Keynote Discussion: Advocacy is for Everyone
Liz Weintraub has served as a Fellow for Senator Casey of Pennsylvania, working in her DC Office where she helped lead the way on disability policy. Senator Casey said, "Liz has shown the Senate how important it is to have staff members who have developmental and intellectual disabilities. She's helped reshape the culture of the Senate." Liz has also shared her personal experience as a woman with disabilities in many venues, including written and oral testimony for Senate Committees on the topic of civil rights of people with disabilities.
Prior to coming to AUCD, Liz worked for the Council on Quality & Leadership (CQL). Liz is an alumni of the LEND training program at the Center for Leadership in Disability at Georgia State University. Liz was a past chair of the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council. Liz has received numerous awards, recognition, and commendations for her work. Liz enjoys mentoring people with disabilities.
Prior to retiring in 2020, Scott Badesch had a professional career of over 45 years during which time he served as the President/CEO of the United Way of South Carolina, United Way of Palm Beach County, Florida and Autism Society of America. Scott came out of retirement in 2024 to serve as the senior policy advisor to US Congressman Chris Smith to help spearhead the successful passage of the 2024 Reauthorization of the Autism CARES Act. Scott spends his retirement days volunteering for Hope North Carilina, UNC’s School of Social Work, FedsForward and Lincoln Park Community Services. He is the proud grandfather to three grandchildren and father to four adult children. Scott and his wife Phyllis Badesch have been married for 42 years and reside in Chapel Hill, NC.
Liz Weintraub
Senior Advocacy Specialist, Policy and Advocacy
Association of University Centers on Disabilities
Scott Badesch
Former President/CEO
Autism Society of America

