Incorporate self-advocate perspectives into your work.
The RIOT!
The RIOT began as a newsletter written by and for self-advocates with disabilities. It includes a unique, personal perspective on what it means to be a self-advocate, and the challenges they encounter in the world.
The staff at the University of Minnesota’s Research and Training Center on Community Living took one issue of the RIOT and created an innovative new course based on the content of the newsletter.
The course follows a different structure than other College of Direct Support courses. There are no specific questions. However, you will be encouraged to think about the topic and reflect on your actions as a DSP. As part of the course, you will pull evidence of your actions on the job that relate to the topic at hand and present it to your supervisor. It can become a solid piece for your portfolio and will be the primary way you show what you have learned in the course.
The RIOT is designed to be irreverent and unconventional in its content and presentation, with real voices conveying real stories about real-life topics.
You can read the RIOT at www.theriotrocks.org.
The RIOT Silly Rules
Rules often have unintended effects on people who need support. You’ll study the common areas were unnecessary rules are found, including:
- Personal time and preferences
- The service system
- Dating and friendships
- Work and day programs
- Issues at home
- The marriage penalty (where you lose disability income if you get married)
- Barriers to voting