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SELF-ADVOCATES: Changing Communities Together

When Ryan Knorr looked around at the supports available to him, he realized day habilitation wasn’t the right fit. Instead, he advocated for a community habilitation plan that better supports his priorities, including his nine-year commitment to volunteering as a donor ambassador with the American Red Cross of Western New York.

That spirit is at the heart of self-advocacy: having the confidence and tools to speak up, make choices and shape one’s own life, even when it’s hard. For people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, it can mean standing up for one’s rights, questioning the status quo and taking the initiative to engage in leadership roles in ways big and small. Allies — staff members, family, friends or community members — play an important role by listening, encouraging and walking alongside self-advocates.

Heritage Christian Services partners with the Self-Advocacy Association of New York State to ensure that people have opportunities to learn, connect and lead.

At one recent session at the Pieters Family Life Center, a panel of self-advocates encouraged others to get involved. Ryan attended and spoke about the importance of having options for transportation. Navigating public transit services highlights how systems can open doors.

Mara Wright, another strong self-advocate, lives independently and is an active member of the HCS CARE Committee, a self-advocacy group based in Buffalo. She shares knowledge with advocacy groups, works two jobs and enjoys encouraging her peers. With support from a nurse, Mara sets weekly goals to gain independence, from using Buffalo’s Paratransit to managing her own appointments. “There, I did it!” she said enthusiastically when explaining how she has embraced advocating for herself.

Sherry Gricar, a faith community inclusion specialist, said the CARE Committee, a group of people who mainly live in residential homes supported by HCS, meets once a month to talk about community concerns. “This group,” she said, “they’re big encouragers of each other and sharing their experiences. It’s cool to hear them problem-solving together.”

“Self-advocates are building the courage and skills to speak up for themselves and others,” said Maureen Phillips, director of advocacy supports and community resources. “As people grow in that role, they not only shape their own lives but help create communities that welcome everyone.”

Through this partnership, self-advocates like Ryan and Mara are finding new ways to grow. Their voices help shape inclusive communities and ensure that support reflects each person’s goals and choices.

Find Out More

For more information, visit HeritageChristianServices.org/fair. To learn more about the Self- Advocacy Association of New York State, visit sanys.org.

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