Interview by Jennie Heidrick | The Arc Oregon
DJ Lamar lives in Southeast Portland, where he has been DJ’ing for almost 29 years. DJ Lamar is passionate about meeting people and sharing his music with them. He is also a board member of The Arc Portland Metro.
In his free time, DJ Lamar serves his community through his work with Club Impact, where he volunteers his time as a Bingo caller and shares his music. He likes to regularly eat out at different restaurants, but Applebee’s and Sherri’s are his favorite.
DJ Lamar met with the Oregon ISP project team to share a little bit about his life and recommendations that he has for professionals and others across the state.
Want to learn more about DJ Lamar and the work he does? Check out his business’s Facebook page to learn about upcoming events or request his DJ Services.
Q: What is something you’ve done that you’re proud of?
A: “Oh, good question—I am proud of myself getting out there and doing the things that I like to do. The biggest thing is sharing music and meeting people and all that good stuff, and you know, I just like to do it… Every time I go DJ at different places, they are always happy to see me. At the conference my DJ station was the only one lit up at the UCP family conference. My 70’s and 80’s music was standing out, people enjoyed it!”
Q: What dreams or goals do you have for the future?
A: “I’ve passed all of my goals and now it’s just finishing it up. Next year, when I reach 30 years of DJ’ing I’m throwing a huge party! I would like to continue on The Arc Board.”
Q: Do you think planning is important?
A: “Good question. It’s easy if you plan early, a couple months out before any event, including my ISP meeting. That’s why they have planning committees for events.”
Q: When you’re planning with someone- what is the most important thing that person can do?
A: “Talk about what we are going to do and what the layout is going to be like. Where it is going to be at, the location. All the things that’s needed.”
Q: When you’ve planned in the past- what worked well?
A: “Good question, the timing, on my time.”
Q: What advice would you give to SC/PA/Case Managers around the state?
A: “I’d want them to do their best.”
Q: What about for providers?
A: “Be on time!”
Q: Any advice for families and friends who support people around the state?
A: “Take your time.”
Q: What is something important you’ve learned as a self-advocate?
A: “I’ve learned helping out, talking with [other self-advocates] and sharing with them, if it’s needed.”
Q: What advice would you give to other self-advocates across the state?
A: “All I got to say is please take your time, don’t rush it, if you rush it you might mess up.”