Nothing is more powerful and liberating than determining the course of your own life. Self-advocacy is about speaking up for what you believe in and knowing that you are the true expert when it comes to your life. No one should be denied self-determination, even if they need support with making decisions.

Advocacy is also about working collectively to impact issues that are important to all people with disabilities. People with developmental disabilities must be at the table, fully involved as effective advocates and leaders in their own lives and in our communities.

The DD Council believes that people with developmental disabilities and their families must be supported and empowered to speak for themselves — individually and collectively. They must not only be listened to — they must be heard.