What is self advocacy?

Self advocacy is about people with developmental disabilities speaking up for themselves.  It  means that although a person with a disability may call upon the support of others, the individual is entitled to be in control of his or her own resources and how they are directed.  It is about having the right to make life decisions without undue influence or control by others.

Decatur County Self Advocacy Group

In March of 2009, the Decatur County Self Advocacy Group was organized.  This group meets on the third Monday of each month at 12:30 p.m. at Decatur Developmental Industries at 1015 N. Michigan Avenue, Greensburg, Indiana. 

 Current officers of the Decatur County Self Advocacy Group are:

President –  Jessica Johannigman

Vice President –

Secretary – Marguerite Dudgeon

Treasurer – Karen Crum

Sergeant-at-arms – Tommy Atkins

Advisor Jenny Maddux   (812) 663-4690

Decatur County Self Advocacy Group News

On May 18, 2009, Nanette Wightsel of the Arc of Indiana spoke to the Self Advocacy group about  OASIS, the new Indiana budget tool for allocating funds for people on Developmental Disabilities, Support Services and Autism Medicaid Waivers.   She also told the group about the state self-advocacy picnic to be held on July 11 in Indianapolis at the Post Road Community Park, 1313 S. Post Road.  Finally, Ms. Wightsel  presented a check for $1,000 to the Decatur County Self Advocacy Group as a start-up grant.