About Barton 

Barton Cutter, devoted husband, poet, martial artist, and mentor, is a professional writer and coach. Through coaching and Writing, he challenges those he works with to reunite with the source of their true essence and act, in resonance with that source, to contribute within their communities. Barton is the author of Youth Leaders in Action, a leadership curriculum for young people with disabilities and has a passion for supporting youth with disabilities and their families in exploring the fullness of their potential.

Barton owns Blooming Lotus Coaching where he works with families impacted by disability to enhance the independence of each member while encouraging alignment within the family as a whole. His mission is to enable people to connect with, listen to, and act upon their inherent wisdom in order to bring about a life of greater connection and fulfillment for themselves that is in line with their unique expression as a whole human being. He also serves as Communications Manager for the North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities.  As a contractor for the Council, he coordinates and oversees multiple statewide public awareness campaigns aimed at educating the public on issues important to those with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

As a young boy, Barton began writing poetry as a means to communicate with those who could not understand him verbally. He soon developed a love for the written word and went on to pursue a BA in Creative Writing from the University of Arizona where he studied both poetry and creative non-fiction. Barton relocated to Raleigh where he has written for ABILITY Magazine, the NC Council on Developmental Disabilities, Persona Magazine, the NC Office on Disability & Health, and the NC Disability Action Network. Barton serves on the NC Office of Disability & Health Advisory Council and has sat on the Board of the NC Youth Leadership Network. In addition to his many publication credits, Barton is the recipient of the 2006 Triangle Access Award.  

In Barton's spare time, he and his wife, Megan, are involved in teaching martial arts to children and adults with and without disabilities. Barton holds a third degree black belt in Budo Taijutsu, a martial art that stems from nine traditional Japanese martial schools. Barton's article "Fight Back: The Importance of Self-Defense" was published in the January 2005 edition of ABILITY Magazine, a national publication that focuses on health and disABILITY issues. Barton also volunteers as the coordinator for Youth Leaders in Action in Raleigh, NC. To learn more about Barton, click here.

Education

Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing, May 2004, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ

Publications & Awards

"North Carolina Council and Direct Support Professionals," ADD Update, November 2008.

"Summit Report Offers Direction for Developmental Disability Policies," North Carolina Council Community News, November-December 2008.

"A Coming Crisis for those Needing Personal Care," The News and Observer,  July 31, 2008.

Contribution, A Taste of Taffy: Samplings From the Triangle Area Freelancers, March 2008, Lulu.com.

"The Lost of Art of Letter Writing: WIT (Wordsmith in Training)," Natural Awakenings, March 2008, Barton and Megan Cutter

Youth Leaders in Action 2007 Curriculum Woodward Communications, 2007

  Triangle Access Award: Breaking Down Attitudinal Barriers, 2006

  FYI: Family & Young Adult Issues Woodward Communications, 2006

  People First Teen Woodward Communications, 2005

  "Fighting Back: The Importance of Self-Defense" Ability Magazine January 2005

  Co-author of "Barton Walks!" The Bracelet Vol. 5, 2 Spring 2004

  "The Cross" The Bracelet Vol. 5, 3 Summer 2004

  Co-author of "Illuminating Foster Auditorium" The Bracelet Vol. 5, 4 Fall 2004

  "Gimp's Night Out" Persona April 2002

Professional Associations

  North Carolina Office on Disability and Health Advisory Committee October 2005-Present

  Triangle Area Freelancers November 2005-Present

  North Carolina Youth Leadership Network Governing Board January 2006-October 2006

  North Carolina Family Advisory Council March 2006-2008