Self-Advocacy Groups - Westside Regional Center area

The mission of WRC's self-advocacy movement is to empower all people to make life choices and to be part of their home communities. Self-advocacy groups strive to empower individuals to become active and influential members of their communities, as well as agents of change concerning their rights and wishes. At self-advocacy meetings, personal rights are discussed and individuals have an opportunity to share their experiences and concerns. Group members learn from each other and gain confidence to stand up for themselves.

There are currently ten active self-advocacy groups in the WRC area. These groups meet at various community locations including restaurants, malls and community rooms. Meetings offer a great opportunity for members to make new friends and maintain lasting friendships. The frequency and duration of meetings varies depending on the group's wishes. Attendance at self-advocacy meetings is encouraged for all WRC consumers.

Self-Advocacy meeting times and locations.

Self-Advocacy Newsletter

Legislative Issues:

Contact The Budget & Fiscal Review Sub-Committee - Here is a list of the Senators involved with Sub-Committee Number 3 of the Budget & Fiscal Review Committee regarding Health, Human Services, Labor, and Veteran Affairs.This is the sub-committee that effects what happens to your services.

In-Home Supportive Service (IHSS) - Find out what is currently being done to IHSS. Click here for the PDF version.

Write To Your Public Officials - Here is a sample letter that you can write and send to your plublic officials including your Governor regarding the IHSS program. Click here for the PDF version.

Information About Writing Your Letter - Here you can learn more about what you may want to say about IHSS and your concerns. Click here for the PDF version.

Protection & Advocacy Inc. - This is the link to Protection and Advocacy, Inc.'s main page, where you can learn more about other Budget cuts and other relevant information pertaining to you the consumer.

Related Links:

Autism National Committee (Autcom) – An autism advocacy organization dedicated to "Social Justice for All Citizens with Autism"

Autism Network International – An autistic-run self-help and advocacy organization for autistic people.

Division for Early Childhood (DEC) of the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) is a nonprofit organization advocating for individuals who work with or on behalf of children with special needs, birth through age eight, and their families. The DEC is dedicated to promoting policies and practices that support families and enhance the optimal development of children. Children with special needs include those who have disabilities, developmental delays, are gifted/talented, and are at risk of future developmental problems.

TASH is an international association of people with disabilities, their family members, other advocates, and professionals fighting for a society in which inclusion of all people in all aspects of society is the norm.