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Self-Advocacy

This department contains products, services, and projects that involve persons with developmental disabilities and their allies working for justice and social change.

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Managed by: Jerry Smith of The Research and Training Center on Community Living, University of MN

Product Categories
Books, Publications & Reports (printed and/or online) (60 Products)
Electronic Media (65 Products)
Organizations, Programs, and Projects (54 Products)
Online Forums (7 Products)
Other (6 Products)
People Who Can Help (8 Products)

Books, Publications & Reports (printed and/or online)

	"Community for All" Tool Kit: Resources for Supporting Community Living A useful set of resources for promoting deinstitutionalization and institutional closure. It contains research on deinstitutionalization, as well as advocacy strategies to promote deinstitutionalization.
	"WE CAN’T CLOSE IT YET”: HOW DISCOURSE POSITIONS PEOPLE WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES A journal article that studies how people with intellectual disabilities are viewed in Manitoba, Canada.
	A brief introduction to social role valorization: A high order concept for addressing the plight of societally devalued people, and for structuring human services This book is an updated version of the classic description of "social role valorization" -- the role of people with disabilities in the larger society.
	ABCD in Action: When People Care Enough to Act This book and DVD suggest a step-by-step way to build partnerships. These partnerships help people with disabilities become more involved in their communities.
	AUCD Legislative News In Brief In Brief provides a weekly federal legislative update on issues important to people with disabilities and their families. The publication focuses on AUCD's legislative goals developed by the association.
	Being A Leader A book to help people learn how to be a leader. It was written by a self-advocate.
	Building Communities from the Inside Out: A Path toward Finding and Mobilizing a Community's Assets This guide to "asset-based community development" summarizes lessons learned by studying successful community-building initiatives in hundreds of neighborhoods across the United States.
	Community Lost and Found The authors of this book have decades of experience on the streets and with people who have been excluded. They have created sucessful programs for people who most say cannot succeed.
	Conversations about Sustainable & Inclusive Communities: An Invitation A report about how local leaders can get people in a community together to have conversations about how to make their communities more inclusive for older people and people with disabilities.
	Conversations on Citizenship & Person-Centered Work This book has interviews with the leaders in person-centered planning like Beth Mount, Michael Smull, and Jack Pearpoint. They are asked how they got started and about the values that guide their work.
	Cultural Shifting: Community Leadership and Change Change and leadership are illusive subjects that have relevance to everyone, especially to those in disbility services. This book looks at change and leadership through the lens of culture and community.
	Disability History Wall A 22-panel poster exhibit tracing over 2000 years of disability history.
	Disability Identity & Culture A video-based curriculum featuring the award-winning documentary "Disability Culture Rap." Part of the Tools for Change series on self-advocacy, this program also includes written materials on exploring and understanding disability culture.
	Exploring Self-Advocacy from a Social Power Perspective An analysis of self-advocacy and social power.
	From Institutions to Individuals: On becoming person-centred This book has stories written by, for, and about people who have intellectual disabilities.
	Get on Board this Train to Freedom: Understanding the Civil Right View of Disability This is a kit with three editions (parents, professional, and self-advocate) that helps people understand the civil rights view of disability.
	Getting Involved in Research and Training Projects: A Guide for Persons with Disabilities This guide teaches persons with disabilities how to get meaningfully involved in research and training activities.
	Getting Organized Discover the power of working together on issues and creating groups that build leadership.
	Human Rights, YES! Human Rights, YES! is a human rights education tool, developed following the establishment of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. This book aids self-advocates and advocates promote human rights for people with disabilities.
	I am a Person First: Understanding the Value of Values A video and curriculum to help people explore how they can put the values they cherish to work in their community.
	Impact: Feature Issue on Political Activism and Voter Participation by Persons with Intellectual and/or Developmental Disabilities This issue of the Impact newsletter is about how individuals with disabilities can become more involved in the American political system.
	In Community- Practical lessons in supporting isolated people to be part of community This book explains how to help people with disabilities who are left out to become active members of their communities. It has stories and ideas from all over the world.
	Incurably Human By piecing together a personal journey of discovery, the author explores the deeper meaning of inclusion.
	Jill’s Journey, A Victory Over the “R” Word The true story of a woman with an intellectual disability who helped change federal law, eliminating the use of the "R" word.
	Landscape of Literacy and Disability A book that looks at the relationship between disability and literacy in Canada. The findings in the book are intended to impact disability policy and service development.
	Lessons Learned from a Lawsuit: Creating Service for People with Mental Illness and Mental Retardation Report of a longitudinal study to measure the impact of the Thomas S. Lawsuit (NC) on the class members.
	Mouth: Voice of the Disability Nation A bimonthly magazine written by people with disabilities.
	My Body Politic This book is a life story of Linton's personal journey -- from flower child "walkie" in 1971 to disability-rights/human rights advocate in 2005.
