Self‐advocacy in historical perspective

Accessible Summary This paper looks at the history of self advocacy in England. Self advocacy has helped many people with learning difficulties to speak up and gain more confidence. But now it is associated with Government policy. After Valuing People, people expect self advocacy organizations to speak up for everyone with learning difficulties. This might mean there is less time and space to help new people learn about speaking up as individuals. It is important to find ways to support self advocacy groups, especially those run by people themselves, to avoid this happening.