By: Ray Simpson, The Arc MN Self-Advocacy Program Intern
“There is always someone who will walk away unhappy. But it’s important to come to the table and find ways to get along with each other.” -Heidi
This month for our Self-Advocacy Spotlight, we will be talking about how laws are made. Heidi, a self-advocate with The Arc Minnesota will share her story of how her supporting and opposing bills has created positive change in her communities.
Heidi has always advocated for herself. When she was a child, she had to advocate to be able to ride on the school bus and to be able to attend school. “I felt seen, but in a way that was hurtful.” Heidi was seen as “different” as a child and felt unaccepted by her peers. “People that tell the truth don’t always get heard. I didn’t really have friends in school. I had to advocate to stand up for myself.” Heidi’s experiences at an early age taught her the importance of using her words to get what she wants and needs.
Heidi has attended hearings to advocate for those in the disability community. She was once asked in the 1990’s to speak about why dental insurance is important for those with disabilities and have state insurance. Heidi was ”dumped” many times by her dentists due to poor insurance coverage. “You know, people in jail have better insurance than people with disabilities on state insurance?” When Heidi prepared to speak at the hearing, she wrote down what she wanted to say. She was allowed three minutes time to speak as she shared her experiences. “It’s best to set a timer on your watch or phone to practice and make sure you have everything you want to say in that amount of time.” Not much changed at that time for dental care covered by the state. However, continued advocacy helps create positive changes in the future. There is more covered now under state insurance for dental than there was thirty years ago.
Heidi has felt supported on and off by different legislator leadership throughout the years. (A legislator is a person who writes and passes laws.) “There are good ones and not so good ones on both sides. You just have to find the ones that will listen to you and talk to them.” For example, Heidi’s account with HHS was cyber attacked. All her information was stolen and Heidi wanted to do something to hold those in charge of her information accountable. The Secretary of State office was willing to listen to Heidi’s story. Heidi also contacted the Minnesota office of attorney general, where they were impressed by her story and said they would share it.
Heidi expressed how important it is to be prepared before going and speaking with legislators. “Make a brief profile page describing who you are and add a picture of yourself. Write in what policy change you would like to make and why. Add suggestions of how you
would like the changes done.” Heidi also suggests doing a “walk and talk.” Ask the legislator if they will walk with you while you ask for what you need. Be sure to have the material you would like to give the legislator in hand. Briefly introduce yourself and do a quick description of what changes you would like made. Heidi also expressed the importance of legislators working together to pass bills. “Some people get locked into one way of thinking about a bill. But there are many pieces that go into how a bill is made. There is always someone who isn’t going to be happy, but it is important to come to the table and find ways to get along with each other. If ants can do it, why can’t humans?”