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Cary Girl Scout Helps Advocate for people with disabilities
August 2010
Tia Holmes of Cary, N.C., recently participated in the National Summit on Disability Policy in Washington, D.C. Holmes is the daughter of Katie Holmes and is a member of Girl Scout Troop #1323. She was the only child asked to participate in the conference.
"It was inspiring to be in a place where people of all abilities came together to discuss, collaborate and build ideas on how the U.S. government can promote inclusion in schools, communities and work places," Holmes said.
The summit commemorated the 20th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act and focused on ways to improve the coordination of disability policies, programs and advocacy efforts. During the summit, Holmes participated in a panel discussion on "Living Learning and Earning: Snapshots from the Field." She also introduced Martha Kanter, Under Secretary, U.S. Department of Education, to a group of more than 400 people.
"My experience at the ADA summit was a life-changing event. I was able to meet some people who are very big advocates for the rights of people with disabilities. Seeing people of all different 'abilities' fighting for inclusion really inspired me to pursue a dream of public speaking for inclusion of people with disabilities," Holmes said.
Among the people Holmes met and spoke with was Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives. Holmes also had the opportunity to attend a reception at the White House where she heard President Barack Obama speak and Patti LaBelle sing.
"One thing that also inspired me to become an advocate was listening to Nancy Pelosi and President Obama speak about the future plans on how the U.S. plans to promote and signify the importance of inclusion of those who are disabled."
"I was very pleased that the government is ready to fight for rights that should already be rights. The ADA has changed my life, along with many others’ lives, and I hope that this is only the beginning," Holmes said.
Holmes is an eighth grader at Martin Middle School in Raleigh. At school, Holmes has been a member of the student council, Peer Mediators, National Junior Honor Society, Odyssey of the Mind, and has performed in two musical productions. She is vice president of Girl Scout Troop #1323 and volunteers with homeless families at The Carying Place.
Earlier this year Holmes participated in the National Youth Inclusion Summit, where she and 19 other 12- to 20-year-old youth leaders developed an advocacy campaign to build awareness and support for the full social and educational inclusion of people with disabilities. Holmes also spoke at Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation’s annual volunteer meeting. She will join the Inclusion Initiative advisory panel for Girl Scouts – North Carolina Coastal Pines this fall.
The National Inclusion Project, Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation, and Girl Scouts of the USA were among the many partners of the National Youth Inclusion Summit and support the Girl Scouts – North Carolina Coastal Pines initiative.
About Girl Scouts of the USA
Founded in 1912, Girl Scouts of the USA is the preeminent leadership development organization for girls with 3.3 million girl and adult members worldwide. Girl Scouting is the leading authority on girls’ healthy development, and builds girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place.
About Girl Scouts – North Carolina Coastal Pines
Girl Scouts – North Carolina Coastal Pines serves more than 32,000 girl members and nearly 10,000 adult members in 41 central and eastern North Carolina counties (Beaufort, Bladen, Brunswick, Carteret, Chatham, Columbus, Craven, Cumberland, Duplin, Durham, Edgecombe, Franklin, Granville, Greene, Halifax, Harnett, Hoke, Johnston, Jones, Lee, Lenoir, Martin, Moore, Nash, New Hanover, Northampton, Onslow, Orange, Pamlico, Pender, Person, Pitt, Richmond, Robeson, Sampson, Scotland, Vance, Wake, Warren, Wayne, and Wilson). The council’s administrative headquarters is located in Raleigh, with additional program and service centers located in Fayetteville and Goldsboro. For more information on membership or volunteer opportunities, call 919-782-3021 or visit www.nccoastalpines.org.
 
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