Autism Training: Advocacy for Appropriate Service Supports

To be an autism advocate means standing up for the rights of people with autism and amplifying the voices of the community when they are faced with obstacles. This can be done in many ways, such as educating others, volunteering, or donating to autism advocacy organizations, and defending their right at local, state, and federal levels of services. Self-advocacy should be taught explicitly, and practiced at school, out in the community, and at home. In this training, you will learn the importance of self-advocate voices, the value of your loved one’s voice, and their ability to communicate their choice and interests. Come explore with us what advocacy is on all levels of advocacy.

Training participants will learn:

1. How communication supports and choice opportunities foster self-advocacy, specifically for non-verbal individuals.
2. Self-advocacy is especially important for students with autism and is necessary to achieve a higher level of independence, confidence, and a sense of identity.
3. Learn that advocacy from parents and guardians has been the trailblazing efforts that have made and changed policies on a local, state, and federal level.

RSVP is requested but not required to share information beforehand. There are three teacher clock hours available. This class is provided free by Kitsap County Developmental Disabilities and Monica Meyer Consulting.