	My Voice, My Choice: What You Need To Know About Participant Driven Supports Eight chapter curriculum designed for self-advocates to teach about self-determination and participant driven supports.
	Nothing About Us Without Us: Disability Oppression and Empowerment The first book in the literature on disability to provide a theoretical overview of disability oppression. It shows its similarities to, and differences from, racism, sexism, and colonialism.
	Olmstead Progress Report: Disability Advocates Assess Olmstead Implementation After Two Years In this report disability advocates rate states efforts to implement Olmstead and identify promising promising practices in state Olmstead plans.
	One Candle Power: Building Bridges into Community Life for People with Disabilities A detailed description of the One Candle Power circles concept and implementation. The framework represents the best of what the Communitas team learned about supporting personal, community and organisational change in Connecticut.
	Out of the Darkness and into the Light: Nebraska's Experience with Mental Retardation A book about Nebraska's model for community living for persons with mental retardation.
	People First Language Manual A pamphlet about the use of "people first" language relating to persons with disabilities
	People First President & Advisor Training Manual A manual that describes what People First groups are and what they do. It provides advice on starting a new group, and how to operate a strong group.
	Planning and Giving a Presentation: A Guide for Self-Advocates This toolkit (workbook and CD) will help self-advocates speak to groups.
	Priorities for People with Intellectual Disabilities in Implementing the United Nations Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities: The Road Ahead This booklet talks about how the United Nations CRPD can help people with intellectual disabilities and their families to have better lives. You can download it for free as a PDF file.
	Ragged Edge A radical, bimonthly magazine about disability issues.
	Raymond's Room This book makes the case that people with disabilities are still locked away from the rest of society in programs run by a billion-dollar disability system unwilling to change - in sheltered workshops, group homes, and other facilities.
	Real Choice for Real Opportunity: Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and Their Families Speak Out A report about the best ways to help people with disabilities find jobs that match their interests and talents, and lead to careers. It summarizes the ideas of 144 stakeholders who gathered to talk supporting people to find "real jobs."
	Receiving the Gift of Friendship: Profound Disability, Theological Anthropology, and Ethics A book that challenges the way people think in order to promote community inclusion and belonging for people with disabilities.
	Saints, Sinners and Special People: Understanding the Moral View of Disability This product helps people understand the moral viewpoint of disability and the influence it has had on the way that people with disabilities are defined.
	Self-Advocacy: Freedom, Equality and Justice for All A video and accompanying curriculum to help people discover the connections between self-advocacy and broader social justice movements.
	Senate Bill 1270 This is a short workbook. It has recommendations from work groups that came together to think of ways to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities in California.
	Shaking Off Stereotypes A curriculum, including a high-quality video, to help self-advocates find the power to throw off stereotypes and see that we all have something to contribute.
	Simply for the Love of It This book provides historical perspective on services for people with disabilities and offers suggestions for where these services and self-advocacy might go in the future.
	So You Want to Be a Public Speaker: A Guide for Self Advocates This booklet takes self-advocates through the process of making a public speech.
	Taking Pride In That Which Sets Us Apart This book encourages people to be proud of their disability. It also reminds all people with disabilties of the need to work together and stick up for each other.
	The Arc Position Statement on Self -Determination This explains the Arc's position on the right of people with disabilites to live self-determined lives.
	The Careless Society: Community and Its Counterfeits A book about full community inclusion
	The Disability Rights Movement: From Charity to Confrontation This book chronicles the Disability Rights Movement from the 1930's until now. It explores how the movement has changed over time, and how different kinds of disabilities have been brought into the movement's mix.
	The Goode Life: Memoirs of Disability Rights Activist Barb Goode This is the autobiography of Barb Goode, a self-advocate and leader in the disability rights movement of Canada for more than 35 years.
	The Patient Needs Fixing Understanding the Medical View of Disability This kit helps participants explore the history and influence of the medical/professional view of people with disabilities.
	The Ragged Edge: The Disability Experience from the Pages of the First Fifteen Years of the Disability Rag This is a collection of articles from the first 15 years of The Disability Rag, a radical newspaper for persons with disabilities.
	The Self-Advocacy Movement: The Unacknowledged Civil Rights Movement This publication examines the self-advocacy social movement.
	The State of Disability in America A report from the "Life without Limits Project." This project was sponsored by United Cerebral Palsy. It provides a look at how people with disabilities in America are doing today.
	Understanding Disability: Inclusion, Access, Diversity, and Civil Rights This is an introductory textbook about disability. It discusses many aspects of how people with disabilities get along in the world, including their social role.
	WE CAN Stop Abuse Peer Training Manual The manual teaches what is needed to have people with developmental disabilities teach others about sexual abuse prevention.
	When People Care Enough to Act A book and DVD that explains "Asset Based Community Development" (ABCD) organizing principles. These also show best practices in using ABCD to build supports for people with disabilities.
	Who Moved My Cheese This parable is a light hearted view into: A)How people define their goals B)How people strive to achieve their goals C)What people do when they reach their goals D)How people adjust to changes in their goals

