The Self-Advocacy Association of New York State (SANYS) Statewide Conference took place this year from October 30th to November 1st in Albany , NY . The Arc of Delaware County (Delarc) supported 11 people to attend the conference this year. SANYS is a not-for profit organization run by and for people with developmental disabilities. It encourages those with disabilities to speak for themselves individually and collectively. The conference provides guests with the opportunity to learn and share ideas to promote self-advocacy within their own communities.
Delarc self-advocates who took part in the conference enjoyed workshops and focus groups, providing them with the opportunity to discuss issues that were important to them. Each night, guests were treated to entertainment, including music and dancing with a live band, a DJ, and even a Halloween Costume Contest.
Self-advocate Stephen Huff, who has attended the conference in prior years, attended again this year. When asked what keeps him going back, Stephen responded, “I learn a lot.” As the President of a Self-Advocacy Club, Stephen was excited to share all he had learned at the conference with the members of his club. Tina Cawley, who also attended the conference, said she enjoyed taking part in the focus groups. She was also happy to have been given the opportunity to speak up about things that are important to her. “I’d really like to go back next year,” she added.
When asked why it is important that organizations such as Delarc support folks to participate in such a conference, Steve Finkel, Life Coach at Delarc, responded, “It is important for consumers to broaden their horizons, make (informed) choices, learn from others who experience many of the same challenges, and learn that it's cool to be them!”
Delarc self-advocates who took part in the conference enjoyed workshops and focus groups, providing them with the opportunity to discuss issues that were important to them. Each night, guests were treated to entertainment, including music and dancing with a live band, a DJ, and even a Halloween Costume Contest.
Self-advocate Stephen Huff, who has attended the conference in prior years, attended again this year. When asked what keeps him going back, Stephen responded, “I learn a lot.” As the President of a Self-Advocacy Club, Stephen was excited to share all he had learned at the conference with the members of his club. Tina Cawley, who also attended the conference, said she enjoyed taking part in the focus groups. She was also happy to have been given the opportunity to speak up about things that are important to her. “I’d really like to go back next year,” she added.
When asked why it is important that organizations such as Delarc support folks to participate in such a conference, Steve Finkel, Life Coach at Delarc, responded, “It is important for consumers to broaden their horizons, make (informed) choices, learn from others who experience many of the same challenges, and learn that it's cool to be them!”
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