcoming adversity, highlighting how struggles can be transformative and lead to success. His message emphasized resilience and the importance of embracing challenges as opportunities for growth.
From Excluded to Included
Through his own experiences of isolation and reintegration, Lehmann provided insights into the challenges faced by those often left behind by society. He shared hard-won lessons on resilience and the importance of creating inclusive environments.
Inclusion: Not Just “in” the Community, but “of” the Community
Lehmann challenged the notion of inclusion as a passive goal, advocating for a culture where everyone feels valued and belongs. He emphasized that inclusion is a daily practice that requires active engagement and commitment from all members of the community.
Bringing Visibility to Invisible Disabilities
Lehmann shed light on the often unseen impact of invisible disabilities, providing valuable insights on how understanding these conditions can reshape interactions and support systems. His presentation encouraged empathy and inclusivity, fostering a deeper understanding of neurodiversity.
Russell Lehmann's visit was met with enthusiasm and appreciation from the AISG community. His presentations were not only informative but also deeply personal, creating a strong connection with the audience. By sharing his experiences and perspectives, Lehmann inspired attendees to reflect on their own roles in promoting inclusivity and understanding, aligning perfectly with our school’s commitment to fostering a culture of belonging and inclusion.
Our Speaker Series brings extraordinary speakers from all over the world to share their expertise with the AISG community. This is made possible by donations to our Annual Fund. Click here to learn more about our Speaker Series.