Electronic Media (Videos, CDs, T.V., Radio, Websites, etc.)

	"Voices Beyond the Mirror" These are ten short videos showing people with disabilities.
	A Guide to Legislative Advocacy for Youth With Disabilities A guide to help youth with disabilities become stronger advocates. It has information about how to ask for changes in the law.
	ABCD in Action: When People Care Enough to Act This book and DVD suggest a step-by-step way to build partnerships. These partnerships help people with disabilities become more involved in their communities.
	Access Together This tracks how accessible business places are. It can be loaded on your cell phones as an App.
	ACT Self-Advocacy Resource Network Memo This is an electronic memo facilitating a national dialogue among self-advocates and supporters. The sponsoring organization, Advocating Change Together, also is a clearinghouse for materials and training that support self-advocacy.
	Allies in Self-Advocacy This website has lots of resources for self advocates.
	An Animated Introduction to Asperger Syndrome In this short film, young people with Asperger's syndrome explain what it is. The entire film can be seen on YouTube or purchased as a DVD.
	AUCD Legislative News In Brief In Brief provides a weekly federal legislative update on issues important to people with disabilities and their families. The publication focuses on AUCD's legislative goals developed by the association.
	Beyond Forest Haven Forest Haven was an institution for people with disabilities in Washington DC. This DVD and study guide look back at the history of Forest Haven's closing and the journey to build a better life in the community for some of the people who lived there.
	Building Inclusive and Sustainable Communities: Citizenship for all (NING Social Website) An online community with discussion about how to make communities more inclusive for people with disabilities.
	Can We Talk, Ben Stiller? A self-advocate uses YouTube to talk about why the movie "Tropic Thunder" was hurtful to people with disabilities. The "R" word was used often in this film, and Ben Stiller was the director and lead actor.
	Changing Attitudes, Educating Others These videos show what bullying is, and how it hurts people. They were written by, and the actors are members of People First of New Hampshire
	Citizen-Centered Leadership Development This is a training program about helping people with disabilities become full citizens of the communities where they live.
	Consumer Roles in Monitoring Community Services for People with Developmental Disabilities Report summarizing Community Monitoring Boards (CMB) for Community Supported Living Arrangements (CSLA)in eight states.
	Conversations about inclusive & sustainable communities: Six practices for creative engagemen This booklet is about helping communities to work together. It is written by people who are experts on Person-Centered planning.
	Conversations about Sustainable & Inclusive Communities: An Invitation A report about how local leaders can get people in a community together to have conversations about how to make their communities more inclusive for older people and people with disabilities.
	CQL eCommunity An online community. Its purpose is to connect people who share the goal of community inclusion and quality of life for people with disabilities.
	Dawn: Waiting list information This website provides information from a citizen action group working to reduce waiting lists for services and related issues for people with developmental disabilities in Wisconsin.
	Disability Identity & Culture A video-based curriculum featuring the award-winning documentary "Disability Culture Rap." Part of the Tools for Change series on self-advocacy, this program also includes written materials on exploring and understanding disability culture.
	Ed Roberts: His Words, His Vision Features excerpts from a speech delivered by Ed Roberts. His words are interspersed with contemporary photographs that depict the ongoing struggle of people throughout the world for the rights and independence modeled by this visionary leader.
	Ed Roberts: Wheelchair Genius A CD-ROM about Ed Roberts, an important civil rights leader for people with disabilities. The content is written for younger readers.
	Freedom Clearinghouse Web Site A web site offering information on community-based services for persons with disabilities.
	Getting Organized Discover the power of working together on issues and creating groups that build leadership.
	Greetings from Human Serviceland A recording of mostly humorous, often satirical, songs about the human service system.
	How do I feel about that? A video about Seth Ehrlich, a person with developmental disabilities, who gives a commentary on a community’s efforts to deny a group home from opening.
	I am a Person First: Understanding the Value of Values A video and curriculum to help people explore how they can put the values they cherish to work in their community.
	I Define Me: Proud to Be Disabled A short video. It is what people with developmental disabilities want non-disabled people to know about what it is like to have a disability.
	Illinois Life Span Project A central source of information about services available to persons with developmental disabilities in the state of Illinois.
	Illinois Voices Illinois Voices is a statewide initiative designed to empower people with developmental disabilities to make changes in their lives and the systems which support them.
	Impact: Feature Issue on Political Activism and Voter Participation by Persons with Intellectual and/or Developmental Disabilities This issue of the Impact newsletter is about how individuals with disabilities can become more involved in the American political system.
	Include Me! This site has ideas about how to include self-advocates in conferences. There is a video and a slide show to watch, guidelines and a manual.
