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.
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.
