Self-advocacy is about independent groups of people with disabilities working together, learning how to make decisions and choices on their own, learning their rights and responsibilities as citizens, and speaking up for what they believe in.

The self-advocacy movement in Florida began more than 30 years ago in 1975 when the Florida Legislature passed the “Bill of Rights for Retarded Persons”, which required individuals with disabilities to be involved in planning their own lives. The first self-advocacy group in the state was “People First”, begun in Miami in 1979. Today, there are 10 groups around the state.

Abilities Venti – Pembroke Pines
Central Florida Self-Determination Advocacy Council – Orlando
Elephant Herds – Panama City
Fort Myers Group
Live Oak Self-Advocates
Palm Beach County Group
People First of South Florida – Broward County Chapter, Dade County Chapter
Self-Advocates of East Volusia – Daytona Beach
Stand Up for Independence – Martin County
SunCoast Self-Advocates – Tampa

The goals of Florida's self-advocates are to network with other self-advocates throughout the state and provide resources to give self-advocates a voice in the decisions and issue that affect their lives.  Several self-advocates, including Frank Shallett (President of the Broward Chapter of People First of South Florida), Idelio Valdes, Council member, and Casey Stewart, Council member, came to the Capitol for Developmental Disabilities Awareness Day and met with several lawmakers to discuss how to get more money for human services programs. Frank also spoke during the Developmental Disabilities Awareness Day press conferences. Click here to read Frank’s remarks. 
For more information about the Grassroots Self-Advocacy Groups go to www.floridaselfadvocacy.com