“I’m a fan of my fellow human being, I’m a fan of achievement. My mother’s hippie ways are deep within me. When I leave the world, I have the responsibility to leave it better.” ~ David Ervin

Right out of college at Penn State, David Ervin was hoping to find a job with a steady paycheck that could cover life’s essentials: car insurance and beer. Instead, what he found was a warm welcome into a community that transformed his life both professionally and personally.

David speaks passionately about how people who experience disabilities are part of the broad and sacred spectrum of what makes up humanity. He notes that there tends to be an urge to help those with disabilities out of a sense of pity. However in his experience, people with disabilities are definitely not charity cases. With reverence, David says, “I’ve learned so much from people with disabilities: grit, perseverance, bravado, the ability to find hidden strengths and snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.” He goes on to say, “The people I have worked with for over 40 years want opportunity just like I do. When given an opportunity, they succeed.”

David points out, need for each other is simply part of what unites us. He talks enthusiastically about how interdependent human beings are and views the act of offering people with disabilities help is no different than offering anyone else help.

Currently the CEO of Makom, David supports and empowers people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to achieve the quality of life to which they aspire. He is also Conscience of the Field Editor for Helen: The Journal on Human Exceptionality.

Tune in for this enriching conversation.

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**Video broadcast available** on YouTube @imperfectbest

**Learn more about Jason Freeman** at AwkwardlyAwesome.com