KCDD Self-Advocate Guide 

How to communicate and advocate for yourself in both the government and beyond.

Self-Advocacy Terms

ABLE accounts 
A savings account for individuals with disabilities. This allows individuals to save for their future without losing SSI or Medicaid.

Advocacy
The ability to stand up and speak out for issues that concern yourself and others, understanding what others need without making assumptions, and meeting everyone where they are at/suffering alongside them (aka Solidarity). 

Amendment
A minor change or addition designed to improve a text, a piece of legislation, etc.

Bi-Partisan
The act of two political parties, who usually oppose one another, coming together in cooperation and agreement on certain parts of political stuff. 

Bob Bethell Committee
A joint committee on home and community-based services and KanCare Oversight.

Cohort
A group of people in the same class or group working together.

Competitive Integrated Employment
The ability to work a full or part-time job with coworkers with and without disabilities getting the same benefits and working on the same thing.

Congressman/Congresswoman
A member of the Congress (House of Representatives).

DD Networks/Councils
These are networks or councils that focus on issues regarding developmental disabilities.

Direct Support Professionals
Someone who helps and supports people with disabilities to live independently.

Fee for Service
Providers (doctors and other healthcare professionals) are paid each time they provide a service, regardless if it is successful or not.  

Inclusion
Being a part of a community that accepts you as you are, treating others as you would like to be treated (aka The Golden Rule), coming together, and respecting one another no matter how they look, act, or what they believe.

Joint Committee
A committee that is made up of both senators and representatives. They debate and report on matters concerning both houses of Congress.

Legislator
A person who makes laws for the government. This includes both the Senate and House of Representatives.

Memo
A written message, especially in business.

Non-Profit
An organization that helps certain groups of people to get what they need (like humanitarian services for example).

Representative
A person who represents a certain state within the government and works for them as well.

Self-Advocacy
Communicating your needs, wants, likes, and dislikes.

Self-Advocate
Someone who understands their rights, is informed, listens to others, talks with them respectfully, and celebrates every part of themselves.

Self-Determination
Making decisions for yourself in the present and the future and accepting responsibility for those decisions.

Senator
A member of the Senate.

STEPS
Supports and Training for Employing People Successfully (STEPS) is a program through which people with disabilities and/or behavioral health conditions may try to find a job without losing their Social Security benefits or medical insurance coverage.

Subminimum Wage
The act of paying a worker less than what they are allowed to pay for legally.

Testimony
Telling your story to inspire change.

Value-Based Payments
Providers (doctors and other healthcare professionals) are paid based on the success of the treatment.