Programs & Services > Options > Self-Advocates
Self-Advocates
Patrick Worth
Food, Shelter, Purpose, Love & Belonging, we all share these basic human needs.
Some of us need door openers, advocates, skill developers, problem solvers and networkers to make sure we can fulfill these needs. This is what we do at Options!
THERE WAS A TIME when people with intellectual disabilities were segregated from the rest of us. They were "different". We traded in their right to participate in the community "for their own protection".
TIMES HAVE CHANGED – now we know everyone belongs and the best place to create safety is in the heart of the community
Self advocates with intelectual disabilities tell us they want:
• to have their voices heard
• to set their own direction and have control over their lives
• to make their own choices
• to develop their skills
• to learn in regular classrooms
• to find jobs in the mainstream world or work which will enable them to
be productive and live in dignity
• to have relationships with others based on common interests, not on their
label
• to live independently in the manner of their own choosing
• to exercise their legal and human rights
• to partner with supports and services which will help them achieve their
goals.
Read more to understand how opression works in daily life: Unpacking the knapsack of able privilege and one self-advocate's story: Patrick Worth . Patrick was a Network Facilitator in FSA's Options program; he passed away on Thursday, November 11, 2004.
If you would like to receive service from Options, please call us at 416-971-6326
