Self-Advocacy

Self-advocacy is an individual’s ability to:

effectively communicate, convey, negotiate or assert his or her own interests, desires, needs and rights. It involves making informed decisions and taking responsibility for those decisions (VanReusen et al., 1994).

Cuyahoga DD supports opportunities for people with developmental disabilities to be self-advocates and be the main decision maker in their lives.

Visit Cuyahoga DD’s guide to Advocacy, Clubs and Volunteering opportunities

Leading Your Own Individual Service Plan Meeting

Learn how to advocate for yourself when leading your own ISP meeting with the videos below. 

ISP Resources:

• How to participate in an ISP
• ISP advocacy tool

Good Life Ambassadors

Cuyahoga DD's Good Life Ambassadors (GLAs) are adults with developmental disabilities who are passionate about inclusion, advocacy, and customer-focused services. GLAs share their perspective and lived experiences to help create disability acceptance and inclusion. Learn more about our Good Life Ambassadors here.