Speakin’ Up and Movin’ Out

By Natalie Jean

The 2017 FL SAND (Florida Self Advocates Network’d) Annual Conference, held January 6 through 8, began with a hearty ‘Let the festivities begin!’ Its title, Speakin’ Up and Movin’ Out, as well as the event itself, represents a commitment to initiate and create positive change, not only at the grassroots level, but also on a statewide level.

Each morning of the conference commenced with My Voice Matters, the anthem authored by members of FL SAND. The conference was a serious yet inspiring time of training, socializing, and connecting with resources, including APD. Perhaps most inspiring was the continuous celebration of grassroots self-advocacy efforts. A newly formed group, Soaring with Advocacy, is full steam ahead, having already begun advocating for talking crosswalks where they live. On a state level, self-advocates voted on issues the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council (FDDC) would bring before the Florida Legislature. Provider rates and transportation will be among the issues raised by the FDDC during the legislative session. These are just a few of many outstanding efforts celebrated at the conference.

The conference ended with a call to action, challenging self-advocates to use their voices online. There is no doubt that these individuals will meet this challenge head-on. Here is a challenge for the readers: What can you do to encourage and promote self-advocacy? We want to hear from you. Email Natalie Jean at natalie.jean@apdcares.org.