From L to R: The new SAC poses after the election – Robbie Cowdrey, Shineeca McLeod, Felicia Marchese, Darryl Liscio, Novelette Murray, Mark Miller, Mike Edser, Caseen Johnson, Patrick Harrington, Gus Yoon, Richard Newland, Kevin John Head (Absent: Dhonnie Trinidad)

By: Sue Hutton

The Self-Advocates Council held its bi-annual election at Foster’s Clubhouse in June. About 40 peers labeled with intellectual disability gathered to cheer each other on and listen to speeches about why people wanted to be involved in self-advocacy at Community Living          Toronto.

People talked about wanting to make a difference and standing up for their rights. People talked about believing that everyone labeled with an intellectual disability has the right to be included in the community.

The elections are held right at Birch. Support staff help self-advocates mark the pictorial ballot to show the self-advocates they want to vote for. Only people labeled with intellectual disabilities vote.

After the elections were held, DJ Mark Miller played some tunes to celebrate the day.

The new council will get down to work in September. First off, an orientation will be held to help new members become familiar with the SAC work. It will also give SAC facilitators a chance to learn about the needs of the new members.

It’s an opportunity to find out what kinds of activities and communication needs will make the SAC experience as accessible as possible. Stay tuned for upcoming projects and work of the new SAC!

Read the full newsletter here: August-September Newsletter