	Inclusion Network: Workshops, Training Events And Resources For Inclusion A website with a lot of information about community inclusion and people with disabilities.
	Institutions: Close Them! (Film) A film in which five people share their stories about living in an institution. It is part of work by People First of New Hampshire to close institutions.
	Just Say Something A web blog for self-advocates and others in New Jersey to speak up about policy issues related to disability. It is one part of a larger effort to teach the public about the lives of people who have disabilities.
	Justice for All Blog This blog has articles about controversial issues in the disability world.
	Making Your Case An online course designed to help families and people with disabilities learn about communicating with public officials to advocate for positive change for people with disabilities.
	Making Your Case Internet-based learning program supporting advocacy by and for people with disabilities.
	My Voice My Vote This is a website for young adults with disabilities who want to learn about the voting process and make a difference in their communities.
	National Organization to End the Waitlists (NOEWAIT) A group working to end the long waiting lists people with developmental disabilities find when they ask for services.
	NCIL Transportation Position Paper Position paper that reflects on Federal transportation policy and offers recommendations for practice at the Federal, State, and local levels.
	Not Dead Yet Disability activists opposed to the legalization of assisted suicide and euthanasia.
	Offense Taken 26-minute film on one community's organized response to the word "retarded."
	Ouch!, It's a disability thing! A website that explains popular culture, and disability culture through the eyes of people with disabilities. It has articles, blogs, a very busy messageboard and an award-winning radio show - The Ouch Podcast. "Ouch!" is from the BBC
	PLAN Institute PLAN Institute provides training, consultation, research and publications on the values, concepts and actions of caring citizens, particularly as they relate to persons with disabilities.
	Remembering with Dignity A community organizing project of self-advocates and allies seeking honor for those forgotten in institutions.
	RESPECT: Songs of the Self-Advocacy Movement Music CD featuring Self-Advocates Becoming Empowered and singer/songwriter Karl Williams.
	SABE Direct Action Video A video by Self Advocates Becoming Empowered (SABE) outlining elements of organizing a direct action.
	Self-Advocacy: Freedom, Equality and Justice for All A video and accompanying curriculum to help people discover the connections between self-advocacy and broader social justice movements.
	Shaking Off Stereotypes A curriculum, including a high-quality video, to help self-advocates find the power to throw off stereotypes and see that we all have something to contribute.
	Spread the Word to End the Word A website to help end the use of the word "retarded."
	The Centre for Welfare Reform This Center advocates about social justice issues in the United Kingdom. Though focused on problems across society, it includes the issues of people with disabilities in its work.
	The Community Imperative A video record of a national conference held in 2002 affirming the rights of people with developmental disabilities to live in the community.
	The Disability Rights Movement An on-line video presentation of the history of the disability rights movement. It is from the Smithsonian Museum.
	The Kennedy Foundation Public Policy Guide This website has information and articles about the federal policy, and government agencies that affect people with disabilities.
	The Power of Words: How We Talk About People with Autism Spectrum Disorders Matters! This DVD-ROM shows the power of words when talking about people who have autism.
	The Real Communities Initiative The purpose of the Real Communities Initiative is to connect people with intellectual disabilities to others so they can work together on community issues.
	The Riot! The Riot! is a newsletter for “self-advocates.” A self-advocate is somebody who has a disability and speaks up for themselves.
	Tools for Change: A video-based curriculum building skills and knowledge in self-advocacy and disability rights. A set of training units that teach people with disabilities and their allies about self-advocacy as a social movement. Each unit has a book with lots of information, a video, and ideas for group activities.
	Wake Up Call The Wake Up Call DVD was developed as a training film for DSPs. It shows how people with disabilities want staff to speak, work, relate, and interact with them.
	We Care A Lot Foundation The We Care A Lot Foundation sponsors many self-groups and activities in Northern California. These include People First, Pathfinders, Respect Yourself, and many more. Please visit the website for more details.
	West Virginia Fair Shake Network Self-Determination Initiative The Fair Shake Network is a collaborative group of individuals and organizations building a framework of supports and services for individuals with disabilities in West Virginia.
	What the Silenced Say: An Evening with Jonathan Mooney “What the Silenced Say” is a call for educational revolution for all of us concerned with cognitive diversity. Jonathan Mooney is quickly emerging as one of the foremost leaders in alternative education.
	Why They Gotta Do Me Like That? (The Empowered Fe Fes Take On Bullying) In this documentary film, young women with disabilites explore the issue of school based bullying.
	www.bioethicsanddisability.org This web site helps to inform disabled people about bioethics issues and helps to inform non-disabled people about a disability rights angle to the issues.
	www.SelfAdvocateNet.com An interactive, global website for people with intellectual disabilities and their supporters.

