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Self Direction SpotlightRead about how people in our community have utilized self-direction to live a fulfilling life of their own design. These interviews will tackle how to overcome the challenges with self-direction and the many benefits.
DJ Savarese on Developing Self-Directed Supports in College (Webinar Recording)
DJ Savarese describes the self-directed supports he used at Oberlin College as their first alternatively-communicating autistic student.
Self-Advocacy through theater: Lateef McLeod stars in Sins Invalid’s “We Love Like Barnacles: Crip Lives in Climate Chaos”
Last month, Lateef McLeod, Alliance Board member, performed in the show “We Love Like Barnacles: Crip Lives in Climate Chaos” by disability justice group Sins Invalid to a virtual audience of over 800 people. The show focused on the intersection between climate...
Self-Direction Spotlight with Caroline Signore
Caroline gives advice on managing support staff and building natural supports with friends and people in your community. She believes that when people help each other, it brings them closer together and strengthens connection. She is the Deputy Director of the Division of Extramural Research, at the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD).
When Colors Get Along: Self-Direction Spotlight with Mara Clawson
Mara is an artist who runs her own business that she named “When Colors Get Along.” She makes art because, as she describes, “art makes me happy and gives me lots of courage. My body cannot make tears. So, my pictures tell how I feel.” She likes making people happy with her art by sharing “how I see the world.” Artwork above is Finding Ways to Keep the Water Clean © 2019 Mara Clawson
Building Self-Confidence Through Self-Direction
For Jason Ross, self-direction wasn’t easy. It meant overcoming failure through perseverance. And it gave him confidence to take charge of his life.
Ending Institutionalization of People With Disabilities in Pennsylvania
We support the closure of the White Haven and Polk centers, which deny basic freedoms to people with intellectual/developmental disabilities. Our member Robert Zotynia and board member Marian Frattarola-Saulino testified at a recent community hearing in White Haven.
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Our updates will help you overcome challenges to self-direction through personal insights and stories from our members. You'll also have opportunities to advocate for and support expanding self-direction for all.