Self-Advocacy
At SCBDD, we believe everyone has the right to speak up for themselves. Our self-advocacy program is here to help people with developmental disabilities share their voice, make their own choices, and build the life they want. Self-advocates in our community play many different roles, and there is a place here for everyone.
What is Self-Advocacy?
Self-advocacy means speaking up for yourself. It means knowing your rights, making your own choices, and asking for what you need to live the life you want.
Get Involved with People First of Ohio
Sandusky County’s self-advocacy chapter is affiliated with People First of Ohio. Chapter members run their own meetings and hold officer positions both locally and at the state level. This involvement keeps self-advocates informed about changes that affect their lives and the broader developmental disabilities system.
Members have opportunities to attend trainings and conferences, connect with their communities, and work on local and statewide issues. We also celebrate self-advocacy achievements with monthly and annual awards.
Building Leaders Through Self-Determination
Through our membership with the Ohio Self Determination Association, we help self-advocates grow into local and statewide leaders. Training programs like Project STIR cover important topics including rights, voting, and bully prevention.
Self-advocates plan activities and connect with people across the state to learn more about speaking up and making decisions for themselves. This includes participating in public policy, so that the people most affected by the system have a real voice in shaping it. To learn more about self-advocacy programming in Ohio, you may also visit People First of Ohio, the Ohio Self Determination Association, and Ohio Project Stir.
Ready to Get Started?
Whether you’re looking for services for the first time or exploring new options for someone you support, SCBDD is here to walk you through it. Contact us to speak with a member of our team.