Advocacy

Advocacy is essential in maintaining or improving the quality of life for people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities.

Persons with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities may need support of advocates to:

• Know about, understand, and assert their rights
• Practice self-determination
• Learn and develop the skills necessary to advocate for one's self
• Practice self protection
• Obtain needed services
• Identify and overcome barriers to fill participation in their community
• Be protected from mistreatment, abuse, and neglect