Derek I. Schmitz (they/he) is a queer, chronically ill, and disabled advocate, storyteller, and community-centered professional, focused on LGBTQ & disabled rights expansion. They hold an Associates of Applied Sciences in Paralegal Studies and are continuing their education in pursuit of a Bachelor of Science in Medical Sociology.  

Derek has been an avid advocate for disability rights since they were in third grade, developing presentations to share with classmates regarding their use of mobility aids. In the years since, they have continued to commit themself to education and awareness of disability issues, especially in the special education and public health spaces. Since 2020, they have expanded their focus to include queer issues and highlight the unique intersectionality between queerness and disability. Derek develops and delivers workshops and presentations on these topics to government agencies, non-profits, legislators, fellow advocates, and students. 

Presently, in addition to their academic endeavors, they serve as a member of the American Public Health Association’s Disability Justice Advisory Board and engage in freelance opportunities for presentation, inclusivity consultation, individual advocacy, and health communications.  

Notable past experience includes Derek’s service as a Fellow and Working Group Member for the Center for Advancing Policy on Employment for Youth, advising states on transition initiatives and presenting on intersectionality, disability supports, special education, and transition services. In this role, they developed valuable connections with leaders throughout all fifty states and assisted in the writing and publication of multiple policy briefs. For their commitment to this work, they were recognized by the United States Department of Labor Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP). Additionally, Derek served as the Paralegal Intern for Disability Rights Maryland’s Developmental Disability and Healthcare team, where they blended personal experience and legal knowledge to effectively assist clients.  

Overall, Derek Schmitz is a committed and passionate individual who has demonstrated their ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders and drive initiatives forward. Their work in advocacy and education has helped bring awareness to disability issues and intersectionality with other social justice issues.