SELF-ADVOCACY AT CPI

The self-advocacy movement offers a pathway for people with disabilities to overcome the obstacles of stereotyping, ignorance, and discrimination. Our goal is to build a world where all citizens may participate actively in their communities and live a life based on informed choice and self-determination. By sharing our stories, we help others become equal and valued members of the community. Community Partners employs a full-time self-advocacy coordinator who supports people to become empowered.

Some of the rights we still fight for include accessibility to transportation, recreational, and medical services; accommodations at jobs, community services and medical facilities; and issues of guardianship. At Community Partners, we offer many self-advocacy opportunities for people we support, including tools to develop leadership skills and rights awareness. We are a member of Speaking Up For Us (SUFU), and American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD).

Speaking Up for Us http://sufumaine.org/
American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities http://www.aaidd.org/
Maine Developmental Disabilities Council at www.maineddc.org/
C.A.R.E.S. www.caresinc.org
Disability Rights Center http://www.drcme.org/
Best Buddies http://www.bestbuddies.org/

For more information about Self-Advocacy, please contact:
Margaret Cardoza, M.Ed.
Self-Advocacy Coordinator
(207) 282-7113 ext 115
selfadvocate@cpime.org