True systemic change that affects the lives of all of us with developmental disabilities. It happens because of a lot of hard work, effort, and time from a lot of people. We can do this by voicing our concerns, hopes, and dreams, not just individually but as a group. With activism, the goal is to let everybody know what our problems and the solutions are. We tell our family, friends, direct care providers, and Service Coordinators. but we don’t stop there.
As self-advocates, we talk to anyone who will listen to us–government officials, and the media and attend public meetings regarding our issues. We do all this not just as individuals but as a group by writing letters, making posters, joining marches. raising our voices and chanting. We do this for the long hall because making real systemic change can take years to accomplish.
It takes a good deal of educating to make systemic change because many people just want to settle for the status quo. Some even get angry about change. To them, we say enough is enough, we want action and we want it now. We have put up with this problem long enough. In activism it is OK if we express our feelings and it’s essential that we tell our stories. You may say activism is not for me, but others. I say do you want the same old same old to continue. I don’t think so, so let’s get walking.