Matthew Oconnell

Background

About Matthew Oconnell

I’m a social worker, advocate, and researcher committed to bridging clinical practice, policy change, and community-driven solutions for marginalized populations. With a focus on neurodevelopmental disabilities, trauma-informed care, and health equity, I work at the intersection of individual healing and systemic reform. What I Do: 🩺 Clinician: Conduct interdisciplinary mental health assessments for children and adults with complex needs (ADHD, ASD, IDD), designing care plans that prioritize cultural humility and neurodiversity. Researcher: Analyze health disparities in Medicaid systems, translating data into actionable insights for policymakers (e.g, OHSU’s Plain Language Report on IDD Health Inequities). Advocate: Partner with legislators and organizations like the Brain Injury Association of America to advance equitable access to disability services, from IEP reform to the TBI Reauthorization Act. Educator: Facilitate workshops on harm reduction, restorative justice, and ADHD self-advocacy, empowering individuals and institutions to dismantle systemic barriers. Why It Matters: There is no disability justice without racial justice. The 504 sit in lasted 24 days and was only possible because of the Black Panther Party. We are more than what we can contribute to capitalism and all deserve basic human rights of food/water/shelter/health/dignity. We are all in this together. LET'S CHANGE THE WORLD TOGETHER