Self Advocacy

Use Your Voice

Through self-advocacy, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) have more impact on their own situations and on the public policies that affect them. There are many ways for people with IDD to act as advocates. They may engage in individual self-advocacy for the specific services and supports that they need. And they may get involved in policy advocacy for the funding, services, and rights that impact people with IDD at the local, state, and national level.

 

People First- ALLY Toastmasters People First for Young Adults
Young man wearing glasses and a short sleeve casual shirt stands at a lecturn and testifies at a budget hearing.
Young man with Down syndrome and his mother speak to a State Delegate in his office in Richmond Virginia

People with IDD have the right to advocate and be supported to act as self-advocates. Self-advocates exercise their rights as citizens by communicating for and representing themselves and others, with whatever supports they need. Self-advocates must have a meaningful role in decision-making in all areas of their daily lives and in public policy decisions that affect people with IDD.

young woman and her mother pose in an auditorium holding a proclamation for DD Awareness Month

Self-advocates provide important knowledge, experience, and skills that individuals, organizations, and government agencies need in order to effectively support the needs of and enhance the lives of people with IDD. To promote this participation, it is critical to acknowledge the important role that self-advocates play in developing leadership skills and increasing people’s pride, influence, and opportunities.

young man wearing Mickey Mouse ears speaks into a microphone at a Candidates Forum event.

Our self-advocacy program is People First, and it works in conjunction with a chapter of Toastmasters, a public speaking club. Transition-age advocates can join us at People First for Young Adults. We welcome self-advocates of all abilities to join us at one of these monthly meetings to meet friends, become informed on advocacy needs, and improve their public speaking skills.

a woman with IDD stands to receive a certificate of achievement from a group facilitator

People First is an advocacy organization designed for and run by people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. A Life Like Yours (ALLY) Toastmasters is an adapted Toastmasters public speaking club that meets in combination with People First. During the Toastmasters portion of our meetings, we focus on learning about how to be good public speakers and helping others do the same.

Our Self-Advocacy Groups Are:

img newsletter 2

Stay Informed with the Latest News and Updates

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Stay in the know

Name(Required)