Riss Leitzke

Riss Leitzke (they/them) is a nonbinary, queer, DeafBlind, and neurodivergent person based in Minnesota. They grew up in Washington State, where they learned early on how access, communication, and connection can shape every part of life. Their experiences navigating systems as a disabled person have deeply influenced how they show up in their work: centering disability culture, collective care, and sustainable change.

Professionally, Riss has worked in education, public service, and nonprofit spaces with a focus on accessibility, inclusive design, and community building. They’ve supported Deaf, DeafBlind, Hard of Hearing, DeafPlus, DeafDisabled, people with late-onset hearing loss, and others within the broader signing and hearing loss communities (DDBHH+) and disability communities through mentorship programs, cross-sector partnerships, and training initiatives. Whether facilitating a conversation or reworking a policy process, they aim to make access relational, not just procedural.

Riss brings a strong mix of lived experience, systems thinking, and cross-disability perspective. They’re a deep listener, a connector, and someone who sees how small changes can lead to bigger shifts. They also bring experience working in both rural and urban settings and value slowing things down to make room for everyone.

Riss is excited to be part of the next Olmstead Plan because they believe in what’s possible when people with disabilities are not just included but leading. This work is about shaping a future where our communities can thrive with autonomy, safety, and joy.

And fun fact: Riss has a very handsome, very spoiled cat named Blu. When not working, you can usually find Riss curled up with him, outside on a walk, or deep in a new project