Organizations, Programs, and Projects

	A Small Group A volunteer group in Cincinnati. Its purpose is to offer a network and set of tools to create a new conversation and sense of relatedness, that has the power to produce an alternative future for the city.
	Access Living An Independent Living Center in Chicago in a building built by, and for, people with disabilities.
	Access Together This tracks how accessible business places are. It can be loaded on your cell phones as an App.
	Advocating Change Together ACT is a self-advocacy organization run by and for persons with developmental and other disabilities.
	Alliance for Full Participation A formal partnership of leading organizations serving the developmental disabilities field that share a common vision. Its intention is to help create a better and more fulfilling quality of life for people with developmental disabilities.
	Angel of Hope Productions The Angel of Hope Talk show is a television talk/entertainment show produced by people with disablities.
	Asset Based Community Development Institute (ABCD Institute) The Asset-Based Community Development Institute is built upon decades of community development research by John Kretzmann and John L. McKnight. Practical resources and tools for community builders to identify, nurture, and mobilize neighborhood assets.
	Blue Tower Training An organization that provides training, keynote speeches, consultation and resources to support services for people with disabilities.
	Center for the Study and Advancement of Disability Policy (CSADP) The Center for the Study and Advancement of Disability Policy (CSADP) provides information, training, and technical assistance on public policy issues affecting individuals with disabilities and their families (taken from CSADP website).
	Centers for Independent Living This product is community centers that exist all around the United States, and the world, to assist persons with disabilities to leave institutions and live independently in the community.
	Community Now! This organization helps people with disabilities move out of state institutions. It is in Texas.
	Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) An organization based in Washington, DC that coordinates efforts among many disability advocacy organizations.
	DAWN - DisAbled Women's Network (Ontario) DAWN Ontario is a progressive, volunteer-driven, feminist organization dedicated to the advancement of equality rights of women with disAbilities.
	Direct Care Alliance, Inc This organization advocates for DSPs. It helps DSPs receive adequate pay, good benefits, and respect as professionals.
	Disability is Natural This organization is all about creating new and positive ways of thinking about people with disabilities. It has a website, book, video, newsletter, and much more.
	Disability Rights Network of Pennsylvania A non-profit corporation in Pennsylvania that works with people with disabilities and their families, their organizations, and their advocates to ensure their right to live in their communities with the services they need.
	Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities An organization that provides many person centered resources and supports for community living. It is located in the United Kingdom.
	Get on Board this Train to Freedom: Understanding the Civil Right View of Disability This is a kit with three editions (parents, professional, and self-advocate) that helps people understand the civil rights view of disability.
	Hadamar Memorial Hadamar Memorial, located in Hadamar, Germany, is a memorial for victims of the Nazi "euthanasia" or extermination project that occured from 1939-1945.
	Healthcare Stories This initiative is trying to make health care better for people with disabilities. The method is to share powerful stories.
	I am Norm A campaign started by 20 young people, with and without disabilities, to show that everyone is normal. They hope to help everyone be equal and included in everyday life.
	Illinois Life Span Project A central source of information about services available to persons with developmental disabilities in the state of Illinois.
	Judith Snow A long-time advocate who promotes the inclusion of all people and values the differences each person brings to a community. Judith is a trainer, consultant, and also an artist.
	Making Your Case An online course designed to help families and people with disabilities learn about communicating with public officials to advocate for positive change for people with disabilities.
	Mitzvah Madness volunteer opportunities A website that lists current volunteer opportunities in Minneapolis Minnesota.
