Advocacy: A young person’s perspective

As a young woman with multiple disabilities, I am very aware of the need for advocacy in my life. I have been blessed with parents who are wonderful advocates. They have taught me well and understand they advocate with me not for me. I took a class on self-advocacy skills for youth with disabilities and learned the lesson, “nothing about me without me.” This lesson applies to advocacy in church life as well as society.
 
People with disabilities need to advocate in their congregations. We need to speak up about things that affect us. Advocacy can be simple, like asking for the proper size font, for large print bulletins, or complex, like making a bathroom accessible. People with disabilities have knowledge and information to share. A church is best when all the gifts and talents of every member are shared.

As a self-advocate, the greatest struggle I face is finding people who will truly listen to my opinion. I often feel as if I am “crying in the wilderness.” Churches need to find “champions” who will help the voices of people with disabilities be heard. “Champions” advocate with not for people with disabilities. They help get people’s attention so that the voices in the wilderness can be heard.

Together we can become a powerful witness as a community of believers. Find the time to make a difference in your congregation. Let your voices be heard. Champion the voices in the wilderness. “I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord.’ ” (John 1:23)

— by Sarah Nettleton, PDC Leadership Team

Sarah Nettleton served as the youth member of the task force which drafted the General Assembly policy, “Living into the Body of Christ: Towards Full Inclusion of People with Disabilities.”  She is currently a member of the Presbyterians for Disability Concerns Leadership Team. Sarah is working on a Self Determination Consolidated Support and Services plan for her life. In her free time, she enjoys canoeing, kayaking, downhill skiing and writing. Sarah communicates by typing one letter at a time with support at the wrist.