Self-advocacy is a term we hear a lot in the disability world. Basically, self advocacy refers to people with disabilities speaking up for themselves and making the decisions that impact their lives. It also is about people with disabilities being active players in shaping policies that impact all people with disabilities. Self advocacy is at the core of Life Without Limits.
Disability Scoop recently featured a great article on self-advocacy titled, Speak Up: Your Guide to Self-Advocacy that presents some basic steps people can take immediately to get their voices heard. Share this useful guide with the people you work with and encourage them to become self advocates!
Children can also be taught about self-advocacy. Learning these skills at an early age will help them succeed through school and the transition to adulthood and beyond. Kids as Self Advocates is a national, grassroots project created by youth with disabilities for youth. They are teens and young adults with disabilities speaking out, teaching youth about their rights, giving peer support and training, and changing the systems that affect their lives. The website provides information and resources for helping children and teens learn to advocate for themselves.
Does your Affiliate provide information or services around self advocacy?
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