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.
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 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.
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.
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.
Our Self-Advocacy Groups Are:
People First - ALLY Toastmasters
People First is an advocacy organization designed for and run by people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. It was started in the 1990’s and we keep that momentum going strong by inviting people of all abilities to join us and learn about advocacy priorities that affect them. A Life Like Yours 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.
WHEN: Third Thursday of the month, from 6:30 to 7:15 p.m.
WHERE: Since the coronavirus crisis, People First and ALLY Toastmasters has met live, online, using Zoom meetings.
WHY Join? It’s a great opportunity to learn how to speak up for yourself and others and to socialize. If you’ve ever wanted to feel more informed and empowered, this is the group for you!
HOW do I get involved? Click the button below to request an invitation. Group facilitator Lucy Beadnell will email the Zoom meeting link to all participants prior to the meeting.
QUESTIONS? Contact Lucy Beadnell, Director of Advoacy, at 703-208-1119 ext. 116 or email lucy.beadnell@thearcofnova.org.
People First for Young Adults
People First for Young Adults is a social and self-advocacy group for youth with disabilities ages 16-26. The goal of the group is to help individuals with disabilities understand the importance of self-advocacy and empower them to speak out for themselves. Youth practice public speaking and communication skills, and learn from guest speakers on topics of life skills, advocacy, professional skills, and health and wellness.
WHEN: The Second Tuesday of every month from 6:30 to 7:45 p.m. NOTE: There are no meetings in August.
WHERE: People First for Young Adults meets both in person at The Arc of Northern Virginia’s office in Merrifield, and online using Zoom meetings.
WHY Join? It’s a great opportunity to learn how to speak up for yourself and others and to socialize with other young adults. This is a great way to feel part of a group, even while social distancing for safety.
HOW do I get involved? Click the button below to request an invitation. Group facilitator Diane Monnig will email the Zoom meeting link to all participants prior to the meeting.
QUESTIONS? Contact group facilitator Diane Monnig at 703-208-1119 ext. 118 or email diane.monnig@thearcofnova.org.
Your Support Makes Our Work Possible
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, The Arc of Northern Virginia relies on private support from individuals, corporations, organizations, and foundations to fund our efforts. Your generous donations help make it possible for us to provide programs, services, and advocacy so that people with IDD can live “A Life Like Yours.”
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