Youth Self-Advocacy

The Arc's Youth Self Advocacy (YSA) group helps young adults with developmental disabilities become strong self-advocates. Self-advocates are people with disabilities who speak up for themselves and others. They can express themselves with spoken words, sign language, language boards and in other ways unique to themselves. Self-advocacy enables people with disabilities to live a fulfilling in the community with the support they need.

For more information, visit the YSA blog.

+What is Self-Advocacy?

Self-advocacy is letting others know what you need and want, but also being responsible to work to help yourself and others.

+What are the goals of the YSA group?

Learning valuable communication and advocacy skills
Gaining the tools and confidence to express personal needs and build healthy relationships
Getting involved with the community

+When and where are the meetings?

Meetings are monthly, usually the first Saturday of the month from 10:00AM to Noon. We encourage group members to come to every meeting. Working together over time provides the most long-lasting and genuine skill building. Plus, learning with the same group of friends and community members helps everyone develop their leadership skills as they decide the direction for the group and their own lives.

Each meeting is tailored to the specific needs and goals of its attendees. Meetings create a safe environment for learning and growth, and help participants identify and address their questions, concerns and issues. Using a combination of interactive games and techniques that recognize everyone's unique experiences, the YSA focuses on developing practical strategies for helping each person get their needs acknowledged by others.

+How do I join?

Are you between 16 and 30? Are you an eligible client of the Division of Developmental Disabilities? If you answered yes to both questions, then you are welcome to join!

We will play games and get to know each other. We will learn about helping others and helping ourselves. You need not have any special skills to join the group. We will find the best way for everyone to have fun together. All meetings are free!

To sign up, call The Arc of Whatcom County at (360) 715-0170 or by email at beverlyp@arcwhatcom.org.