Arc Leadership Institute Capstone Project
Capstone Project
How to Engage with your Program Participants and help them become strong Self-Advocates
Respect & Communication
Make sure that your agency's mission emphasizes respect for all individuals.
Recreation Ideas
Make sure that your agency provides various recreation events, from formal dances to Bingo. This will build relationships and allow more opportunities for choice.
Self-Advocacy Groups
Consider forming a self-advocacy group so your program participants can learn and engage on a local, state and even national level.
Promote Self-Advocacy
Our program participants and self-advocates are the most important piece in the work that we do. We are in the business of supporting individuals with IDD and they are the customers we need to please. They should be front and center of everything we do, as well as being supported in controlling their own destinies. The following topics offer ideas in several areas to help engage your program participants and build a strong foundation for self-advocacy.
Please take a moment to explore the ideas put forth here. While this is not a complete list, it is definitely an excellent jumping-off point as you start your agency's journey towards empowering your participants to become strong self-advocates who know what they want and how to get it!
If your chapter is doing something you don't see here and you want to share, please drop us an email and we will be sure to add it!
Prioritize Respect
The individuals we support want and need the same kind of treatment and care as everyone else. They should be treated with fairness, dignity, and respect. We should get to know them as people and learn what they like to do. We should always speak to the person, not over them or only to a caregiver.
Establish Clear Communication
Always speak clearly and plainly. Do not use overly complicated words. Be careful not to patronize either! Do whatever you can to minimize distractions, like louder housemates or the television set. Ask if you can move the conversation to a quieter area of the home or center.
Form a Self-Advocacy Group or Club
If your chapter does not already have one, consider forming a self-advocacy club or group. Make sure your group has a dynamic advisor, whether it be a staff member, Board member, or other community volunteer. This person will need to help guide, especially at the beginning, in organizing productive meetings, planning fun activities and accessing advocacy events and learning opportunities.
Offer a Robust Recreation Program
Recreation activities that people enjoy do so much to enrich their lives. Make sure that the recreation activities your chapter offers cover a wide range of activities. Work with your region's Special Olympics group to form sports teams, such as bowling, basketball, swimming, and snow sports. Tap into local college and high school sports teams to help with this. Offer activities during the day for retirees, such as a brunch or tea. Reach out to local gyms or other community groups to offer yoga or Zumba sessions. Many arts activities can be augmented by grant opportunities, community volunteers, or even staff who have hidden talents. All of these activities offer the opportunity for our participants to form connections with one another, staff, and community volunteers.
Offer Parent Groups
Focus on the parents of the youngsters in your community who may not be aware of the services your chapter offers. While this may not be your first thought in promoting self-advocacy, it actually can add tremendous value. First, you will be forming relationships with people whose children will be coming into the adult system in the coming years. You will have your finger on the pulse of what they are looking for to support their children. They are looking for more choices and working with them will allow an exchange of ideas to improve your agency's offerings. You will also have access to another group of individuals with hidden talents (art, music, yoga, etc) who may be willing to volunteer their time with your Self-Ad groups, recreation activities, or join your Board of Directors.
Sample Gallery
Support Choice Throughout the Lifespan
Be sure to support the individuals wishes and advocate for them always. This includes if their family or Guardian is making a choice for them that does not align with their beliefs or wishes. This can be a hard area to navigate, but do what you can to assist your program participants to become their own best advocate.