Advocacy and leadership are the two most important cornerstones of the disability movement. It involves self-advocates with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), parents, siblings and guardians passionately telling their story, the challenges they face and the opportunities they see for more inclusion and integration in their local communities, within the state and on the federal level.
As part of its 2017-2021 Five-Year State Plan, the Kansas Council on Developmental Disabilities (KCDD) will strengthen the programs for and the direct funding of a statewide self-advocacy organization led by individuals with I/DD. This will increase the advocacy capacity of self-advocates in the areas of: independence, self-determination and inclusion in the community.
Relying on advocacy, leadership training and education, the Council will focus its efforts three specific objectives:
- Increasing the number of self-advocates with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) who have participated in leadership training so they can engage in personal, collaborative and civic leadership.
- Working collaboratively to increase the number of individuals with I/DD active in public policy, advocacy and cross-disability and culturally diverse leadership activities.
- Increase the use of best practices research, resources and self- advocacy tools and information for self-advocates, their families and support networks.
Self-advocates with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), parents, siblings and guardians are encouraged to get involved in the Council’s advocacy and leadership activities.
