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Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Self Advocacy workshop at AIKYA

Self-advocacy refers to the civil rights movement for people with developmental disabilities, also called cognitive or intellectual disabilities, and other disabilities. It is also an important term in the disability rights movement, referring to people with disabilities taking control of their own lives, including being in charge of their own care in the medical system. The self-advocacy movement is  about people with disabilities speaking up for themselves. It means that although a person with a disability may call upon the support of others, the individual is entitled to be in control of their own resources and how they are directed. It is about having the right to make life decisions without undue influence or control by others.

AIKYA had Self Advocacy gathering on 24th, September. Ms. Parvathy Viswanathan spoke about how a gathering of 4000 children with ID at Valluvar Kottam in front of the then Chief Minister Mr. Karunanidhi had led to a grant of Rs.500 per month for persons with Inellectual challenges.

She also spoke about SASI (Self Advocate Society of India). Even though many parents seek guidance, when a program is organized very few turn up.

At the workshop, It was sad as well as inspiring to see a woman manage and help her disabled husband and disabled son. But sometimes when disabled people go for work, they are asked to clean toilets and do other menial jobs.

Anitha gave a few tips on communication skills. Bobby spoke a few words about self advocacy.

Bobby and Parvathy Viswanath


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