Self Advocacy in Action television Show ( Person First 1)

[darmacanter]

I like the word consumer because it is my history and I am not a person receiving publicly funded services. It never was meant in that way.

[darmacanter]

Advocates fought for 40 years to pass legislation and funding for services to get us out of attics, basements and institutions. I have more power to advocate if I am part of an identifiable community.

Individuals have no "special rights." My disability identity guarantees me equal access to education, employment public events. It affords me judicial remedies if my right to equal treatment is violated.

[darmacanter]

People with disabilities are the largest voting block in America. I am part of a community - not a "population. Communities are made up of individuals who share a common "interest" or culture.