Self-Advocates Stay Connected

“At a time when isolation is a huge concern, this group is staying connected.”

Self-Advocates Stay Connected

A group of self-advocates determined to make their voices heard began meeting at Achieva in September of 2019. The purpose was to assist people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to develop leadership skills and the confidence to advocate for themselves. Their first action was to choose their name, appropriately titled “Empowered Voices.” Meetings began in person, but in March of 2020, COVID-19 forced the quick shift to virtual meetings. The group was fantastic at embracing the change and quickly learned the Zoom platform.

“I have witnessed a beautiful support network within the group,” said Melissa Skiffen, a disability advocate at Achieva/ The Arc of Greater Pittsburgh. “At a time when isolation is a huge concern, this group is staying connected.” They have also connected with the community through the Pittsburgh Schweitzer Fellowship Program, Blackburn Center, and Sage’s Army... just to name a few. Each week, topics are determined by the interests of the members. A full spectrum of subjects including COVID-19, meditation and mindfulness, and grief and loss have been discussed. Julie Trbovich, Achieva’s Director of Advocacy and Family Supports, said the group was especially helpful by “supporting its members to understand the voting process and to learn about and reflect on the significance of the Americans with Disabilities Act with a focus on how advocacy really does create change.”

“My favorite thing about the group is it’s almost like one big happy family,” said Elizabeth Humphrey, participant and Trustee of The Arc of Greater Pittsburgh. “The other thing I like about the group is we talk about various topics that we may be able to use in our everyday lives. We’ve talked about many things from credit card fraud to abuse and social media. I really love Empowered Voices and I wouldn’t have it any other way - they are definitely a second family to me.”