By Laura Gonzalez | Psychosocial Coordinator
In this report, we’de like to share with you the good advance that the Self-Advocates Group has achieved since it was created a year ago in response to the need for people with intellectual disabilities to learn about, defend, and promote their rights in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).
The six participants within this group meet on a weekly basis with a facilitator and discuss topics that matter to them, learn to express their opinions, advocate for their rights, and make decisions about their own lives. The group fosters an atmosphere of trust and respect where every member feels heard. Together, they reflect on issues such as gender equality, equal opportunities, autonomy, and independent living. The group also collaborates with other organizations, arranging visits to their facilities to present the group's mission and objectives.
This is what Alejandro, Ana Karen, Andrea, Brasilia, Paulina and Ricardo have expressed in their own words:
“We are a group of people with intellectual disabilities who are learning to advocate for our own rights and for the rights of people with disabilities. We organize ourselves to become empowered and to express our needs, concerns, and dreams. We want to help society break the stereotypes that exist about us. We are not eternal children, and we are capable of accomplishing many things according to our individual gifts, talents, and abilities.
Society often places barriers in our way. Sometimes people are hesitant to approach us because they do not know how to interact with us. We want them to know that we are like anyone else. If there is something about our behavior they do not understand or find inappropriate, they can simply tell us—we will listen, learn, and grow. Many times, we also place barriers on ourselves because we fear rejection or discrimination, and as a result, we remain silent. Through the Self-Advocates Group, we are learning to overcome those barriers.
We have also begun participating in different community settings. For example, we recently gave a presentation at a local high school, where we shared our ideas and talked about the work we do. The students listened attentively and asked us thoughtful questions. Our wish is to be the voice of all our friends at El Arca Querétaro. We want to participate fully in community and social life, exercising the rights that belong to us. It is a challenge that gives us confidence, motivation, and hope for the future”.
At El Arca, we believe that every person has unique gifts to offer the world. The Self-Advocates Group is a living witness to this truth. Through their friendship, courage, and determination, they remind us that true community is built when every voice is welcomed and every person has the opportunity to flourish.
Thank you dear donors for believing in a world where every person belongs. Your generosity does more than sustain our programs—it empowers people with intellectual disabilities to become leaders, advocates, and agents of change in their communities. Together, we are building a more just, inclusive, and compassionate society.
Links:
By Mireille Kheirallah | Project Leader
By Laura Lopez | Workshop Coordinator
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