Self Advocacy

Self Advocacy Council Information

Our Council is called, Our Voices Count, Too (OVCT).  It is an organization ran by the people, of the people and for the people.  It is a county-run group led by leaders with developmental disabilities.  We meet to discuss the issues, speak out for ourselves, support each other; and most of all show everyone that we have abilities, too.  Our independence is important to us, even if we make mistakes.  We want risk, we want real lives and no more stolen lives.

What is the Self-Advocate Movement?
People standing up for their rights and speaking up for their beliefs.  This movement is similar to the Civil Rights movement of the 1960’s.

OUR MISSION IS…

RESPONSIBILITY
Respecting,
Educating,
Self-Advocacy for
People thru
Outcomes,
Needs and Sharing our
Spirit,
Image,
Believing in Ourselves,
Independent
Lives of
Individuality and building
Trust in
Your voice to be heard.

VISION
To be an issue driven self-advocacy group that is promoting independence, speaking for ourselves, and challenging others to join the crusade of empowerment of achieving personal fulfillment.

What are our expectations as a member?

  • Members are to support the mission and vision and purpose.
  • Advocate for themselves and others.
  • Stand strong on the issues.
  • Speaking up
  • Equal Rights
  • Promote values of diversity inclusion.

National Theme:
Nothing About Us, Without Us!

What can we offer communities and organizations?

  • Our leadership
  • Keynote Speaking
  • Workshops & Training
  • Consultation for start-up group
  • Resources
  • Sustainability of group

Past Projects

  • Hosted 1st Self-Advocacy Conference for SC “Carolina’s Self-Advocacy Conference”
  • Debate Event
  • Our Community Standing Strong (OCSS) for Southern states: Co-chairman
  • Video Blogging
  • Voter Project
  • People First Language Campaign
  • Disability Advocacy Day
  • Rallies

How to contact us?
FCDSNB c/o OVCT
1211 E.  National Cemetery Rd.
Florence, SC  29506

 

Download This Presentation (PDF)


Self Advocates Becoming Empowered: Magnifying Lessons Learned in Self-Advocacy

Author(s) Chaqueta Stuckey is a member and former Executive Officer of SABE. She may be reached at stuckeychaqueta@gmail.com

The Self-Advocacy Movement can celebrate! It has been 30 years since a group of self-advocate pioneers set a course for a national organization that would work for equality for people with disabilities. That organization would become Self Advocates Becoming Empowered (SABE).

 

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One of our self advocates participated as a 2023 Summer Fellow with the Samuel Center for Social Connectedness in partnership with Harvard University.

Read Full Article Here