What is advocacy?

Maybe I’m being an idealist but what I see happening is not what I call advocacy.  I see people being used and paraded in front of our legislators.  These people, many who have a developmental disability are being given statements to read.  I really wonder how many of these statements are actually self-directed.

I have been asked  if RHCs are so great, why don’t we see people down in Olympia who say “We LOVE RHCs” –  asked by a prominent advocate from The Arc of Island and Skagit Counties who regularly accompanies self-advocates in testimonies.   Just the fact that she asks that question indicates to me that she is unaware of the significant complexities that many of the residents whose home is an RHC deal with.

I have thought of taking my son to Olympia too but I don’t want to use him as a puppet.  It would be an eye opener for many though to experience him first hand and to have a frame of reference as to the vast continuum there is when talking about people with developmental disabilities.

I have written to Joy Caldwell, Executive Director of The Arc of Island and Skagit Counties,  twice with the hope of having a discussion. She has not responded but she did post this on their Facebook page.

“The Arc of Island & Skagit Counties”

“So in the spirit of open dialogue, I would like to hear from anyone interested in posting their thoughts on the topic of Supported Employment, Community Access & Day programs in light of our WA House & Senate Budget proposals for people with Developmental Disabilities. What do you think…?”

Hi Joy,  (April 15, 2011)

I wrote to you a few days ago asking for open discussion.  I have not heard from you but did notice that on the Facebook page for The Arc of Island and Skagit County, you posted this ” So in the spirit of open dialogue, I would like to hear from anyone interested in posting their thoughts on the topic of Supported Employment, Community Access & Day programs in light of our WA House & Senate Budget proposals for people with Developmental Disabilities. What do you think…?”

I tried to comment but it appears that I’m blocked from commenting.  How can one have an open discussion when people would want to engage in one are blocked and censored?  This does not make sense.

Does she really want an open discussion?  If so, why are people not allowed to comment?