Resources for Self‑Advocates

Overview

The movement to improve the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) first began in the 1950s. At the beginning, it was led mostly by parents, friends, and allies of people with disabilities. Over time, as people with IDD began speaking up for themselves, the self‑advocacy movement emerged.

Self‑advocacy means people with disabilities speaking up for themselves by making their own choices, expressing their opinions, and directing their own lives. While support from others is often helpful, each self‑advocate should be in charge of their own path. The Arc supports people in building those self‑advocacy skills and experiences, offering programs that elevate the voices of self‑advocates.

Click the photo above to download: Self‑Advocacy PowerPoint — Developed by a team of self‑advocates including Molly Kirkham, former president of People First & SFO and active member of The Arc—Jefferson, Clear Creek & Gilpin Counties.

Explore Our Programs

Our programs are designed to support self‑advocates at different stages—whether you’re just getting started, looking to build connections, or are ready to take a leadership role. Here is a brief overview of each of the self-advocacy programs supported by The Arc of Jefferson, Clear Creek & Gilpin Counties.

Additionally, visit our calendar any time to view our upcoming events for self-advocates.

Coffee House

A monthly social gathering where individuals with IDD and their friends come together, have fun, meet others, and build community. Coffee House is open to everyone. It’s a relaxed, welcoming space hosted locally at Panera Bread in Lakewood. Coffee House meets monthly on the third Thursday of the month from 5:30pm-7:00pm. Learn more about Coffee House here.

Peer Power

Peer Power is a series of consulting advocacy events. Consulting advocacy is when people with IDD use what they’ve learned from their life experiences to support others with IDD. During Peer Power events, self‑advocates with IDD can ask questions and get guidance from consulting advocates on real‑life issues like transportation, independent living, work, and more.

LifeAbility Talks

LifeAbility talks are fun, free, interactive discussions developed and led by experienced self‑advocates. They focus on topics that help build independence and life skills. Topics have included communication, health and wellness, community safety, travel, and more. Learn more about LifeAbility Talks here.

People First of Jefferson County

People First of Jefferson County is our local self‑advocacy chapter made up of people with IDD. During People First meetings, self-advocates learn new skills, share experiences, and work together to make positive change in the community. Members support one another, practice leadership, and take part in social activities and advocacy activities that build confidence and connection. The group meets monthly on the first Wednesday of the month from 5:30pm-6:30pm at The Arc’s office. Learn more about People First here.

Speaking For Ourselves – Colorado

Speaking For Ourselves (SFO) is a statewide self‑advocacy organization made up of local People First chapters from across Colorado. SFO gives self‑advocates a stronger, unified voice at the state level. Members from different regions meet quarterly and at conferences to discuss issues, share ideas, and help shape policies and programs that affect people with IDD across Colorado. Through this network, self‑advocates learn from one another and work together to promote inclusion and equal rights. Learn more about SFO here.

National & Community Connections

National Council of Self‑Advocates (NCSA)

The NCSA connects self‑advocates from across the country, supports chapters like ours, and helps ensure people with IDD have equal civil and human rights.

  • Lead and participate in monthly online meetings.
  • Plan and host the annual self‑advocacy meeting (also known as a symposium) at The Arc’s National Convention.
  • Engage with local chapters to strengthen community advocacy.
  • Raise awareness about self‑advocacy nationwide.

Learn more about the NCSA here or by connecting with your local chapter of The Arc.

Self Advocates Becoming Empowered (SABE)

Self Advocates Becoming Empowered (SABE) is the national self-advocacy organization run by and for people with IDD in the United States. Founded in 1991, SABE serves as the primary national voice of the self-advocacy movement.

Core Purpose

  • Promote self-determination, independence, and civil rights of people with IDD.
  • Ensure people with disabilities lead conversations about disability policy, inclusion, and community life.

Learn more by visiting the SABE website here.

Self Advocacy Resource and Technical Assistance Center (SARTAC)

SARTAC is a federally funded national center that provides tools, resources, training, and technical assistance to strengthen self-advocacy organizations across the U.S. It is funded by the Administration for Community Living (ACL) and operated by a consortium, or association, of leading self-advocacy groups—with SABE playing a central role.

Core Mission

  • Build capacity of state and local self-advocacy organizations.
  • Support self-advocates in becoming leaders, trainers, policy advocates, and organizational decision-makers.

Learn more by visiting the SARTAC website here.

Questions?

Want to know more about our self‑advocacy opportunities at The Arc—Jefferson, Clear Creek & Gilpin Counties? Call us at (303) 232‑1338 or send us an email at info@arcjc.org.