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 article identifies three "waves" of the disability movement (the professional, parent, and self-advocacy waves) and applies them to issues of control and choice in the lives of people with developmental disabilities. It identifies issues related to the self-advocacy movement such as group identity and the long-term role for people who are not…

The purpose of this article is to awaken the reader to the possibilities which exist when working on Person-Centered Planning and the individual with intellectual disabilities, specifically, Down syndrome. Although Person-Centered Planning has been in existence for more than two decades, it is viewed in a new way through the experiences documented…

In this study, the author analyzed the effects of using the Self-Advocacy Strategy to increase student participation in Individualized Education Program conferences. An experimental design was used to collect data throughout the students' IPLAN program. Student participation and ability to self-advocate increased when the Self-Advocacy Strategy…

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…

Interviews with 22 adults with mental retardation suggest that, although they and other individuals with mental retardation have participated in various roles in research and training, there are many barriers to meaningful consumer involvement (such as professional jargon) and there is a need to bring out individuals' strengths and capabilities.…

Purpose: To explore the experience of belonging to a self-advocacy group for people with intellectual disabilities, and how membership of such a group impacts on individual members. Methods: Eight people with intellectual disabilities, who belonged to a self-advocacy group for at least 6 months, were interviewed about their experiences of…

This is the story of Marie, a woman with "learning difficulties" who lives in Belgium. It is told by Marie and her advocate, Griet. In 2002, Marie was told she had to have a sterilization. This is the story of what happened: The professionals told Marie and her mother the operation was essential. Marie did not know what the operation was…

An instrument was developed and standardized to assess the extent to which mentally retarded people demonstrate knowledge of citizenship rights and responsibilities. Test development involved generating 83 test items, pilot testing with 236 members of self-advocacy groups for the developmentally disabled, and standardization with 391…

The authors outline the field development of a self-advocacy program whose central purpose is to assist seniors to speak up for what they need to maintain control of their health and their lives. They state that results support the effectiveness of this model. (Author/CH)

The article describes the evolution of the self-help advocacy movement of persons with mental retardation. Ways in which self-help groups establish informal peer support systems within the community are noted along with improvements in self concept, opportunities for friendship, and societal change. (CL)

If you experience troubling emotional or psychological symptomslike depression, bipolar disorder or manic depression, schizophrenia, borderline personality disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, dissociative disorder, post traumatic stress disorder, an eating disorder, or an anxiety disorderyou may be looking for some information and support on…

Intercollegiate forensics (speech and debate) programs represent an outgrowth of the communication curriculum. As such, the goal of forensic programs is to encourage students to become responsible advocates in democratic societies through developing appropriate communication skills and attitudes. This paper extends earlier research, providing…

Reviews attributes and elements identified in the literature for promoting the self-determination and self-advocacy of people with disabilities, and the relationship between self-determination and self-advocacy and effective leadership. Recommendations to increase focus and attention on the leadership development of people with developmental…

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)