Community Feature: Brittany Howard

“We Are Valued, We Are Here, And We’re Not Going Anywhere.” 

The Arc of Spokane sat down with Brittany Howard, a member of the Community Center, and asked her to share a little about herself. Howard enjoys building friendships, exploring new interests, and is passionate about advocating for disability rights.

Howard’s full, self-directed life reflects a key part of The Arc’s mission: people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) have the right to make their own choices, participate in everyday community life, and be treated with respect. March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, and the best way to celebrate is by listening to the lived experience of individuals with IDD. 

Howard has lived in her adult family home for 15 years. She describes the caregivers as “kind of like my mom and dad,” and she feels supported while still having independence. There are eight women in total living in the home, but Howard said it doesn’t feel crowded at all. “It’s kind of like I have my own cool apartment. I have my own space, but I can hang out with my roommates when I want to.” 

She often visits the Indian Trail Library. “These days, I don’t have time to sit down and read at home, so I don’t check out as many books as I used to. But I still like to go to the library because they have computers I can use,” said Howard. Another reason Howard enjoys the library is being around other people. “It’s usually quiet, and I really like being around everyone while I learn about new topics on the computers.”  

Howard’s experience reflects a core part of The Arc’s mission: people with IDD deserve access to community life, independence, and meaningful relationships.

Theater, Friendship, and Spokane Programs That Support Inclusion

Brittany (Right) and Justin (Left) in the arts and crafts room at the Community Center

The arts play a major role in Howard’s week. She participates in GUSR, a Gonzaga University program in which students and adults with IDD form friendships, show respect, and offer mutual support. Justin Ostberg, one of The Arc’s Community Center Specialists, volunteers at GUSR. “I think it’s cool that I get to see him twice. Here at the [Community] Center, and then at GUSR.” For Howard, the highlight of GUSR is participating in the weekly theater practices and performing in the show at the end of each semester. 

In addition to GUSR, Howard is also an active member of My Turn Theater, where people with IDD lead full productions with support from volunteer stage partners. “I really like My Turn Theater,” Howard said. “Last year, I played Bonzai in The Lion King.” Bonzai is one of Scar’s Hyena henchmen, and Bonzai was her Dad’s favorite character from The Lion King. “My Dad has been in heaven for 16 years. Bonzai was his favorite. Playing that role made me feel closer to him.” She said Ostberg came to watch her show, and it was really special to her. “He came just for me. He didn’t have to. It made me really happy.” 

This spring, My Turn Theater will audition for Frozen. Howard intends to try out for Olaf or Anna, two roles she thinks would be fun, energetic, and full of personality. 

Howard also spends time at the Wolf Den Recreation Center. In this place, adults with IDD can relax, meet friends, and take part in activities that build social, job, and independent living skills while fostering a strong sense of community. 

Speaking Up for Inclusion 

While Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month is a great time to highlight progress and celebrate inclusion, it is also an opportunity to identify the work that still needs to be done. Howard shared some experiences that show exactly why it is so important to build communities that welcome everyone. 

“I think there needs to be a lot more eye-opening for the average person,” Howard said. “I still get weird looks…I feel like I get talked down to. People treat me like I don’t understand or treat me like a little kid or like I’m less than.” 

Howard says she prefers to focus on the positives in life, but that every day isn’t sunshine. She shared a moment from a trip to the grocery store near her home. She and two housemates often like to shop on their own, and while they were browsing, one housemate accidentally bumped into a woman in the aisle. They apologized quickly, but the woman became upset. 

Their caregiver stepped in to help defuse the situation, and during the exchange, Howard overheard the woman say, “Why do you even let those people in public?” 

Brittany says that encounters like those stay with her. Not because they define her, but because they show how much advocacy is still needed. 

“I want to use my voice to let the rest of the world know that we are just like them,” she says. “We just learn differently or experience the world differently. I want people to know that we are valued, we are here, and we’re not going anywhere.” 

Building a More Inclusive Spokane Together 

Howard’s story brings the goals of DD Awareness Month into clear focus by showing how inclusion grows through real experiences and everyday interactions. Her commitment to staying engaged, speaking up, and choosing spaces where she feels valued reflects what true community life can look like for people with IDD in Spokane. By sharing her joy, her challenges, and her hopes for better understanding, Howard invites everyone to consider their role in building a more welcoming community where everyone is respected, heard, and able to participate fully. Her voice reminds us that inclusion is ongoing work that begins with listening.