Self-advocacy means making choices and speaking up for oneself. Everyone uses self-advocacy in some way, whether it’s asking for a raise, choosing where to live, or deciding how to spend free time. For people with disabilities, self-advocacy can be especially important in making sure services, supports, and opportunities meet their needs and reflect their goals.
GAO believes in equipping people with disabilities with the skills necessary to lead self-determined lives. We provide information, tools, and training to help people build self-advocacy skills and achieve their goals. Whether it’s preparing for a meeting, asking for accommodations, or understanding rights, we’re here to support and guide, not take over.
The national self-advocacy group Self Advocates Becoming Empowered (SABE) describes it this way:
“Self-advocacy teaches us how to make decisions and choices that affect our lives so we can be more independent. It also teaches us responsibilities. The way we learn about advocating for ourselves is by supporting each other and helping each other gain confidence so we can speak out for what we believe in.”
At GAO, we are proud to stand alongside self-advocates across Georgia as they lead, grow, and claim their rights. Supporting self-advocacy is incorporated into all our work.