As a social worker with a physical and speech disability, Taylor Woodard knows intimately the daily struggles living with a disability can bring. This knowledge and experience drove her to leave a lucrative career on Wall Street and enroll in The University of Texas’ dual-masters program, studying at both the Steve Hicks School of Social Work and the LBJ School of Public Affairs. Upon graduation from 2014, she moved to Washington, DC, where she joined The Arc of the United States as a policy follow. During her one-year fellowship, Taylor worked with The Arc’s five policy directors to advance policy for individuals with disabilities and their families in areas such as education, housing, health care, income support, fiscal affairs, and civil rights.
Shortly before the conclusion of her fellowship, she was extended an offer to join The Arc full-time. During her tenure at the organization, she has worked in communications, health, travel, and future planning/family support. She also spent two years as a member of The Arc’s National Center on Criminal Justice and Disability, educating law enforcement and other justice professionals on disability. In 2020, Taylor was recruited by the Senior Director of National Initiatives to restructure The Arc’s organizational Information and Referral (I&R) system. Currently, Taylor is The Arc’s I&R manager, leading the daily operations of The Arc’s organizational Information and Referral system. When she is not responding to inquiries from families and individuals, she leads communications for The Arc’s Inclusive Volunteering team.
In 2022, Taylor returned to her home state of Texas to continue her advocacy work for The Arc remotely from the land of tacos and margaritas. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, trying new restaurants, and spending time at her family’s ranch in West Texas.