8 Self-Advocacy All Stars from Orleans graduate from SANYS U

Photos courtesy of Arc GLOW: Public Relations Director Lisa Bors congratulates self-advocate Robert on Saturday during a graduation ceremony.

Press Release, Arc GLOW

ALBION — On Saturday, eight members of the Self-Advocacy All Stars graduated from SANYS U, the school of grassroots advocacy.

SANYS (Self-Advocacy Association of New York State) provide presentations and trainings to self-advocates, family members, support staff, and the community at large.

In 2011, it started SANYS U, a leadership course that teaches self-advocates and their supports about the history of self-advocacy, rights and responsibilities, and promotes ways of strengthening the grassroots and developing strong local and statewide leaders.

These self-advocates proudly showcase their diplomas.

This is the first year the Self-Advocacy All Stars, a self-advocacy group situated in Orleans County since 1986, has gone through SANYS U. For six weeks, Katherine, Deborah, Doreen, Cindy, Robert, Duane, Tyler and Michael learned about what being a self-advocate meant, the history of disability rights and self-advocacy, their individual rights and responsibilities, tips for a strong self-advocacy group, self-advocacy leadership skills, and current self-advocacy issues.

As part of SANYS U, self-advocates presented on topics including transportation difficulties in rural areas, and what agency departments and programs have to offer. Guest speakers included group founder Russell Johnson, Arc GLOW Board President Cheryl Englert, CEO Martin Miskell, Vice President of Self Direction and Community Services Jill Pegelow and Public Relations Director Lisa Bors.

Deborah sits with her daughter during the ceremony at the Trolley Building of the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds.

Advocacy Group Advisor Terry Kingdollar said the program was amazing.

“I’m so proud of everything they’ve learned. Knowledge is power,” the advisor said. Other self-advocates look forward to participating when SANYS U is offered in the future.

Self Advocacy All Stars is 16 members strong.  They are one of three self-advocacy groups under the GLOW Trotters umbrella that includes Friends for the Future and Advocates Coming Together.

In the spring, Self Advocacy All Stars are looking forward to their talent show fundraiser in April and the third annual Jonathan Doherty and Gladys Hopper Self Advocacy Day in May.