"Noah brings a fresh perspective. We need young people like him to shift or refresh the narrative."

Borrowed from Noah's Fb page.

You'll recall Noah McCourt's opportunity to experience the UN.

Former council candidate Noah McCourt has been invited to participate in a United Nations panel.

Noah's visit to NYC appears to have been a success. Congratulations for a job well done.

Waconia man, disability rights advocate invited to speak at United Nations, by Liz Sawyer (Minneapolis Star-Tribune)

Noah McCourt, who ran for Waconia City Council, was invited to speak to the United Nations about his challenges with autism.

It was a controversial run for public office, not a victory, that launched Noah McCourt's political career.

As a young, black, autistic man, his bid for City Council in the mostly white exurban community of Waconia made waves last November. A history of mental health problems and a recent legal battle to end guardianship by his parents drew ire from his opponents at City Hall, some of whom questioned his ability to serve.

While McCourt lost to an incumbent, he drew 43 percent of the vote. His story rippled across the country, prompting advocates to call the 23-year-old a champion for the developmentally disabled — paving the way for a new generation of more diverse public officials.

The United Nations took notice.

McCourt was formally invited to New York to speak about his experiences in honor of World Autism Awareness Day. On Friday, he sat on a panel titled, "Toward Autonomy and Self-Determination," which examined guardianships, finding employment and developing relationships.