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Self Advocacy

SELF-ADVOCACY MEANS MAKING YOUR OWN DECISIONS ABOUT YOUR LIFE

This page has resources that can help you learn how to speak up for yourself. Click on some links to learn more about self-advocacy and what it means for you!

Logo with stylized person with arms raised. blue text reads Arizona Developmental Disabilities Planning Council

The Power of Disability Employment: The Impact to Arizona’s Economy

Resource Description
This report by the Institute for Community Inclusion was developed for the Arizona Developmental Disability Planning Council in 2019. It provides up-to-date information about employment for Arizonans who have disabilities, the economic value of employing people who have disabilities, and recommendations. You can download the full report or a 4-page summary.

WEBINAR: #EmpoweringALL: Tapping the Talents of Arizonans with Disabilities

Resource Description
This webinar was presented by AZ APSE Chapter and Magellan Health on October 29, 2018.

Arizona APSE

Resource Description
The Arizona chapter of the Association of People Supporting Employment First (APSE) provides tools, opportunities, and resources needed to take action and build better workplaces through work with policymakers and employers. Visit their website AzAPSE.org for more information!
Powerpoint slide with DES logo and image of grand canyon

TRAINING: Employment First, Informed Choice, Center Based Employment (CBE) & Career Preparation and Readiness (CPR)

Resource Description
This presentation, originally shared by the Arizona DDD Employment Services and Supports team in October 2018, provides an overview of Employment First, Informed Choice, Center Based Employment (CBE) & Career Preparation and Readiness (CPR). Supplemental Resources Available HERE: PowerPoint - Employment First Informed Choice CBE CPR Career Preparation and Readiness Service Specification – DDD
Text reading Arizona @ Work Innovative Workforce solutions with an outline of Arizona in the center.

Arizona@Work

Resource Description
Arizona@Work connects job seekers to employers around the state through an online platform, job fairs, and trainings and apprenticeships. They also can help with your resume and to learn more about different careers. Visit their website for more information.
Powerpoint Slide reading "Oh Yes I Can Work!"

TRAINING: Oh Yes I Can Work! Making the Case for Competitive Integrated Employment

Resource Description
In March 2019, Sara Murphy presented on sharing effective strategies for talking about competitive integrated employment, building acceptance for new ideas, developing action plans, and engaging stakeholders. Sara Murphy is a Senior Associate at TransCen, Inc., and the Director of WorkLink, TransCen’s San Francisco-based direct service program. She has extensive experience in program development,
Screenshot of Presentation. Powerpoint slide says "Integrated Employment: Moving from "Can" to "How"

WEBINAR: Oh Yes, I CAN Work! Competitive Employment for People with Significant Disabilities

Resource Description
In September 2018, Dr. Laura Owens, CESP presented on supporting people who have disabilities employed in competitive settings ” to VR counselors, DDD support coordinators, special education teachers , transition staff, and employment service providers from across Arizona. Laura A. Owens, Ph.D., CESP, has more than 30 years of experience as an international leader , speaker, and publisher in the

2017 Executive Order Establishes Arizona as an Employment First State

Resource Description
In 2017, Governor Doug Ducey signed an executive order establishing Arizona as an Employment First state. This Executive Order directs state agencies providing services to job seekers and students with disabilities to implement Employment First strategies to improve employment outcomes. Read the Governor's comments in our Success Stories . The full PDF with the Executive Order is available for
Councilmembers Jennifer Adams, and Robin Arredondo-Savage and HR Department Representatives receiving the proclamation from the Mayor Mark Mitchell.

Employment First Tempe Proclamation

Resource Description
Councilmembers Jennifer Adams, and Robin Arredondo-Savage and HR Department Representatives receiving the proclamation from the Mayor Mark Mitchell. On March 26, 2019, the City of Tempe became the first Employment First City in the state of Arizona. By becoming an Employment First city, Tempe becomes a model for city-wide initiatives promoting competitive, integrated outcomes for individuals who
Image of Arizona Employment First Policy Document

Arizona Employment First Policy Statement

Resource Description
This resource outlines the Arizona Employment First policy framework. It shows how AZ EF plans to achieve its goals by changing policy and practice. Click the link to download the PDF.