Julie James

Julie James’ professional experience in the disability world began when she found herself the mother of four children with disabilities over twenty years ago. She then changed course from languages, translation, literature, and teaching, to a new frontier in disability advocacy. While still living in Vermont, Julie was on a team for the Rural Autism Project with the University of Vermont. After moving to Massachusetts, she was a fellow in the Leadership Education in Developmental Disabilities (LEND) program through the UMass Medical School Shriver Center. She worked for the Association for Developmental Disabilities Providers, then became an Options Counselor for the Metrowest Center for Independent Living Center for several years, developing a program to assist people trying to avoid institutional placement, and providing outreach to the community. She took this experience to consular work and to a consulting firm where she could also use her language skills. While she enjoyed working in international companies, her love of work in the disability world brought her to Special Needs Companies, where she provides case management and support around public benefits and advocacy.