Institute for Human Development

Individual Advocacy

The University of Missouri-Kansas City’s Institute for Human Development supports individual advocacy to meet the needs of people with developmental disabilities in several ways.

      • Providing information, training and support services

      • Providing community training and technical assistance

      • Promoting individual and family support advocacy systems at the community, state and national levels

    The UMKC-IHD directly supports three key programs that promote individual advocacy.

    Group of university students working together on a project

    The Self-Advocacy Resource and Technical Assistance Center (SARTAC)

    Established by Self Advocates Becoming Empowered (SABE), SARTAC aims to strengthen the self-advocacy movement by supporting self-advocacy organizations to grow in diversity and leadership.

    WeSaid at the UCEDD

    WeSaid at the UCEDD supports people with lived experience in developmental disabilities through the:

    • WeSaid Speakers’ Bureau – features skilled speakers with lived experience in developmental disabilities for a variety of speaking engagements.
    • Candace’s Corner Podcast – Highlights prominent leaders talking about key issues affecting the disability community.
    • Take FIVE with Skye Video Series – Five-minute interviews with diverse people sharing stories of resiliency, empowerment and self-determination.
    • WeSaid Academy Training and Technical Assistance Center – Offers training for and by individuals with lived experience to promote advocacy, self-determination and independence.

    People First of Missouri

    People First of Missouri is a self-advocacy organization that was formed by, is run by and exists for people with developmental disabilities in the state of Missouri. It is a non-profit organization that promotes equality for people with disabilities so they can live the life they want in the community. People First of Missouri consists of county/regional affiliated chapters.