Today, ALSO shares how advocacy significantly impacts the lives of people with DD, their family members, and, of course, the communities in which they live and work.<\/p>\n
Understanding Developmental Disabilities Advocacy<\/h2>\n![\"\"](\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\")
<\/div>\n <\/p>\n
“I am different, not less.”<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\nThis statement was made by Dr. Temple Grandin,<\/a> world-renowned animal behaviorist who also has autism. She reminds us that being different does not make anyone less deserving of human rights (and responsibilities) than anyone else.<\/p>\nImportance of Advocacy<\/h3>\n
Advocacy for people with DD is important because, not too long ago, having DD meant a life of living in institutions, group homes, or, at best, working for pennies in sheltered workshops.<\/a><\/p>\nFierce advocacy spurred the implementation of numerous rights that those with DD enjoy in the 21st century. A seminal moment was the passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)<\/a>. This federal law, modeled after the Civil Rights Act, recognized that disability rights were essentially human rights.<\/p>\nThe Current Landscape of Advocacy in 2025<\/h3>\n
Advocacy service organizations continue to work for equal access to community living, competitive employment, and equality in health and education. In addition to strengthening the narrative of the inherent value of full inclusion of people with DD, advocacy groups are collectively sharing resources and building coalitions in 2025<\/a>.<\/p>\nThe Evolution of Disability Advocacy<\/h2>\n
Disability rights advocacy existed in the 1800s and gained momentum in the 1960s and 1970s<\/a>.<\/p>\nHistorical Advocacy<\/h3>\n
In the 1990s, the phrase ‘Nothing About Us Without Us’<\/a>\u00a0became a strong rallying cry in support of:<\/p>\n\n- Community integration<\/li>\n
- Self-determination<\/li>\n
- Empowerment<\/li>\n
- Inclusivity<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Self-Advocacy Movement<\/h3>\n
People with DD could be considered some of the major trailblazers<\/a>\u00a0of self-advocacy. Self-advocacy skills have the following benefits:<\/p>\n\n- Better communication with others regarding preferences and needs.<\/li>\n
- Improving self-confidence, personal empowerment, and self-esteem.<\/li>\n
- Collaboration with other individuals and advocacy organizations to change policy and create legislation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Role of Disability and Advocacy Organizations<\/h3>\n
Working together can move mountains! Disability advocacy organizations play a major role in advancing the rights of people with DD. Some organizations focus on community living and health care. While others specialize in legal services, disability benefits, or mental health services.<\/p>\n
The Impact of Effective Advocacy<\/h2>\n<\/div>\nAdvocacy has dramatically improved the daily lives of people with developmental disabilities, their families, and surrounding communities.<\/p>\n
1. Policy Reforms<\/h3>\n
Federal laws, such as the ADA, have created designated protection for people of all disabilities. Communities are more accessible, and there’s better access to education, housing, and employment. Without such policy reforms, many more people with disabilities would be living in institutions or other long-term care facilities.<\/p>\n
2. Community Programs<\/h3>\n
Multiple governmental and nonprofit organizations participate in DD advocacy.<\/p>\n
\n- The National Disability Rights Network<\/a>\u00a0is one of the nation’s largest providers of legal advocacy services and disability rights education for people with disabilities.<\/li>\n
- Administration of Community Living<\/a>\u00a0provides human services that allow people with disabilities to live in homes and communities of their choice.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Challenges Facing the Disability Community in 2025<\/h2>\n
Recent challenges regarding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives may interfere with funding, resources, and other protections. Because of these changes, it wouldn’t be surprising if social stigma related to disabilities ticks upward.<\/p>\n
Those in the disability community will also be affected by decreased resources for disability benefits, social security, and Medicaid. This will undoubtedly decrease access to services and create increased legal and policy barriers to disability rights.<\/p>\n
The Role of ALSO in Advocating Disability Rights<\/h2>\n<\/div>\nAt ALSO, we take the theme of DDAM seriously all year long.<\/strong> We build awareness of full community inclusion and the supreme importance of disability rights in every aspect of society.<\/p>\nServices Offered<\/h3>\n
ALSO is proud to offer:<\/p>\n
\n- Employment services<\/a><\/li>\n
- Residential care<\/a><\/li>\n
- Supported living<\/a><\/li>\n
- Children’s services<\/a><\/li>\n