	Mothers From Hell 2 (MFH2) MFH2 is a national group of parents, relatives, friends, and anyone who just plain 'gets it' fighting for individuals with disabilities.
	National Coalition on Self-Determination The National Coalition on Self-Determination has been launched
	National Consortium on Leadership and Disability for Youth A Center that provides resources, information and training for youth with disabilities. The Center is led by youth with disabilities.
	National Disability Employment Awareness Month Website This website has many ideas to observe this very important event.
	National Organization to End the Waitlists (NOEWAIT) A group working to end the long waiting lists people with developmental disabilities find when they ask for services.
	Next Step An organization that works to protect and develop the rights of individuals with disabilities.
	Not Dead Yet Disability activists opposed to the legalization of assisted suicide and euthanasia.
	Parent to Parent -- A National Network of Parent Support Programs Parent to Parent programs provide information and support to parents/caregivers of family members with disabilities.
	PLAN Institute PLAN Institute provides training, consultation, research and publications on the values, concepts and actions of caring citizens, particularly as they relate to persons with disabilities.
	Saints, Sinners and Special People: Understanding the Moral View of Disability This product helps people understand the moral viewpoint of disability and the influence it has had on the way that people with disabilities are defined.
	Self-Advocate Leadership Network An organization that provides training and resources for self-advocates and others.
	TASH’s Diversity and Cultural Competency in Disability Advocacy Initiative In 2010, TASH began an initiative to become more inclusive of people from minority cultural groups. The ultimate goal is to make disability advocacy community more culturally diverse.
	The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) An organization that advocates for equal opportunities and rights for people with disabilities.
	The Autistic Self Advocacy Network This agency provides support and services to people with autism. It also advocates for community change and is run by and for people with autism.
	The California Memorial Project A project to honor and restore dignity to the people who lived and died in California's state institutions. It is led by people who have disabilities.
	The Center on Human Policy The Center on Human Policy (CHP) is a Syracuse University based policy, research, and advocacy organization involved in the national movement to insure the rights of people with disabilities.
	The Inclusion Network Toronto Summer Institute An annual conference in Toronto. It provides classes, seminars and activities about topics related to inclusion.
	The Karen Gaffney Foundation The Karen Gaffney Foundation works toward the full inclusion of people with Down Syndrome.
	The National Technical Assistance Center for Voting and Cognitive Access This organization supports the right to vote for people with disabilities. They have a brochure and video.
	The Patient Needs Fixing Understanding the Medical View of Disability This kit helps participants explore the history and influence of the medical/professional view of people with disabilities.
	The Real Communities Initiative The purpose of the Real Communities Initiative is to connect people with intellectual disabilities to others so they can work together on community issues.
	The R-Word Campaign An initiative to stop the use of a hurtful word. It was started by two parents.
	This is What Disability Looks Like This FaceBook page shows many images of people with disabilities living life. It counters the idea that disability is either a tragedy or an inspiration.
	Unlock the Waiting Lists This is a longstanding campaign to help people in the community who are waiting for support services.
	We Care A Lot Foundation The We Care A Lot Foundation sponsors many self-groups and activities in Northern California. These include People First, Pathfinders, Respect Yourself, and many more. Please visit the website for more details.
	Welcome Change Productions A film company that tells people's stories. They have made two films about people with disabilities. One was shown on HBO, the other on PBS.
	We're More Alike Than Different This is a national campaign to change attitudes about people with Down Syndrome.
	Women with Disabilities Victoria This agency helps women with disabilities achieve their rights. It is located in Australia.
	Youth Organizing! Disabled & Proud A program that connects, organizes and educates youth with disabilities.

