By: Ray Simpson, Self-Advocate
Meet Prince!
“My disability is my best friend because it never leaves me, and I never leave it. It encourages me to do more in society.”
This month for our Self-Advocacy Spotlight article, we will be talking with Prince about disability pride and what it means to him. Prince has been a self-advocate for about nine years. He has worked with multiple organizations, including work with the ACT’s Olmstead Academy. (The Olmstead Academy is a twelve-month program of classroom and fieldwork to create greater inclusion in communities for people with disabilities) Prince’s focus was education and workshops, and to better understand the struggles and lived experiences of his peers who have disabilities. “We can learn from our past with educational workshops and activities to celebrate culture and awareness. They are very important. They celebrate our culture and raise awareness so others will know how important we are.”
Prince shared the many ways he celebrates disability pride month. “I get others involved by sharing my experiences and what I’ve been doing to celebrate. I share how my disability has got me where I am today. As a trainer and an advocate on disability issues, I share experience with other advocates and allies. I help support advocacy events all over the state.
”Prince and his wife have also started a support group for individuals with disabilities. It is called the Disability Motivational Network. The group meets in Blaine once a month and is for self-advocates and their supporters. They share lived experiences, empower one another, and share a meal. Advocates can call anyone in the group if they need resources.
Being married and having Social Security have affected Prince and his benefits. When you get married, the government counts your income. “When people with disabilities get married, they can lose benefits because they include spouses’ income. You’re telling a person with disabilities don’t work, don’t get married, don’t go to college. They take away your medical, and benefits for trying.”
Prince feels supported by his family and friends during pride month. “I invite a lot of friends to disability events. I talk to them about disability history, rights and equality. It’s my favorite time of the year! I like to be part of many celebrations this month and next. It’s my favorite time of the year. I also like to participate in advocacy events. I talk about the challenges I have and how I overcome them. If I can do it, they can do it. Do not give up, the fight is not over yet. I like to also listen to other self-advocates and hear what they have to share too.”
Prince wanted to share advice for other self-advocates about ways they can celebrate pride month. “I encourage you to start your own activities. I encourage you to use Google for ideas and connect with others. You can use your phone to record yourself and share your stories online. If there is an activity you want to do in your community, advocate for it to be accessible so you can attend. Do your research to find out who is in charge of the event. Call the person and let them know you don’t see accessibility options and ask how they can make it accessible.
Even the smallest things you do can make a difference. Also, July 16th from 10-2, there will be the biggest disability pride festival at the capital. The council on developmental disabilities, ACT, and many orgs will be there. There will be food and activities. Have fun and celebrate with us.”