- Applying for services<\/a><\/li>\n
- Housing<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Community Engagement<\/h3>\n
ALSO engages with advocacy organizations, community members, employers, educators, and policymakers. We know the world is complicated, and we need the minds, hearts, and hard work of people of all abilities to create a better place for everyone.<\/p>\n
Get Involved<\/h3>\n
This means that we also need you. <\/strong><\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/alsoweb.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/KM_Heart_Work_2022_Shot_06_0785-2-1024x731.jpg\")
<\/div>\n<\/p>\n
“I am different, not less.”<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n This statement was made by Dr. Temple Grandin,<\/a> world-renowned animal behaviorist who also has autism. She reminds us that being different does not make anyone less deserving of human rights (and responsibilities) than anyone else.<\/p>\n Advocacy for people with DD is important because, not too long ago, having DD meant a life of living in institutions, group homes, or, at best, working for pennies in sheltered workshops.<\/a><\/p>\n Fierce advocacy spurred the implementation of numerous rights that those with DD enjoy in the 21st century. A seminal moment was the passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)<\/a>. This federal law, modeled after the Civil Rights Act, recognized that disability rights were essentially human rights.<\/p>\n Advocacy service organizations continue to work for equal access to community living, competitive employment, and equality in health and education. In addition to strengthening the narrative of the inherent value of full inclusion of people with DD, advocacy groups are collectively sharing resources and building coalitions in 2025<\/a>.<\/p>\n Disability rights advocacy existed in the 1800s and gained momentum in the 1960s and 1970s<\/a>.<\/p>\n In the 1990s, the phrase ‘Nothing About Us Without Us’<\/a>\u00a0became a strong rallying cry in support of:<\/p>\n People with DD could be considered some of the major trailblazers<\/a>\u00a0of self-advocacy. Self-advocacy skills have the following benefits:<\/p>\n Working together can move mountains! Disability advocacy organizations play a major role in advancing the rights of people with DD. Some organizations focus on community living and health care. While others specialize in legal services, disability benefits, or mental health services.<\/p>\n Advocacy has dramatically improved the daily lives of people with developmental disabilities, their families, and surrounding communities.<\/p>\n Federal laws, such as the ADA, have created designated protection for people of all disabilities. Communities are more accessible, and there’s better access to education, housing, and employment. Without such policy reforms, many more people with disabilities would be living in institutions or other long-term care facilities.<\/p>\n Multiple governmental and nonprofit organizations participate in DD advocacy.<\/p>\n Recent challenges regarding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives may interfere with funding, resources, and other protections. Because of these changes, it wouldn’t be surprising if social stigma related to disabilities ticks upward.<\/p>\n Those in the disability community will also be affected by decreased resources for disability benefits, social security, and Medicaid. This will undoubtedly decrease access to services and create increased legal and policy barriers to disability rights.<\/p>\n At ALSO, we take the theme of DDAM seriously all year long.<\/strong> We build awareness of full community inclusion and the supreme importance of disability rights in every aspect of society.<\/p>\n ALSO is proud to offer:<\/p>\n ALSO engages with advocacy organizations, community members, employers, educators, and policymakers. We know the world is complicated, and we need the minds, hearts, and hard work of people of all abilities to create a better place for everyone.<\/p>\n This means that we also need you. <\/strong><\/p>\nImportance of Advocacy<\/h3>\n
The Current Landscape of Advocacy in 2025<\/h3>\n
The Evolution of Disability Advocacy<\/h2>\n
Historical Advocacy<\/h3>\n
\n
Self-Advocacy Movement<\/h3>\n
\n
Role of Disability and Advocacy Organizations<\/h3>\n
The Impact of Effective Advocacy<\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/alsoweb.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Housing-Crisis-Blog-Image-1024x731-1.jpg\")
<\/div>\n1. Policy Reforms<\/h3>\n
2. Community Programs<\/h3>\n
\n
Challenges Facing the Disability Community in 2025<\/h2>\n
The Role of ALSO in Advocating Disability Rights<\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/alsoweb.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/20211021-Also-03289-1024x732-1.jpg\")
<\/div>\nServices Offered<\/h3>\n
\n
Community Engagement<\/h3>\n
Get Involved<\/h3>\n