Advocating Change Together (ACT) started in 1979 in response to the growing concern that individuals with developmental disabilities were being isolated and excluded from decisions regarding their lives. ACT is a grassroots, member-controlled organization, run by and for persons with developmental and other disabilities. ACT has been successful in organizing persons with disabilities around common issues of concern because of a commitment to one premise: It is not the individual who must change to fit society, but rather, society and systems must change to accommodate all people. To this end, ACT works at both ends of the stream, providing information, skill building, and opportunities to individuals with disabilities, and challenging institutional barriers that limit full inclu in society. Historically, persons with disabilities have been on the receiving end of change, having no control over what services they receive, what accommodations are made in their community, and what opportunities are made available for education or employment. This has changed. Disability rights activists, self-advocates, and their allies have demanded freedom and equality and have taken the lead in creating change. ACT is an important leader in promoting this change. Because of our devoted membership, large volunteer-base, and numerous collaborations, ACT has been able to effectively identify and pursue issues of common concern to persons with disabilities.

For more information, please visit http://www.selfadvocacy.org/index.htm