Calling All Self Advocates for a New National Council!

The Arc just launched a National Council of Self Advocates (NCSA) and is inviting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) across the country to join. The first national council of its kind, the NCSA will allow individuals with I/DD to join a network of leaders representing the full spectrum of ages and abilities, giving them a chance to support each other and provide learning opportunities as they grow as advocates in their communities. The NCSA was developed to foster the active involvement of individuals with I/DD in the work of The Arc. Its primary purpose is to empower persons with I/DD to voice their opinions about what is important to them and to ensure that they are afforded the same opportunities as everyone else to have a meaningful life in the community. In joining the Council, members will be able to network with others who are involved in advocacy work, educate the public about the issues that are important to people with I/DD, and become active leaders in their communities. In addition, the Council will also be promoting leadership roles for individuals with I/DD in local chapters of The Arc and supporting The Arc’s commitment to employing individuals with I/DD. Learn more about the focus areas of the Council and how to join. Membership in the Council is free to members of The Arc at the local, state and national level. So, if you are an individual with I/DD or know someone who would benefit from being a part of the Council, we encourage you to get involved along with co-conveners Barbara Coppens, Joe Meadours and Kurt Rutzen, who all currently sit on The Arc’s National Board of Directors. They each have a deep personal interest in this Council and are looking forward to creating a strong network of self-advocates across the country. Even if you don’t wish to be a member of the Council, you can still support their important work with a contribution. P.S. Also, plan to join The Arc and Self Advocates Becoming Empowered (SABE) at a self advocacy “meet & greet” breakfast during the Disability Policy Seminar in Washington, D.C. April 23-25. Your registration for the Seminar includes this special opportunity to network with other self advocates at breakfast on Tuesday, April 24 at 7:45 a.m. Register now at disabilitypolicyseminar.org.