Barrier Busters

Advocates For People With Disabilities 		Winter 2001 Issue
Volume 2
Number 1

Inside this Newsletter

  1. Barrier Busters
  2. Legislative News
    Interagency Council Hosts Legislative Breakfast, McCoy Presents Mock Testimony at Capitol, Sen. Dan Lee attends Wheelchair Soccer Tournament
  3. Sports
    West Georgia Wolverines win State Soccer Championship
  4. Features
    People First! Statement of Determination, Top Ten Tips for Parent Advocacy

Back to Self-Advocacy

People First! Statement of Self-Determination

During the June 2000 People First! State Conference, the following statement was adopted, defining what self-determination means to people with disabilities, and identifying key principles:

Self-determination means achieving our goals and dreams by having choices and power over our lives, money, resources, and the things we own. It means having choices about where we live and work and choosing the people in our lives. We are human beings with the same human and civil rights as all others. We all deserve the respect and freedom others have. Self-determination means having equal rights in our community. The principles of self-determination are:
  • FREEDOM - To plan our own lives. To take risks, benefit from our successes, and learn from our mistakes. To be with people we are close to, to have friends, to date, to be married, and to have our own families.
  • AUTHORITY - To control our money, services, and the supports we receive. To own property, like our own homes, and valuable possessions. To hire and fire the people who provide our services. To be a part of every decision that affects our lives including those decisions made in our communities, state, and nation.
  • SUPPORT - To help and encourage us in our daily lives and help us achieve our goals and dreams. To be provided by the people we choose, including our friends and families. To be provided where we need it, when we need it.
  • RESPONSIBILITY - To use our money wisely by making good decisions, paying our bills and taxes, and staying on budget. To be good citizens and employees. To give back to the community by helping others and sharing our gifts and talents.

We charge the State of Georgia and all others to uphold the principles of self-determination in all supports and services provided to people with disabilities and their families in the State of Georgia.

Adopted by People First of Georgia, Inc. - June 9, 2000, St. Simons Island, Georgia

Top Ten Tips for Parent Advocacy: Attitute is Everything!

  1. Be proactive, not reactive! Plan for the future, anticipate issues/problems, and think long term.

  2. Be a problem-solver, not a problem-maker! If you have a problem to discuss, always have possible solutions. If you don't, others' solutions might be worse than the original problem.

  3. Think win/win, not win/lose! Use strategies that allow everyone to feel they've "won".

  4. Become a "regular" parent! Join the PTA, volunteer in school, help plan school parties, etc. Let school personnel and other parents see you as a "regular" parent, not just the "special ed mom/dad." Develop friendships with parents who don't have children with disabilities. They can be your best allies and advocates.

  5. Develop and nurture relationships with school personnel. Take the time to get to know people at school, in person or over the phone. Talk to them regularly, not just when there are problems. Have regular, informal meetings with school personnel who work with your child. Take a teacher to lunch!

  6. Change the atmosphere to change the outcomes! Be creative in planning the IEP meeting. Be active, not passive. Have the meeting in the classroom, the cafeteria, the library, your home, or other neutral territory. Be festive and have refreshments. Food is the great equalizer!

  7. Write YOUR staffing report before the IEP meeting! Detail needs and goals from your intimate knowledge of your child. Include in your "report" suggested modifications, adaptations, and related services. This valuable parent's perspective is critical when writing the IEP at the meeting.

  8. Don't "ask" for inclusion, write it in the IEP! For too many, the word "inclusion" is too controversial. Describe your childís needs and goals in ways so that an inclusive classroom in the neighborhood school is the only place your child's needs/goals can be met.

  9. Remember to use these Keys to Success: *Identify and Value Your Allies, *Respect and Teach Your Adversaries, *Combine Style and Substance, *Practice Finesse and Diplomacy

  10. Remember this is all about your child and the future! When the going gets rough and emotions are high, don't take things personally. Hold your head high, maintain your composure, and focus on what's really important: your child's future. It's NOT about egos, winning/losing, who's right or who's wrong!