What is Self Advocacy?

▹ is about speaking for yourself,

▹ is about speaking out for your rights,

▹ is about teaching others to speak out for their rights, and

▹ is about having input into the decisions about your life.

 Some People Need Help to Advocate for Themselves:

▹ Some people are unable to talk or communicate easily with others.

▹ They may need a friend, family or someone else who knows them really well to speak for them.

Self-Advocacy is About Having Choices:

 ▹ People with disabilities have the right to make choices.

▹ Sometimes people with disabilities need help to make choices.

▹ Family and friends can help people learn about choosing.

 Self-Advocacy Means Having a Say About Your Life:

People can have a say by:

▹ participating in the Person Centered Plan of their choice,

▹ letting people know if you are happy or unhappy with your

   services,

▹ participating in a self-advocacy group,

▹ sitting on the board of a service agency and if necessarygetting support so that your voice can be heard,

▹ filling in a satisfaction survey, and

▹ making choices about what you want to do and with whom.

 Learning About Self-Advocacy:

▹ Everyone has the right to learn to speak for themselves.

▹ People with disabilities can teach others to speak for themselves.

▹ It can be easier to speak out for yourself by forming a group. At Community Living Victoria we support and encourage people to advocate for themselves and to do it in a way that works for them.

It is important that people are included in decision-making that affects their lives:

▹ People have the right to know and exercise their rights.

▹ People have the right to have access to information.

▹ People have the right to represent themselves.

▹ People have the right to be included in their communities and activities of their choosing.

How Community Living Victoria supports and encourages self-advocacy:

The Person Centered Plan (PCP) Process: Everyone is encouraged and supported to participate in their PCP process. We also like to invite family and friends.

Satisfaction Survey:  About once a year Community Living Victoria will be asking you questions about how happy you are about services and the support we provide. This is called a satisfaction survey. This helps us know how to improve what is working well.

Upon entry into Community Living Victoria programs and then once a year, a Community Living Victoria staff person will review your rights with you. In addition to A handbook, staff may use videos, group discussions, picture symbols or workshop sessions to review this topic.

Representation on Community Living Victoria’s Board: 

One or more persons who has an intellectual disability is elected as a member of the Community Living Victoria Board of Directors. These individuals help provide representation and a voice for other self advocates supported by CLV.