This week, we celebrate James Meadours. He wrote an article for the Institute on Community Integration. It's called “Dignity of Risk.” In it, he shares his life journey. He talks about how taking risks has shaped his life. He thinks that all people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) should have the chance to take risks. What Is Dignity of Risk?

Tomorrow is Election Day! Voting is a powerful way to make your voice heard. The people we elect make choices that affect our daily lives. This includes our health care, education, and support services. When you vote, you shape what happens in your community and our country. Every vote counts. Your voice matters. In this video, James talks to us from Washington, DC.

Work is more than a paycheck. It gives people purpose and independence. It helps them build connections. But for many people with IDD, myths and stereotypes get in the way of getting jobs. It’s time to break those myths about IDD and employment! Cynthia Burrow is the owner of Strategic Education Solutions (SES). James Meadours is SES’s Advocacy and Outreach Lead.

It’s homecoming season. Across the country, people are cheering for their teams. They are celebrating “Friday night lights.” It’s a fun time for students to come together. But for many people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), those moments of celebration never happen. They may be included in the classroom. But they are left out when the bell rings. They deserve inclusion beyond the classroom.

World Mental Health Day was October 10. We can use this time to remember that mental health is a human right for people with IDD. To support IDD and mental health, going beyond the basics includes care that is fair. It should be respectful. It should center on the whole person. IDD and Mental Health Needs Mental health is important for everyone.

Guest post with Kim Fulda, DrPH, Professor, Executive Director of NorTex, UNT Health October is Substance Abuse Prevention Month. We’re learning more about IDD and substance use. Last month, we learned that people with IDD can have substance use disorder (SUD). We learned the truth about some harmful myths.  UNT Health is leading a project in Texas to share the truth about SUD.

In 1973, Congress passed the Rehabilitation Act. It’s sometimes called the Rehab Act for short. It helped clear a path for disability rights and inclusion. Before this law, many people with disabilities didn’t have rights in schools and at jobs. They were left out of public life. The Act helped change that. It made sure people with disabilities had more equal rights.

YouTube video by Self-Advocate Network

Guest post with Kim Fulda, DrPH, Professor, Executive Director of NorTex, UNT Health September is National Recovery Month. Some people think that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) don’t use substances. This is not true. We’re learning more about IDD and substance use. Some people with IDD have substance use disorder (SUD). SUD is when using drugs or alcohol creates serious problems in your life.

YouTube video by Self-Advocate Network

September 22 is National Family Day. But we’re taking it over! We're calling it “National Found Family Day.” For many, family is a source of love and support. But for some, family relationships are hard. Families may not accept people as they are. When that happens, a found family can be life changing. Found family is a group of trusted people who care for you.

YouTube video by Self-Advocate Network

September is Deaf Awareness Month. This is a time to learn about Deaf culture. It’s about building spaces that are welcome to everyone. It is also a time to celebrate the Deaf IDD community. Deaf Culture Deaf culture is full of stories and customs. Many people take pride in who they are as part of the Deaf community. They celebrate Deaf artists, athletes, and leaders, like Judith Scott.

YouTube video by Self-Advocate Network

Every worker should be paid fairly. But people with disabilities do not always get fair pay. They can even be paid less than minimum wage. In July, we talked about fighting for the right to live in the community. We must also fight for the right to fair pay for people with IDD.  Meaningful Work Meaningful work builds on people’s talents and skills.

YouTube video by Self-Advocate Network

Back-to-school month continues! This week, we talk about high expectations for self-advocates. When teachers set the bar high, students succeed. But only when they also get the right support. A Lifetime Love of Learning When teachers believe in their students, amazing things can happen. James Meadours is a great example. In high school, he was short one English credit to graduate.

YouTube video by Self-Advocate Network

It’s time for a new school year! We’re sharing free back-to-school resources for self-advocates and teachers. Our courses build skills like teamwork and leadership. Self-advocates can take them online at their own pace. We also have group learning guides. They are great for anyone teaching groups of learners. And our printable games make learning fun! Free Back-to-School Courses for Self-Advocates…

YouTube video by Self-Advocate Network

On August 12, we celebrate National Civil Rights Day. Many people have fought for civil rights in our country. We still must fight today. Speaking up in special education is important. Some of the rights we won under the special education law called IDEA are at risk. We all must fight harder than ever to keep IDEA and the rights it gives us.

YouTube video by Self-Advocate Network

A few months ago, we told you about eight free courses from our Participatory Action Research Start Up! Series. We are pleased to announce a new set of six more free courses! They are our Participatory Action Research Level Up! Series. These free courses help self-advocates build off the Start Up! Series. What You'll Learn The Level Up! Series has new topics for self-advocates who want to work on projects.