Self-advocacy

Self-advocacy is a movement that allows individuals as well as groups to express their needs and at the same time seeks solutions. It enables active participation in solving problems along the path that the participants have outlined themselves.
However, some of them have to be thaught, shown the way, and they have to be monitored as they progress.
Participants should be able to choose, it is called empowerment of participants. They should decide on the fundamental human issues that have become second nature.

WHO WILL I LIVE WITH!
WHAT WILL I DO!
WHO IS GOING TO HELP ME WITH THAT!

Self-advocacy groups are initially aimed at socializing, but later there emerges the need for activities, which are aimed at changing their lives. Groups are formed according to the interests, aspirations and needs of individuals. The content is formed during the meetings, rarely can it be prepared in advance. The operation of the group is focused on the field of housing, employment, education and leisure.

The objective of self-advocacy groups is to train people with intellectual disabilities:

• To become their own advocate;
• To develop self-esteem, positive thinking about themselves;
• To know how to choose and make decisions;
• To communicate with their environment;
• To recognize their own abilities and work on their weaknesses;
• To seek help when they need it and offer it when needed;
• To develop warm relations and understanding;

For those who take part in such groups it becomes more and more important to strive for their rights and have the same rights, to cultivate mutual respect, to socialize with like-minded, to have the right to choose, to take care of themselves, to help others come to meetings, to adhere to agreements, to be responsible, to be listened to and heard, to be successful, to have friends.