We are thrilled to share a new resource for families and caregivers. It’s called the Participatory Action Research (PAR) Family Support Guide. In PAR projects, people with disabilities work on issues that affect their lives. Families support them as they do this work. Our new guide and toolkits include tips and tools to help.

 

Hear From James

James Meadours co-wrote the guide and toolkits. He has worked on projects for many years. He knows how important it is for self-advocates to have a real voice in this work.

In this video, James shares more about the guide and toolkits.

You can watch the full video on our YouTube channel.

Why Self-Advocates Should Work on Projects

When self-advocates work on projects, they learn many new skills. They learn how to share their ideas in meetings. They learn how to work with a team. They learn how to become project leaders. Many leaders in the self-advocacy movement started by working on projects like this.

Working on projects also builds confidence. When self-advocates see that their work matters, they feel proud of what they can do.

Projects also help people find community. Self-advocates meet others who care about the same issues. They learn from each other and support each other.

Why We Wrote This Guide

When self-advocates work on projects, families often help. This can include support like rides to meetings or help with technology. Sometimes, project staff take this support for granted. We want families to know it’s okay to set boundaries. They can and should expect project staff to give some support.

Families may also have concerns. They may wonder if pay will harm their loved one’s benefits. They may have questions about safety, boundaries, or working with project staff. Families should not have to figure these things out alone.

That is why we created the Family Support Guide and toolkits. The guide answers questions families may have when a loved one works on a project. The toolkits give more information. They include tools about topics like benefits, boundaries, and more. Families can read the parts of the guide they need. They can use the toolkits if they need more help.

Thank You to Our Team

This guide was written for and by self-advocates and families. We want to thank our talented team members: James Meadours, Marci Whiteman, Logan Archer, and Katie Sheffield. We also want to thank our family reviewers: Grace Bednar, Lisa Sheffield, Vanessa Simmons, and Keith Wallace.

Learn More

Together, we can help more self-advocates work on projects about their lives. They can learn new skills, share their ideas, and become leaders.