History:
– The self-advocacy movement started with a conference in Sweden in 1968, and then a conference in the U.S. in 1974.
– The self-advocacy movement started because many people with intellectual disabilities were segregated in institutions. If they did not live in institutions, they still had very little choice and control in their lives.
– People with intellectual disabilities were viewed as incapable of making decisions, and as in need of protection.
– Through the self-advocacy movement, people with intellectual disabilities speak up about equal rights and justice. They demand choice and control in their lives, better quality support services, an end to discrimination, and many other things.
– There are local groups, state organizations, and a national organization, Self Advocates Becoming Empowered, which was formed in 1991.
– The self-advocacy movement has created much positive change in the lives of people with disabilities and how they are viewed. However, there is still segregation and attitudes that are negative and harmful. Thus, it is important that the work of the self-advocacy movement continues.