Online Forums

	Citizen-Centered Leadership Development This is a training program about helping people with disabilities become full citizens of the communities where they live.
	Competitive Employment for People with Intellectual Disabilities — Real World Experience in Changing the Paradigm of the Way We Think This is an e-Newsletter article copy of a speech by a woman who has epilepsy and a hearing loss. She talks about the need to change the way people think about persons with disabilities having a job.
	Illinois Parents of Adults with Developmental Disabilities Unite (IPADDU) This website helps parents, self-advocates, siblings and others to share information about what is happening in the state of Illinois.
	On Being of Service This is a blog about providing support to people with disabilities.
	Self-Advocacy USA A listserve for self-advocates in the United States. It is for sharing self-advocacy activities, goals, news and events.
	The Centre for Welfare Reform This Center advocates about social justice issues in the United Kingdom. Though focused on problems across society, it includes the issues of people with disabilities in its work.
	www.empoweringjewswithdisabilities.org This website is a community for Jewish people who have disabilities.

Other

	Brain Injury Association of Minnesota Speakers Bureau This organization has people who understand brain injury well and will give speeches at no cost.
	Inclusion Daily Express Email news and information service. Simple, once-a-day look at disability rights, self-determination and the movement toward full community inclusion.
	Nerf's Up! An inclusive team-building game that is tons of fun!
	Portable EZ-Step The portable EZ-Step is a device that makes using stairs much easier by reducing the height by 1/2. It can also be used to go up and down curbs, in and out of cars, and also can be turned 180 degrees and used as a quad cane while walking. web:ez-step.com
	Remembering with Dignity A community organizing project of self-advocates and allies seeking honor for those forgotten in institutions.
	Respectful Language Bookmark This bookmark is available for download at no cost. "Words can hurt or words can welcome - language shapes our attitudes."

People Who Can Help

	Al Etmanski Al Etmanski is the President of A Planned Lifetime Advocacy Network, committed to meaningful and good lives for people with disabilities. He assists individuals and families in life-long planning including estate planning, guardianship alternatives,...
	Deborah Reidy Deborah Reidy is President of Reidy Associates, a consulting service which helps to create organizations that contribute to the social good. Reidy Associates specializes in developing leaders, planning and implementing desired futures, and building te...
	Jerry Smith I produce documentary films and training programs in support of people with disabilities and their allies. Please visit our website to view sample movies.
	Judith A. Snow, MA I am an advocate for people with disabilities, a social inventor, an inspirational speaker and a person-centered and strategic planner.
	Michael Dillon Most of my work has been with individuals with severe disabilities. I worked to create more effective and satisfying support alternatives to the institution. I have worked directly and as a consultant to several states and courts in issues related to t...
	Mike Green Mike works from a citizen-centered perspective with local people at the center. The focus is on two organizing questions: organizing local citizens and their allies to mobilize their local resources to work together to solve problems, and how agencies ...
	Ruthie Beckwith Ruthie-Marie Beckwith, Ph.D. is the Executive Director of the Tennessee Microboards Association, Inc. a statewide non-governmental organization dedicated to helping people with disabilities self-manage their services and supports. Prior to developing ...
	Steve Holmes I am the director of the Self-Advocacy Associations of New York State, and have been for the last 12 years. I have worked with and for people with developmental disabilities since 1969 when I was an attendant at a state institution--yes it was a horr...

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