Self-advocacy in historical perspective

This paper looks at the history of self advocacy in England.

• Self advocacy has helped many people with learning difficulties to speak up and gain more confidence.

• But now it is associated with Government policy. After Valuing People, people expect self advocacy organizations to speak up for everyone with learning difficulties.

• This might mean there is less time and space to help new people learn about speaking up as individuals.

• It is important to find ways to support self advocacy groups, especially those run by people themselves, to avoid this happening.