Sondra Williams, Program Developer for the S.P.E.A.K.S. Art Program
Keynote Speaker Sondra Williams is an adult with autism and a leader for autistic people nationwide. She was non-speaking for most of her early years. By age 13 she went into crisis and was locked into institutional care in multiple mental health facilities. Abandoned by her family, she endured significant trauma and abuse. Sondra survived, educated herself and today is a sought-after national speaker on autism, disability and trauma. She sits on local, state and national boards. In 2013 she received the Courage Award from the Governor of Ohio for her outstanding work as an advocate and mentor to those living with autism, including cultivating young autistic leaders for tomorrow. In 2016 she received the Impact Award for her work in the area of trauma and disabilities. Sondra is the Program Developer for the S.P.E.A.K.S. Art Program. She is married and the mother of 4 adult children and a granddaughter, who are also living with ASD.