Dawn Russell is an ADAPT organizer in Denver, Colorado, the home of ADAPT. Dawn has cerebral palsy and uses attendant services. She is a board member for the Atlantis Community, the center for independent living in Denver. She also serves on the Board for the Center for Disability Rights, a Disability Justice organization that does local, state and national advocacy which is headquartered in Rochester, NY. Dawn is a fierce activist with a broad base of knowledge and extensive personal experience.

In 1996, Dawn joined ADAPT. In her time with ADAPT and Atlantis, she has fought for the right of Disabled individuals to live in the community rather than in institutions. Dawn is also well known and respected for her advocacy in 2017 to stop the repeal of Obamacare and the federal cuts to Medicaid. Dawn has worked tirelessly with other advocates and activists to pass the LaTonya Reeves Freedom Act, federal legislation that will prohibit discrimination against people with disabilities who need community-based long-term services and supports. She takes great pride that members of Congress who see Dawn in the hall will shout out Latonya’s name because she and Latonya were institutionalized in the same nursing facility as children.