About Advocacy
Advocacy teaches individuals with disabilities how to advocate for themselves and others and teaches people without disabilities about the importance of inclusion. All individuals with disabilities have the right to take control of their lives, speak up for themselves, and make their own life decisions. Advocacy groups help provide the resources to make that possible.
Leadership Academy
The Leadership Academy is a six month training opportunity for people with developmental disabilities (ages 18 and over) to learn and develop important leadership and advocacy skills to help become more involved in leadership roles in the community.
Advocate Meetings
Each month advocates meet to learn more about advocacy and to talk about issues of importance to them. At each meeting, advocates will learn about upcoming opportunities, talk about important issues, and learn about social and advocacy skills.
Advocacy Mingles
At each Mingle, advocates will be joined by a speaker to discuss topics that will enhance their knowledge or skillset, or be able to participate in an activity relating to the lesson of the month.
People Together
The People Together program encourages advocates to meet with students at local schools to present on ways to be inclusive and kind to people of all abilities. Advocates talk to students about their disability, as well as obstacles they have faced and overcome.
Speakers Bureau
Advocates are committed to teaching people without disabilities about inclusion, seeing ability first, and helping start important conversations. The Speakers Bureau presents to a wide variety of groups, including businesses, senior citizen groups, and more.
If you are interested in learning more and/or having the Advocacy Speakers Bureau come speak with your group or organization, please contact our Advocacy Advisor:
Molly Usner, Advocacy Advisor
330-725-7751 ext. 119
selfadvocacy@mcbdd.org