• Why has the Self-advocacy Grassroots Regional Organizing Program been established?

The program was established to promote the Self-advocacy movement in New York State.
 

• How is the Self-advocacy Program funded?

The program is funded by the New York State Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities.
 

• What is Self-advocacy?

Self-advocacy means people with disabilities speaking up for themselves and speaking out for their rights.
 

• Why is Self-advocacy important?

If people with disabilities can get involved with how they want to be treated and how they want goods and services provided, they can make a difference. Organizing Self-advocacy groups can help people with disabilities gain power over their lives.
 

• Who are the people operating the Central New York Regional program?

The Regional Organizer is Michael Kennedy. Mike began self-advocacy activities while living in an institution. After moving out he was hired by the Center on Human Policy as SA coordinator. He taught SA classes at a local college and founded the local SA group. He has provided technical assistance and training around the country.

The Regional Field Assistant is Sally Johnston. Sally founded Disabled in Action of Greater Syracuse in 1975. She worked for the Easter Seal Society as Regional Program Coordinator. She was Program Director for U.C.P.'s Residential Services and is now the Coordinator of its Self-Directed Personal Service.
 

• What counties are in the Central New York region?

Broome, Chenango, Cortland, Delaware, Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Madison, Oneida, Onondaga, Oswego, Otsego, and Tioga
 

• What supports can the Self-advocacy Regional Program offer your group?
• Assistance in developing self-advocacy groups in the region.
• Training for self-advocacy and self-advocacy groups
• Help in developing issues for Self-advocacy groups.
• Assist groups to develop letters and position statements.

Get involved now and gain control over important parts of your life

NOW IS THE TIME FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES TO GET INVOLVED AND BECOME EMPOWERED TO MAKE CHANGE!

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