Explore Our Services and Support at Community Living Espanola

Self-Advocacy


[self-advocacy-slider]

What is Self-Advocacy?
It is when people speak up and speak out for their rights. Self-advocates have control over their own lives and express their views. Self-Advocacy groups bring people together to share ideas and support. It is also a way for people to have fun and make new friends.
It means:

  • Fighting for your rights
  • Standing on your own two feet
  • Doing your own thing
  • Telling people what you want
  • Sharing problems
  • Making choices
  • Taking responsibility for your own life

What is a Self-Advocate?
A Self-advocate is a person with a developmental disability who can speak up for his or her rights.

What can Self-Advocacy groups achieve?
As a group they can:

  • Bring people together to share ideas and support
  • Organize training for their members or speak to other groups about self-advocacy
  • Be a powerful voice to government and community living associations about the changes they want to make in their communities
  • Have fun and make friends

What is a Self-Advocate Committee?
A Self-advocate committee is a group of people who work together in learning and talking about their rights and taking action to try to achieve the same goal.

Who is involved in the Self-Advocate Committee?

  • People with different abilities
  • Community Living Espanola
  • Support staff

What happens at a committee meeting?
An attendance sheet is passed around and signed by everyone at the meeting.
The information discussed at the last committee meeting is read out loud so that everyone can remember what was talked about.
Discussion about the meeting minutes are either continued or new information is discussed.
Goals are made and actions are decided.

What are minutes?
Minutes are a written record of the important information discussed at the meeting and any decisions made.

How is a committee run?
A committee meets once a month.
Each member receives a copy of the minutes.
Members of the committee may get involved in taking action towards a goal of the committee.

President Pauline Thibeault
Vice-President Liz Cooper
Alternate Vice-President
Members to Date
Jason Colleen
David Peter
Mike Danny
Paul Denis
Lucas Denise
Ulysse Anna
Wendy Kevin
Jeanette Sarah
Recorder Andrea, staff support