Self-Advocacy Awareness Month

A month recognizing the self-advocacy movement — the movement of people with developmental disabilities speaking for themselves, making their own decisions, and fighting for their rights. Self-advocacy is foundational to disability justice.

History

The self-advocacy movement grew out of the deinstitutionalization era of the 1970s. Organizations like People First (founded 1974 in Oregon) established the principle that people with developmental disabilities should lead their own advocacy efforts. The movement has shaped policy, services, and culture around disability.

How to Participate

• →Support autistic-led and disability-led organizations
• →Learn about People First, ASAN, and other self-advocacy organizations
• →Practice asking autistic and disabled people what they want rather than assuming
• →Advocate for supported decision-making over guardianship where possible
• →Amplify the voices of autistic and disabled self-advocates in policy discussions

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