Self-Advocacy

• Is about speaking for yourself

• Is about speaking out for your rights

• Is about helping others to speak out for their rights

• Is about having input into the decisions about your life

We support and encourage people to advocate for themselves and to do it in a way that works for them. It is important that you are included in decision-making that affects your life. The following are various ways that we support and encourage self-advocacy:

Leadership & Self-Advocacy Conferences / Workshops:

Various speakers provide information and opportunity for self advocates to learn more about self-advocacy, explore current issues and practice using self-advocacy skills.

PAACL Satisfaction Survey:

About once a year PAACL will be asking you questions about how happy you are about services and the support we provide. This is called a satisfaction survey. This helps us know how to improve ways to serve you better.

Self Expression:

PAACL arranges for opportunities such as arts, drama, music, recordings, and musical instrument exploration as a means for creative expression of thoughts, messages and feelings.

Resource Library:

We have a resource library in the Administration Building at our administration office on 2nd Avenue. In addition to many sections like planning, healthy sexuality, family support and friendship development, we have a section all about advocacy and rights.

In addition, the Services for Community Living and Community Employment offices have a number of brochures to help you in dealing with many life issues you may be facing.

Representation on PAACL's Board:

Each year, one or more persons with a developmental disability is elected as a member of the PAACL Board of Directors.