What is Self-Advocacy?
Self-Advocacy is:
- Speaking up for yourself
- Taking responsibility for your own life
- Knowing your rights and standing up for your right
It is YOU being in control of your own life. United Advocates is a program of The Arc of Greater Tarrant County.
What is United Advocates?
Mission Statement: The United Advocates of Tarrant County work together and speak out for people with disabilities
to have equal opportunities to participate with dignity and respect as members in all aspects of community life.
Vision Statement: The United Advocates of Tarrant County envisions a community which is sensitive to people
of all backgrounds and has boundless opportunities for every person.
How can United Advocates Help Me?
United
Advocates offers help and support to self-advocates, self-advocate
groups, and in different ways,
including in topics such as:
-
Self-Advocacy Skills
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Assertiveness
-
Legislative Advocacy
-
Personal Futures Planning
-
Employment Career Planning
-
Advisors and Presidents Training
-
How to talk to elected and state agency
officials
Information:
United Advocates meet the last Friday of each month (5:30-8:00PM). Together we decide where we stand
on laws and other issues that are important to people with disabilities. There are sometimes guest speakers,
such as experts on police, fire and health issues. We attend an annual conference of Texas Advocates. We
also have social events throughout the month.
In the past, United Advocates, with the help of Texas Advocates, have worked on issues that concern people
with disabilities. We have made an impact on these areas:
- People can be served in their own homes instead of institutions
- Hundreds of Self-Advocates are now taking the lead in developing their own plans because of help they and
their support groups receive
