Bending the Arc: Because the Universe is Not Going to Get to Justice Without Us

Kathy Flaherty, J.D.

This keynote will address cultural competency issues for attorneys and advocates working with people with lived experience with the mental health system. Ms. Flaherty discusses her interactions with the mental health and legal systems as a recipient of services (both voluntarily and involuntarily), as a client of a court-appointed attorney, as an advocate, and in her current position as Executive Director of Connecticut Legal Rights Project.

Goal/outcome: It is hoped that participants in this session will recognize the power of individual stories and the importance of centering people with lived experience in effective systems advocacy.