Self-advocacy is a broad term that refers to the movement by people with disabilities, especially intellectual and developmental disabilities, to speak up for their rights and to take charge of their lives.

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Some examples of what self-advocates do:

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​Fight for your civil rights

• Voting

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Being part of community activities

• Living

• Working​

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Speak up for yourself

• Answer back to a put-down

• Defend your right to try something new

• Defend your right not to be prejudged by your disability but to be judged on your own merits

• Protest being passed over; demand to be included