My Life My Way: The Power of Strong Partnerships and Relationships

November 20, 2024 | by sau1admin

For self advocates, two of the most important things in their lives are partnership and relationships. To self advocates, partnership means "I need people in my life who will honor my life’s journey. The people around me work together with me to build bridges.”

Everyone needs a strong support system, but building strong partnerships is even more important for those with disabilities, because they may need others to help with their care and other everyday activities. But support doesn’t always mean doing things for someone. It is the right of people with disabilities to be part of everything in their everyday life and make the decisions that work best for them. Nothing about us, without us.

Sometimes, over time, those partnerships create strong relationships. To self advocates, relationships mean, "I decide who is in my life – friends, family, partners, neighbors, pets, and others in the community. The people around me respect the relationships I choose and support me to form new relationships.”

Everyone, including people with disabilities, have the right to choose who is and is not in their lives. Choosing who you do and do not want in your life is part of living your life, your way. So do not be afraid to speak up and say what partnerships and relationships you want and need in your life!