1 Self–Advocacy, Self Determination and YOU

2 We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them Albert Einstein

3 Problems & Challenges exist New Thinking & Involvement Needed 20,000 – 22,000 People are waiting for services Yet Government Services are being cut! Something needs to be done….

4 New Pathways are needed Lots of Self Advocates are needed Real Self-Determination is needed Change is needed Self Advocates must be heard and involved New ideas are needed

5 But to make things happen, Self Advocates are needed Self-Advocacy is speaking up for myself and not being afraid

6 Self-advocacy is … Standing up for our rights Being in charge of my life Being treated with Respect

7 Who is a Self Advocate? A Self-Advocate is … A person who speaks up for himself or herself. Someone who speaks up and lets others know what he or she thinks. YOU !

8 Self-Advocates must be heard We are having success There are 40 local Self Advocate Groups plus many Aktion Clubs with hundreds of members. But we must be really good self advocates in order for our voice to be heard. And we must be in control.

9 Self-Determination is Important People with disabilities have the right to make decisions that shape their life today and tomorrow. This is Self-Determination

10 Principles of Self-Determination Freedom to plan your own life. Authority –determine how money is spent. Support –build a meaningful life in the community. Responsibility – to use funding wisely and contribute to one’s community (citizenship). Leadership - to be an equal partner in the design of the State-wide system and other supports in the community

11 Self-Determination (as described by people with disabilities) When I take action and do something to make changes in my life when I want to Control my own life, make my own decisions and plan my future Being treated as an adult not like a child when I direct my services and supports and having people listen to me Determine how money is spent for my supports Takes responsibility for the decisions I make

12 Self-Determination is NOT a “program” or a “model”……... It’s a PROCESS and a PATHWAY to a different future!

13 Self-Determination is different than how things are usually done The Current Way is: A person may be placed in an available job that may not match their interest. With Self-Determination: A person’s skills and interests are identified and then the appropriate job is found.

14 Self-Determination is different than how things are usually done Current Way things are done: Agency offers a set of services from those it operates With Self-Determination: Person and circle of people who support the self advocate choose or build supports from any source

15 Self-Determination is different than how things are usually done The Current Way is: A person’s choices and interests may be matched with agency offerings but not guaranteed. With Self-Determination: Supports and services are developed to achieve the person’s dreams.

16 What keeps real Self-Determination from happening? Self Determination and “person centered planning” is pretty radical and most people don’t like to make changes. Self Advocates & others don’t have the experience with choice-making and control Shift in power to the Self Advocate who would be in in control

17 What keeps real Self-Determination from happening? (continued) Opposed by some providers, government and even parents/family members – many fear change The whole service system is not in place to provide and support individualized services Old public policies not up-to-date and not everyone agrees changes should be made “We can’t do that”

18 Yet this may be the time for change Growth of Self-Advocacy Growth of and success of self advocates directing their services across the country Growth of and success of family directed services across the country Greater flexibility on use of Medicaid dollars, we just need to make sure the state does it right

19 Self Advocates need to make it happen Leadership – Self-Advocates must lead/ You Leadership - Self Advocate Groups, Aktion Clubs & SAI/US Collaboration – Work with others Shared vision – Have a vision & believe in it: Self Advocacy & Self Determination Have a Plan that will lead to change Educate the general public

20 SAI’s Goals – the roadmap to change Self-Advocates of Indiana (SAI) is a strong and effective organization with chapters statewide SAI supports and speaks for all self-advocates SAI is a strong voice in advocating for public policies to protect and support services for self- advocates SAI informs and educates Hoosiers about the rights and abilities of self-advocates SAI supports and encourages community employment for all individuals with disabilities

21 People with Disabilities must be Empowered Be more proactive in educating individuals (and families) on all the opportunities that might be possible: Expand people’s understanding of options beyond traditional supports; both current and long term Expand people’s definition of work to include volunteering and internships. Enhance individual skills to support greater self- direction Foster people’s ability to hope and dream

22 New Pathways to Empowerment Takes a fresh look at Indiana’s system of programs and services for people with disabilities and their families Redesign and Redefine a system that provides what people want and need in the most sensible way possible

23 Self-Advocates Are Needed 1. To be a LOUD Voice for Our Rights and the Services we Need and Want 2. For Community Awareness, Outreach & Being Active at the Grassroots Level

24 You Can Do It ! Self-Advocates are local grassroots advocates and activists. Self-Advocates receive volunteer & participate in training Self-Advocates and others begin the local “grassroots” campaign in their community Self-Advocates share ideas and new pathways

You Can Do It ! Talk about what’s important to you…such as Talk about JOBS – Talk about why you want a good job with good pay. Let YOUR VOICE BE HEARD 25

26 “Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much.” Helen Keller

27 Please contact us Melody Cooper Phone: Self-Advocates of Indiana 107 N. Pennsylvania St., Suite 800 Indianapolis, IN 46204