Alex and Clara O’Keeffe, two powerful youth self-advocates for FASD, were the highlight of their latest City Council meeting.  The brother and sister team spoke at the Kent, Washington council meeting on September 3rd to mark FASD Awareness Month.  While sharing their personal story and educating the council members on FASD, they made a stirring case for the need for greater public investment in services and support for the FASD community.  

Their full remarks can be viewed on YouTube here, beginning at the 21-minute mark. 

Kent mayor Dana Ralph introduced Alex and Clara and read from the city’s resolution proclaiming September as FASD Awareness Month.  12-year old Alex described how FASD affects him physically and behaviorally and pointed out that, “You can look at me and not even think I have a disability.”  Alex spoke out in support of updating the language on pregnancy warning signs to refer to FASD. 

Clara spoke movingly about her challenges with impulse control and managing emotions.  She went over her issues with focusing in school and getting quality sleep, which are both very common areas of difficulty for individuals with FASD.   

Clara then moved on to discuss just some of her many strengths, including playing music and caring for animals.  She talked about how breathing exercises have helped her, and also spoke touchingly about her sister Starla. 

Alex and Clara’s sister Starla is the inspiration for FASD United’s Stars for Starla program, which celebrates the accomplishments of young people with FASD, recognizing that youth with FASD need positive, hopeful messages.  Starla was an FASD self-advocate who dedicated her short life to helping others. 

After delivering their remarks and posing for pictures with the Mayor and the proclamation for FASD Awareness Month, Alex and Clara received an enthusiastic round of applause from everyone in attendance.  The Council thanked them both and affirmed their commitment to doing more to address FASD in the community.