Andy Padilla is a proud dyslexic, a peer with psychiatric disabilities, and an advocate for the inclusion of young people with disabilities. He has served as TCIL’s youth coordinator since December 2022. While attending Cal Poly Humboldt, he was honored with the Excellence in Community Service award for his efforts in making education and volunteer opportunities more accessible for his peers with disabilities. His advocacy is intertwined with his career and extends to local and national levels, particularly in promoting the inclusion of people with disabilities in parks.
Andy actively contributes to the Humboldt Youth Suicide Prevention Network and Del Norte’s Youth Wellness Summit, fostering resilience alongside youth community members. Additionally, Andy is an expert on disability history, an amateur poet, and a budding photographer of disability culture.