Include USA: Why Self-Advocacy?

By: Maria Cortner

As The Arc Pikes Peak Region (The Arc PPR) continues to raise funds for its capital campaign Building for Change, it is important to recognize what is it that matters to The Arc PPR, and how this relates to what matter to The Arc’s consumers and those interested in the mission of The Arc. Most people are just trying to live life to the best of their abilities. The mission of The Arc PPR is to promote and protect the human rights of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. We all want to achieve our goals, and we all need support and encouragement to accomplish those goals, whether that support be protection, inclusion, advocacy, guardianship, education, or social opportunities.

Include USA (Unique Self Advocates) is a group of unique self-advocates that helps to promote awareness and acceptance of all people. They work to create opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. They do this by creating positive relationships and by educating the public about the contributions of people with disabilities. I had the opportunity to speak with Include USA Self-Advocates Arthur, Mitch, and Sherice about their experience with The Arc PPR, what they are interested in, and why self-advocacy is important to them.

Arthur

Arthur is a self-proclaimed “Renaissance Man.” He studies physics, quantum physics, and “anything else that I find to be necessary.” His key interest is the American West. Arthur volunteers at The Arc of the Pikes Peak Region and at the Church Food Bank.

“I was going to church anyway, and I wanted to volunteer. Arthur said of his experience volunteering with the church, “I think they were afraid to take me at first, because I am a little different. Someone helped me get my foot in the door, some people don’t know how to read me.” Now each week. he helps identify people at the Church’s food bank to make sure they are members. “I volunteer not to help myself, but to help others.” Arthur’s experience has helped him find a passion in the community, as well as an outlet to advocate his capabilities and the capabilities of others with a disability.

Arthur spoke with me about what the The Arc PPR means to him. “The Arc is a place that helps and enables people to get what they need. It’s a good place to be, to meet your dreams and to learn how to speak up.” When Arthur was asked what he thinks everyone wants, he shared, “We are all interrelated, we all have DNA. We are all human. What we want is human rights; things that if you are human, you want and need.”

Mitch

Mitch is also a self-advocate. He has been a part of The Arc for the last 11 years. He really cares about the lives, the well-being, and the rights of people with disabilities. He cherishes his opportunity to go to Washington DC every year and talk with politicians about issues that affect individuals with disabilities, such as Medicaid and Medicare. Mitch would describe himself as personable, “I like to talk to everyone and treat people with respect. I really try to pay attention to the needs of others. There is always room for improvement and getting better for myself.”

Mitch is on the board for The Arc PPR and hopes to join the National Board. He uses this opportunity to stay engaged with The Arc and disability issues, as well as to support and advocate for the disability population. To someone who seeks support from The Arc PPR, Mitch would let them know what they offer. “There are plenty of resources to help and the great thing about The Arc is the services are free.”

Sherice

Sherice is a self advocate who has been involved with The Arc PPR for a few years. She likes to sing, dance, and act and initially became involved with dance through belly and pole dancing. “I like to inspire people and show them what I can do.” Sherice now does ballet and salsa and has taken part in multiple performances. Sherice “powers” her voice everyday to encourage people to live out their dreams and never give up. “With my disability, I will encourage people, but The Arc PPR provides a place for that.” Sherice likes The Arc Ball, because she says it is a good experience to meet new people. She likes to brighten people’s day, “As long as I can encourage them to keep achieving the dreams, that will make my day.”

Sherice enjoys Include USA, because for her it is a group of people who, previously, never spoke up. “They have a chance to speak up and say I can do this, I can do that.” “People don’t open up and speak their minds. The Arc is really important for people, it allows people to be open, to use their voice, and speak their mind.”

Each self-advocate agreed that all voices deserve to be heard, and this talented group of individuals works to speak up for people with disabilities while encouraging others to do the same.

You can learn more about Include USA here.