Self-Advocates Want (from staff and agencies):

Help publicizing SA activities in mailings and newsletters.

Help transporting people to and from meetings.

Help securing meeting space, in-kind support and supplies.

Help by providing personal assistance for those self-advocates who need it to attend meetings.

Agencies Need To: Share information with local SA groups.

Have an affirmative organizational statement supporting self-advacocy.

Really listen to what self-advocates are saying.

Ensure that the staff assigned to advise or support a group understands the principles behind self-advocacy and that the staff member understands his or her role.

Develop a sense of openness and encourage self-advocates to express their opinions and respond to suggestions, complaints, and comments on the provider’s services.

Recognize the value of self-advocacy.