Self-advocacy in historical perspective

This paper looks at the history of self advocacy in England. • Self advocacy has helped many people with learning difficulties to speak up and gain more confidence. • But now it is associated with Government policy. After Valuing People, people expect self advocacy organizations to speak up for everyone with learning difficulties. • This might mean there is less time and space to help new people learn about speaking up as individuals. • It is important to find ways to support self advocacy groups, especially those run by people themselves, to avoid this happening