| Disability Advocacy Days at the Capitol: Jan. 18, 2012 |
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| Charleston, WV |
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2012 Upcoming Events
- April 23-25: Disability Policy
Seminar
Washington DC
- May 15: Mid Year Training &
Planning Day
(Tentative date, more info to follow)
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People First of West Virginia is part of a growing movement to develop self advocacy groups throughout the United States and the world for people with developmental disabilities. Self-advocacy refers to an individual's ability to effectively communicate, convey, negotiate or assert his or her own interests, desires, needs, and rights. It involves making informed decisions and taking responsibility for those decisions. Self-advocacy is understanding your strengths and needs, identifying your personal goals, knowing your legal rights and responsibilities, and communicating these to others. Being part of a People First group means being part of a grassroots network that allows you to join with regional, state, and national advocacy groups to speak up for yourself and have YOUR voice heard.
People First Language:
Like other minorities, the disability community has developed preferred terminology -- People First Language. More than a fad or political correctness, People First Language is an objective way of acknowledging, communicating and reporting on disabilities. It eliminates generalizations, assumptions and stereotypes by focusing on the person rather than the disability.
People First Mission:
To promote self-advocacy by speaking and acting on behalf of the rights and responsibilities of all people with developmental disabilities.
Go to the People First Language tab at the top of the page, to get more information!
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For information on the programs and services provided, please contact us directly by:
Address and Contact Numbers:
People First of West Virginia
912 Market Street
Parkersburg, WV 26101
Phone: 304-422-3151
Toll-Free: 1-877-334-6581
Fax: 304-865-2072
| Key Program Staff:
Christina Smith - People First Of WV Executive Director
phone extension 106 or christina.smith@arcwd.org
Lorraine Swogger - People First of WV State Advisor
phone extension 104 or lorraine.swogger@arcwd.org
Kevin Smith - People First of WV Self-Advocate Coordinator
phone extension 102 or kevin.smith@peoplefirstwv.org
Other:
Become A Fan on FACEBOOK!
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