Stories of self advocacy in the lives of individuals with disabilities

“To encourage the empowerment of youth with and without disabilities in an all inclusive environment through education and community involvement in all aspects of change and advocacy.”

 Communicating your needs  Standing up for and exercising your rights  Learning to be out spoken in your independence

 Education  Employment  Transportation  Health care

 Educational institutions that receive federal funds cannot discriminate against students with disabilities  Schools must provide services and accommodations so that the student with a disability may equally participate

 Create annual educational goals  Determine accommodations and services needed  Develop a plan for transitioning out of high school

 Bill led his IEP  Created a PowerPoint presentation to talk about what he liked and didn’t like

 Advocated to be kept in general education classrooms with other students  Received assistance during lunch and bathroom breaks as an accommodation

A federal program that provide services to people with disabilities with the goal of keeping or getting employment.

 Associate’s degree for Glendale Community College  Bachelors degree from DeVry University

 Accommodations and supports received by Edin from Vocational Rehab include: ◦ Hand controls ◦ Tuition ◦ Books

 Student at Arizona State University majoring in Social Work  Accommodations include: ◦ Tuition ◦ Computer ◦ Books ◦ Transportation

 Student at Arizona State University studying Psychology  Accommodations include: ◦ Tuition

 The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities and guarantees equal opportunities for individuals with disabilities in employment, transportation, public accommodations, state and local government services, and telecommunications.  Employers must provide reasonable accommodations to employees with disabilities.

 Internship at Phoenix Police Department  Accommodations: Electric office equipment and raised office desk

The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 requires government funded public transportation to be accessible to people with disabilities.

 Valley Metro public transportation  Light rail  Orbit bus services

 Accessible public buses  Dial-a-Ride

 People with disabilities are encouraged to speak up for themselves in all areas of their lives including their healthcare.

 Doctors aren’t always right  Alyssa advocates against unnecessary surgery

 Health insurance not always willing to cover medical equipment  Doctor’s approval required for services

The Youth Action Council of Arizona (YAC-AZ) is a self advocacy organization supported by Southwest Institute for Families and Children. For more information, contact George Garcia extension 801 or at