With almost 20 million people living in New York state, and only 130,000 people being served by agencies under the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) umbrella, it can seem that these advocate voices would not be heard.
However, each one of those 130,000 individuals has a circle of support that expands that number exponentially, including their families, friends, neighbors, co-workers and more. Arc GLOW believes everyone has the power to advocate for people with disabilities and can help provide them with the resources to make an impact.
Support from friends and family can become a circle of influence. With that influence, you can let our elected officials know that your vote comes with a condition: support and maintain the needs and rights of individuals with disabilities!
Amplify your voice as part of a larger group. Follow us on social media, become an agency member, write or call your representatives, join the advocacy group or its mailing list, and encourage someone you know to do the same.
Self-advocacy means speaking up for yourself about the rights and responsibilities in your life. People who do so are called “self advocates,” and having once learned how to speak up for themselves can assist others in doing so as well.
Arc GLOW currently has three active self advocacy groups: Advocates Coming Together (ACT) in the southern region and Friends for the Future and Self Advocacy All Stars in the northern region.
Want to learn more about our advocacy efforts and how you can help? Contact us at (585) 658-2828 or info@arcglow.org.
