Advocacy By and For People with Disabilities
In 29 states in the US, as well as in Canada, the UK, Germany, New Zealand, Austria, Hong Kong, Japan, and Italy, self advocates have joined a grassroots movement organized and maintained entirely by individuals with disabilities, and dedicated solely to advancing the rights of citizens with disabilities across the globe. This International Movement is
known as People First. People First organizations are unique in their philosophy that people with disabilities, no matter their level or type of disability, are not only fully capable of taking ownership of their advocacy goals, but should work to become as independent as possible; setting their own agendas and maintaining their own network of volunteers and partners. Now, the NJCDD is making some exciting new changes, revamping its statewide and local advocacy efforts and adapting the mission and philosophy of People First, to help bring this movement to New Jersey. Join the Movement in New Jersey
The NJCDD is calling on advocates all over New Jersey to join in this movement and to create a new network of People First New Jersey chapters in every county; uniting to affect real changes in their local communities, and coming together as a solid force to advance the rights and opportunities of people with developmental disabilities on the state level. At the NJCDD, we're calling on members of the Council's former Monday Morning chapters and graduates or our Youth Leadership and Partners In Policymaking programs to help establish these new People First groups in their area, and to reach out to other individuals with disabilities to become empowered advocates as well.
