Ric's Advocacy Consulting, LLC

In addition to his role as CEO of Ric’s Advocacy Consulting, Ric is the Executive Director of Peer Power and a dedicated advocate for disability rights and inclusion. His personal journey with cerebral palsy has shaped his life’s mission to empower individuals with disabilities and ensure they have a voice in society. Ric’s commitment to advocacy stems from a traumatic event shortly after birth. Born healthy, his life took an unexpected turn when a student nurse laid him face down, cutting off his oxygen supply. He was clinically dead for four and a half minutes before being revived, and the lack of oxygen caused him to acquire cerebral palsy. Despite this early challenge, Ric has spent his life breaking barriers and creating opportunities for others. Growing up, Ric experienced firsthand the physical and societal barriers faced by people with disabilities. Instead of allowing these obstacles to define him, he became driven to advocate for change. His deep understanding of the importance of self-advocacy, independence, and community support led him to work tirelessly to improve accessibility and inclusion for people with disabilities. In addition to leading Peer Power, Ric runs a successful consulting business that focuses on helping both individuals with disabilities and organizations that work with them. He provides expert guidance on how to include people with disabilities in organizational structures, particularly within nonprofit organizations. Ric specializes in consulting on how to ensure people with disabilities are represented on boards of directors and included in decision-making processes, helping organizations create more inclusive environments. Ric’s leadership also extends to organizing Disability Pride events in Alaska, particularly in Anchorage and the Kenai Peninsula. These events attract hundreds of participants each year and serve as a celebration of the resilience and contributions of the disability community. Ric’s work in these events has been vital in promoting greater awareness, fostering inclusion, and showcasing the talents and strengths of individuals with disabilities. Through his efforts, these events have become a platform for celebrating diversity and building community connections. Beyond his consulting work and advocacy, Ric has written a book about his experiences living with a disability. Unstoppable: The Ric Nelson Story offers insights into the lessons he has learned throughout his life, including the challenges he has faced and the triumphs he has achieved. His story serves as an inspiration to others, encouraging people to embrace their abilities, overcome obstacles, and advocate for themselves in a world that often overlooks them. Ric’s dedication to disability rights and community impact has earned him numerous awards, including Alaska’s Top 40 Under 40 in 2015, the Association of People Supporting EmploymentFirst Personal Achievement Award in 2016, and the Gold Key Award from the Key Coalition of Alaska in 2017 for his advocacy for individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. These recognitions highlight his unwavering commitment to creating positive change and amplifying the voices of those often left unheard. Academically, Ric holds a Master of Public Administration (MPA) with a focus on disability policy and a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. His education, combined with his lived experience, has equipped him with the knowledge and expertise to influence policy, improve accessibility, and drive meaningful change at both the local and national levels. Ric continues to be a powerful voice for change, working with policymakers, community leaders, and organizations to shape policies that promote accessibility, equality, and independence for individuals with disabilities. His work is rooted in his personal journey, but it extends far beyond, as he aims to create a world where everyone, regardless of ability, has the opportunity to live a full and meaningful life.