What is a Self-Advocate?

By Alex Thurman, Disability Self-Advocate

The Arc of Hanover reached out to Hanover County resident Alex Thurman, a disability self-advocate, for his response. We look forward to more posts from Alex.

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Self-advocacy as someone with a disability looks different than someone who speaks.

I require a trained individual in order to communicate on the letterboards. Apraxia of speech means I cannot speak but that does not mean I cannot think for myself and advocate for myself. The main hindrance for my communication is having a communication partner who initiates my involvement in the conversation by handing me the letterboard.

Alex Thurman, right, uses a letterboard with a trained communication partner to speak and advocate.

People seem to forget I exist in many discussions but given the chance to contribute, I am a powerful advocate in the policy world. So many decisions are made on behalf of the disability community but do not include the people with disabilities as decision makers. I want to change that.

I have been participating in a couple radical movements. The Arc of Virginia ALLY Alliance is one, and I’m Determined is another. Also, I recently was a delegate at VBPD (Virginia Board of People with Disabilities) YLA (Youth Leadership Academy).

I have a passion for advocacy, and I look forward to making a difference.

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For more information about the groups cited in Alex's blog post, click on the following links:

The Arc of Virginia ALLY Alliance -- Ally Alliance

I'm Determined -- Homepage - I'm Determined

Virginia Board of People with Disabilities -- Home - Virginia Board for People with Disabilities

VBPD Youth Leadership Academy -- Youth Leadership Academy - Virginia Board for People with Disabilities

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If you are a disability self-advocate and would like to answer this question or write another blog post for The Arc of Hanover, please contact Sue Jeantheau, sue.jeantheau@thearcofhanover.org.