This theme issue presents personal perspectives and approaches to self-advocacy from individuals who are deaf-blind. Individual articles are: (1) "Self-Advocacy: Attaining Personal Stature" by Michelle J. Smithdas; (2) "The American Association of the Deaf-Blind: A National Consumer Advocacy Organization" by Jeffrey S. Bohrman;…

Four recommendations are provided for developing self-advocacy in individuals with mental retardation, to support national and local advocacy organizations. Guidelines include making specific and concrete recommendations, expressing one's needs, appreciating all stakeholders' limits, and appreciating that change is often slow. (PB)

The authors examine the meaning of independence for persons with a disability, note two prerequisites (access to the same opportunities of life and capacity to participate in those activities), and explore strategies to help disabled persons learn to choose how to live their lives (including personal life planning, problem solving instruction, and…

Suggestions are provided for mental retardation service providers interested in closer cooperation with the self-advocacy movement. Tips emphasize sharing information, establishing local self-advocacy groups, encouraging convention participation, encouraging staff involvement, listening to consumers, and listening to the voices of the…

This compilation of materials offers an overview paper and an annotated bibliography on self-determination. The overview paper on self-advocacy for individuals with developmental disabilities, authored by Michael Kennedy and Patricia Killius, presents a definition of self-advocacy, notes that poor communication skills should not prevent an…

Traces the history of civil rights, disability rights, and self advocacy of people with developmental disabilities and autism. The need for future self-determination efforts to develop effective leadership from the ranks of self-advocates and for the accentuation of the positives of having a disability is discussed. (Author/CR)

This report explains the transfer of legal rights to students with disabilities at age 18 in Oregon. Sections of the report address: (1) the rights that transfer to the student; (2) the rights that parents keep; (3) school district notice requirements; (4) alternatives to the transfer of rights, including the appointment of a surrogate parent by…

This article discusses how outside contributions and interests can place self-advocates in danger, how personal issues of advisors may place self-advocates in danger, a way for advisors to resolve their personal issues, and strategies that advisors can employ to assist and support self-advocates if they are in dangerous situations. (CR)

Twenty-nine recommendations were compiled from ideas generated by participants at the National Conference on Self- Determination, which was called by the United States Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, with over half the participants having disabilities of some kind. The participants came with different perspectives, but…

This packet of materials focuses on the self-advocacy of individuals with disabilities. Part 1 includes: "Self-Advocacy: Speaking for Yourself" (Michael Kennedy and Patricia Killius), an article written by individuals with disabilities that discusses the importance of people with disabilities making their own decisions and having a say…

This study used surveys, interactive focus groups, and telephone interviews to explore the concept of advocacy and advocacy activities experienced by 32 parents and 11 individuals with developmental disabilities. Advocacy activities and supports (such as communication skills and networking) and barriers to successful advocacy (such as costs and…

This article discusses self-determination for people with significant cognitive disabilities and their families. It argues that there is inadequate attention to the profound influence of significant cognitive disabilities on achieving self-determination and that cultural values influence one's definition of self-determination. Research needs are…

This article chronicles the struggles of a student who is profoundly deaf and his relationship with a home tutor. His rejection of offered traditional supports (such as hearing aids, employment, placement in a community college) are discussed, along with the contributions of the disability movement in shaping his view of himself as…

This paper offers advice, from members of People First, concerning the process of having individuals with disabilities move out of institutions and nursing homes into community living arrangements. The first section lists categories of questions that express the potential concerns and worries of people who are going to move, such as "Why do…

A survey of 510 practitioners engaged in support services to college students with learning disabilities investigated attitudes toward and practice of self-advocacy training and methods to reduce student dependence on programs and increase autonomy. While most expressed strong support for self-advocacy practices, it was found that far fewer use…