Nicole LeBlanc
Nicole LeBlanc is a dedicated disability policy advocate and Self Advocate Advisor at TASH: Equity, Opportunity, and Inclusion for People with Disabilities Since 1975, based in Silver Spring, Maryland. With nearly two decades of experience in public policy and advocacy, she has built a career centered on advancing the rights, inclusion, and economic security of people with disabilities and other vulnerable communities. Her work spans critical issue areas such as Medicaid and Medicare policy, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), disability employment, housing, education, and health disparities. Known for her commitment to equity and systems change, Nicole collaborates with organizations that strive to create sustainable, inclusive supports for individuals and families in need.
Nicole began her advocacy journey in 2007 as the Advocacy Director for Green Mountain Self-Advocates, where she spent over eight years empowering individuals with disabilities to speak up for themselves and influence policy. She later expanded her impact through prestigious fellowships and internships, including work with The Arc of the United States and the Autism Society of America, as well as a SARTEC Fellowship at the National Disability Rights Network. During this time, she authored Disability Employment Policy 101, advocating for competitive integrated employment and “real jobs for real pay.” Nicole has also contributed to national policy conversations, including speaking at a press conference led by Bernie Sanders on the importance of home- and community-based services in healthcare reform.
In addition to her policy work, Nicole is a writer, public speaker, and artist who uses multiple platforms to amplify disability voices and promote inclusion. As a fellow with Women's eNews, she publishes articles on disability justice, while her freelance art studio showcases social justice-themed artwork. Her advocacy is grounded in principles such as dignity of risk, self-determination, and trauma-sensitive care. Recognized for her leadership, she received the David Joyce Advocate of the Year Award from the Autism Society of America and the Steve Bartlett Award from RespectAbility. Through her ongoing work, Nicole continues to champion policies and practices that ensure people with disabilities can live, work, and thrive in their communities.
• Professional Development Certificate
• Vermont LEND Program (graduated 2018
• First self-advocate to complete remotely)
• UVM Succeed Program
• General Studies Certificate
• Community College of Vermont (CCV) coursework: Intro to Case Management
• Intro to Human Services
• Intro to Public Policy and Social Justice
• Regular college classes at UVM
• 100-plus hour internship in Iceland and Ireland with AAIDD delegation
• David Joyce Advocate of the Year Award (2019)
• Steven Bartlett Award (Disability Belong)
• Featured in book chapter on consent and decision making (AAIDD National Goals Summit)
• Self Advocates Becoming Empowered
• Green Mountain Self-Advocates
• AUCD
• The Arc of the United States
• NDRN
• AAIDD
• Disability Belong
• Autism Society (Howard County)
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a strong commitment to disability advocacy, built through years of experience, education, and leadership development. I began in 2007 as Advocacy Director for Green Mountain Self-Advocates, later expanding my policy expertise through national fellowships with AUCD, the Autism Society of America, and the National Disability Rights Network, where I authored Disability Employment Policy 101 promoting competitive integrated employment. My work has centered on advancing opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including participating in federal policy discussions and speaking at a Bernie Sanders press conference on the importance of home and community-based services; I was also honored with the 2019 David Joyce Advocate of the Year Award. Through programs such as Vermont LEND and the University of Vermont SUCCEED program, I have continued to strengthen my leadership, and I remain dedicated to advocating for equitable access to services and full community inclusion.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received is to be persistent—don’t be afraid to be a “broken record.” Consistently reinforcing your message, advocating for your goals, and staying committed even when progress feels slow can make a meaningful difference over time. Persistence ensures that important issues are heard and helps drive lasting impact.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field right now is ensuring equitable access to home and community-based services, as many individuals—including myself—face repeated barriers to eligibility despite clear needs. At the same time, there are significant opportunities to drive systemic change through advocacy and public awareness. I’ve been actively engaging with the media and speaking at events to challenge ableism, including harmful language and policies that threaten Medicaid and disability services. A major priority is shifting away from “low expectation syndrome” toward presuming competence and recognizing that anyone can become part of the disability community. We must also address disparities in healthcare, reduce the high rates of abuse and bullying, and end segregation by creating inclusive, trauma-informed communities. In employment, there is a clear opportunity to move toward skills-based hiring that focuses on individual strengths rather than traditional requirements, helping to break down persistent discrimination and create more inclusive workplaces.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are connection, balance, and positivity. I prioritize staying active through activities like speed walking, hiking, horseback riding, and ice skating, as well as making time for travel and meaningful moments with family and friends. I value humor and joy, especially in the playful relationship I share with my sister, and I enjoy bonding with my family over shared interests like watching NFL games. In my professional life, I deeply value mentorship and look up to leaders like Kim Musheno, whose calm, knowledgeable, and grounded approach to policy work inspires me to remain focused, resilient, and authentic in everything I do.