California’s developmental services system brings together people from all walks of life, including people with developmental disabilities, their families, community members, and professionals. They have the shared goal of meeting the unique needs of each supported person. The most important perspective to consider in this work is that of each individual being served by the regional center. Each person’s story is as unique as they are.
To better support local advocacy, ARCA has developed a short training curriculum. These materials are meant to help self-advocates learn the basics of the legislative process, when to advocate, and how they can develop & share their own advocacy stories.
- Part 1 – Introduction
- Part 1 – Introduction (instructor’s guidance)
- Part 2 – When and Where To Advocate – Flow Chart
- Part 2 – When and Where To Advocate – (instructor’s guidance)
- Part 3 – Building Your Story – handout
- Part 3 – Building Your Story (instructor’s guidance)
- Part 4 – Practice Session (instructor’s guidance)
- National Down Syndrome Congress Advocacy Toolkit for Self-Advocates
- Self Advocacy Resource and Technical Assistance Center online resources
- The Arc of Minnesota Advocacy Toolkit and guides
- National Consortium on Leadership and Disability for Youth guide to advocacy for youth with disabilities
- Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities legislative advocacy tips