Areva Martin, advocate, attorney and author, will speak on “The Power of Advocacy: 5 Ways to Change Your Life” at 6 p.m. April 7 at Central Reform Congregation in St. Louis.

St. Louis native Areva Martin knows firsthand the importance of advocacy and providing a voice for those who can’t speak up. When Martin’s son, Marty, was diagnosed with autism, her profession became personal. She is now one of the most sought-after autism and disability rights experts in the nation.

Martin will speak on “The Power of Advocacy: 5 Ways to Change Your Life” at 6 p.m. April 7 at Central Reform Congregation in St. Louis.

She is an advocate, attorney and author of the best-selling book “The Everyday Advocate: Standing Up for Your Autistic Child” (Penguin, April 2010) and founder of the Special Needs Network, a nonprofit launched specifically to support families with special needs children.

The event is free and open to the public. It’s sponsored by the University of Missouri–St. Louis College of Education’s Center for the Research and Study of Disability, Education, and Culture and St. Louis Arc.

Light refreshments will be served. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. A book signing will begin at 7:30 p.m. Central Reform Congregation is located at 5020 Waterman Blvd. in St. Louis.

Call 314-516-5917 or visit powerofadvocacy-autohome.eventbrite.com for more information