APD > Self-Advocacy

What is Self-Advocacy?

Listen to FL SAND self-advocates describe self-advocacy. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z9yD7RA5kWY

View the FL SAND Anthem called My Voice Matters written by David Roth in collaboration with FL SAND self-advocates. My Voice Matters

FL SAND (Florida Self-Advocates Network’D)

Florida Self-Advocates Network’D (FL SAND) is Florida’s statewide network of self-advocacy groups. Through FL SAND, Florida’s self-advocacy groups unite to speak to others about statewide issues and topics that are important to them, create community awareness, and promote inclusion for all. Working with self-advocates that have joined FL SAND can help you to become a stronger self-advocate.  Go to https://www.flsand.org to learn more about FLSAND and to find a group near you.

Partners in Policy-Making Program

Partners in Policymaking is a leadership and advocacy training program that teaches individuals with developmental disabilities and parents to become community leaders and catalysts for systems change. While walking along this path, participants learn how to obtain the best available services for themselves and others. Based on a national model, the overall goal of Partners is to develop productive partnerships between people who need and use services and those in a position to create policies and laws. Partners participants become influencers of change by experiencing opportunities to meet and speak with national leaders in the field of developmental disabilities. During class sessions the participants hear presentations about current issues and state-of-the art practices, as well as policymaking and legislative processes at local, state, and national levels. To learn more, visit http://www.fddc.org/about/partners-in-policymaking.