Our Mission
We teach and inspire people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, families, and allies to become more effective advocates in their own lives, so they can impact the larger systems in their own ways
Our Vision
Every person with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities will live their best lives and be included in the community where they live, learn, play, and work (when and if they are able)
Why the Art of Advocacy?
For years people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, families, and allies have had to fight for their rights and their rightful places in their communities
Landmark decisions at the federal level have come about only because advocates have been able to help assure their civil rights
We can become effective advocates, but each person needs to find their own voice
About Us
BJ Stasio, Advocate
“As the system changes, I realized I needed to develop this way of life to help me work within the system that serves me, and make it better for others, and I wanted to share my knowledge”
Max Donatelli, Family Advocate
“My concern for the future for our son Craig, is that we don’t have enough parents, family members, self advocates, or allies adequately skilled in advocacy to make the system become more responsive and adequately funded.”