The Table

HOSTED BY

Ian Allan & Rob Hudson

Ian Allan is a disability self-advocate whose work is grounded in the belief that lived experience is a form of expertise and a catalyst for systemic change. Engaging with policy and service structures through both critical inquiry and personal insight, he works not only to navigate these systems but to challenge and refine them. Through his work with The Arc of Northern Virginia, he amplifies the voices of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities advancing efforts that position them not as passive recipients of services but as active participants in shaping more accountable, inclusive, and equitable systems.

For those interested in exploring Ian’s work, advocacy, and professional contributions in greater depth, or in connecting with him directly, please visit his LinkedIn profile here.

Rob Hudson’s advocacy on behalf of his daughter, Schuyler, who has a rare disorder called polymicrogyria, has guided his personal philosophy for the past twenty years. He published a memoir, Schuyler’s Monster, with St. Martin’s Press in 2008. Rob has written for a number of publications and has presented, with Schuyler, at numerous disability and assistive technology conferences. Their message is one of hope, and most of all the belief that disability rights are human rights.

Rob works in the Communications and Community Relations department at The Arc of Northern Virginia in support of Advocacy efforts and other programs and projects of the chapter. In 2023, he was appointed as a Frank Trippett Advocacy and Outreach Fellow. He spent fourteen years working in communications at The University of Texas at Arlington and has also worked in special education for the Fairfax County Public Schools.