Carolyn Morgan, SAU1 founder and trusted advisor is a true leader.
When Carolyn was young, her mother planned to send Carolyn to an institution because people told her mother it would be best. Then her mom heard about someone dying in the institution and changed her mind and history.
Carolyn speaks up for herself and others, and has for over 50 years! She has paved the way for people with disabilities throughout her life by example, by advocating for the rights of all people, and by teaching others about their rights and how to speak up for those rights.
Carolyn started in high school by telling people what she wanted in her life. Over the years Carolyn has used her voice and knowledge to teach individuals, families, providers and legislators about the needs, rights, wants and desires of people with disabilities.
“We want the same things everyone wants—our rights as human beings and individuals to live every day lives of our choice. I tell people you can live the life you want. Speak up in your own way, have people you trust in your life to support you,” she says.
Carolyn was married and has a grown son. She directed her own services for many years and was part of the first self determination project in PA. She was a founding member of Speaking for Ourselves years ago and is a founding member of SAU1, serving for nearly 10 years as its vice president.
Carolyn used a terrible experience from her own life to teach others how to try to stay safe and report abuse. In 2010 she received the Allied Professional award from the Department of Justice for her work with victims of abuse. It was the first time this award has been presented to a person with a disability. Ms. Carolyn (as she is fondly known) says, “If I can make a change, so can YOU!”
Click here to find out more about the award.
From left to right: Acting Director for Office of Victims of Crimes, Joye E. Frost. Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Justice Programs, Laurie O. Robinson, Carolyn with her award, and Attorney General Eric Holder.
April 16, 2010
Carolyn holding her award.
April 16,2010
Carolyn made sure the voice of people with disabilities was heard at meetings where decisions about supports and services were made. She served as the co-chair of the Planning and Advisory Committee of the PA Office of Developmental Programs for many years. Carolyn traveled in and out of PA speaking up.
There is much more to Carolyn’s story. We are so glad SAU1 is part of it!
Feb
17
Fri. Feb. 17 2023, 11:30am to 12:30pm (Eastern Time)
Zoom (Link and phone info in description)
Fri. Feb. 17 11:30am to 12:30pm
Power Talk with ODP!
Join us to talk about services, issues, and Covid.
Get the answers you need to speak up and live
yo…
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Feb
13
Mon. Feb. 13 2023, 10am to 12pm (Eastern Time)
Zoom (Link and phone info in description)
Mon. Feb. 13 10am to 12pm
Let's Talk About Your Vision
For YOUR Everyday Life!
What do you want in your life?
How do you make it happen?
Who can h…
Click on the event title to read more
Feb
24
Fri. Feb. 24 2023, 1 to 3pm (Eastern Time)
Zoom (Link and phone info in description)
Fri. Feb. 24 1 to 3pm
Let's Speak Up!
Do you know your rights?
Are you getting what you want and need?
Join us to learn all about speaking up.
Click on the event title to read more
Feb
10
Fri. Feb. 10 2023, 11am to 12:30pm (Eastern Time)
Zoom (Link and phone info in description)
Fri. Feb. 10 11am to 12:30pm
Let's Speak Up About
Life in the Community!
Life in the Community can mean you get to choose
The home you live in
The people you l…
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Feb
7
Tues. Feb. 7 2023, 6 to 7pm (Eastern Time)
Online (Contact SAU1 for info on how to join!)
Disability Unity Networking Events (DUNE)
SAU1 will be holding online virtual meetings
for self advocates to Speak Up with
OUR VOICES UNITED AS 1
SAU1 staff hold up 1 finger to show tha…
Click on the event title to read more
Feb
21
Tues. Feb. 21 2023, 6 to 7pm (Eastern Time)
Online (Contact SAU1 for info on how to join!)
Disability Unity Networking Events (DUNE)
SAU1 will be holding online virtual meetings
for self advocates to Speak Up with
OUR VOICES UNITED AS 1
SAU1 staff hold up 1 finger to show tha…
Click on the event title to read more
Feb
6
Mon. Feb. 6 2023, 10am to 12pm (Eastern Time)
Zoom (Link and phone info in description)
Mon. Feb. 6 10am to 12pm
All About Relationships!
The different kinds
How we make them
Healthy relationships
Unhealthy relationshi…
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Feb
20
Mon. Feb. 20 2023, 12 to 2pm (Eastern Time)
Zoom (Link and phone info in description)
Mon. Feb. 20 12 to 2pm
All About Jobs!
Your rights
Planning to work
Finding a job
Keeping your job
Workplace accommodations
Click on the event title to read more