Edward Esbeck has always been a leader and champion for people living with disabilities. Even as a child living in Uganda, he walked out of a classroom when he was not being provided an appropriate education. Prior to being adopted by his dad Craig in 2007, Edward lived in an orphanage. After being adopted, his two brothers and dad stayed in Uganda until they decided to come to Iowa in 2014 to be near Craig’s family in Tipton. One of the main reasons they decided to move was so Edward could get a better education and have more job choices.
Currently, Edward works at the University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD) as a Self-Advocacy Coordinator. In his position, he educates professionals and students on how to be their own advocates. He travels to area high schools as well as holds sessions at the UCEDD. “It’s important they (people with disabilities) find their voice. They need to be ok to advocate for their needs in the community.”
One of the many examples that Edward gives on finding his voice was when he was in high school and had a job coach at Hy-Vee. He learned the job quickly and so he “fired” his job coach. He lets people know it is ok to stand up for what they want. As he states, “If they offer you more than you need, you can say no.”
Edward has gone back to Uganda as an adult to study disability services in the country and to teach people about advocacy. “People are scared to share their voice in Uganda. They might be criticized and so they don’t act on it.” While in the country, Edward was invited back to his old school to discuss disabilities and help with understanding and awareness. In Uganda, people with disabilities are removed from most community life.
As a person of color with a disability, Edward discussed his own fears while being in this country the past four years when racial tensions heated up. He was worried that something might happen to him if he got too loud. He states he feels better about it now and is again sharing his voice. “I’m a part of this community and it is ok to be heard.”
Edward lives in Iowa City and has been served by Systems Unlimited since 2019 in the Supported Community Living division. To learn more about Edward’s advocacy and his life, you can listen to his interview on the Disability Exchange podcast located here.
