Self Advocacy (22+ Years)

As autism awareness has grown dramatically in recent years, many young adults and adults have learned the signs and felt there may be a connection between their feelings and behaviors and the symptoms of autism.

“Is It Autism and If So, What Next? A Guide for Adults” was designed to help adults who suspect they may have autism, as well as those recently diagnosed with the disorder. This kit will provide an overview of autism to help you better understand the disorder and will hopefully clarify whether you should seek out a professional for a thorough evaluation.

An online book written specifically for adults who are newly diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder. It covers several topics, including a definition of autism, how to learn to live with autism, what it means for their future, and how to self-advocate.

This book was written with assistance from the Administration on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AIDD), The Arc, Autism Now!, and the Autistic Self advocacy Network (ASAN).

The goal of the RideWise Program is to promote the independent travel of older adults and people with disabilities by providing free access to training and support. This guide was created to cover a wide range of topics related to travel using a fixed-route transportation system.

Read the guide here.

This tool kit provides basic information on advocacy and negotiation skills. The information in this kit has been provided by experts in the field who have both professional and personal experience with advocacy and autism.

This organization helps individuals on the autism spectrum with social groups and provides coaching for employment, independent living and other teen and adult related needs (ages 14+).

A monthly Asperger’s Adult Support group is available for adults with Asperger’s to socialize and discuss pertinent issues in their lives. Meetings are held at the Rocky River library and Beachwood library. The group also organizes occasional social events. They also host a monthly mindfulness event for individuals with autism. Each event will take place at a different location. Reservations are required to attend.

In addition, Autism Personal Coach offers a PARENT support group, dates and topics vary. Reservations are required to attend.

Visit the ASPIES website or search our Event Calendar for upcoming meeting dates.

Advocacy group that organizes an online community of adults and youths with autism.

This guide explains to people with disabilities how they can participate in research and training projects. It describes what research and training is and what a participant can do. It also provides examples of projects and of ways to address problems others have had when working on research and training.

The Governor’s Council on People with Disabilities (GCPD) serves as an advisory council for the Governor and General Assembly on statewide disability issues.

Associated with the Governor’s Council, the Youth Leadership Forum is a five day leadership training program for 11th and 12th grade high school students with disabilities. Student delegates will learn about choosing a career, history of disability as a culture, technology and resources, and self and systems advocacy.

Founded and led by youth with disabilities, KASA focuses on developing leadership in adolescents with disabilities and educating communities about disability awareness.

A first-of-its-kind resource written by autistic adults for autistic college students exploring the various aspects of the higher education experience.

A local chapter of the nationwide self-advocacy group that gives individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities training to build skills in decision-making so they can advocate for themselves.

Meetings are held on the third Monday of the month (except January and February). All meetings are held from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

To register, please call The Arc (216)736-8395, and be sure to leave your name, address and telephone number.

An organization for individuals with developmental disabilities that teaches self-advocacy and leadership skills.

A Hands-On training for and by people with disabilities that is designed to provice the tools to be a good self advocate, connect with others in advocacy and gain leadership skills and experience.

RespectAbility is on the front lines in the battle to reduce stigmas, failed government policies, and other obstacles that deny people with disabilities the opportunity to achieve the American Dream. Their free tools and factual resources inform so people with disabilities can achieve the education, training, jobs, security and good health that everyone needs and deserves.

They can identify and promote best practices for jobs and careers for people with disabilities through direct outreach, and
raise public awareness of the ABILITIES of people with disabilities through the promotion of positive images and stories in the media.

This guide was published to help older teens and young adults gain more self-determination putting them on their way to becoming self-advocates.

The guide covers several subjects like discovering good leisure activities, finding strengths and challenges and how to use them effectively, managing health care, and independent living skills.

To read the guide, click here.

Springboard Momentum is a three to twelve month Coach Mentor program working with young people to help them effectively launch into adult life.

They work with teens and young adults with high functioning Autism, helping them with practical issues via using licensed social workers as mentors and a psychologist as a parent coach.