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Advocacy is a Way of Life

Mar 29, 2024

By: Roxane Albond-Buchner, People Inc. Communications Director

People Inc.'s Advocacy Department is dedicated to the empowerment of each person and the community's capacity to listen and respond with positive public policy practices.

Two advocates, one young man in a wheelchair beside another young man, move together down a cream-colored hallway.

What is Advocacy?

Advocacy is the active involvement of all people to speak up for change, which starts in each of our homes and broadens out to our communities. 

 

Group of four advocates, including three wheelchair users, meet and converse in a room lined with desks and computer monitors.

What We Do

People Inc.’s Advocacy Department is based on the premise that everyone has the right to advocate for themselves, others, and their larger community. They champion the principles of person-centered practice, mutual respect, and innovation to facilitate change. 

This department is one of the only such departments at a provider agency and is largely comprised of people with a disability.

Advocates promote the idea that people have rights, can make decisions for themselves, speak for themselves, and can determine for themselves how to live as independently as possible.

Members of the Advocacy Team support monthly advocacy groups, learn/teach self-advocacy skills, attend conferences, lobby for policy changes, serve on agency committees, present at orientation, participate in the staff recruitment process, staff tables at community events, and educate/train staff and others. They also support each other when speaking about what is important.

Additionally, the Advocacy Team runs pilot programs, which when successful become part of the agency’s training offerings. Current pilot programs include the Art of Advocacy and sexual education.
 

Meet the Advocates

Several members of the People Inc. Advocacy team shared their reflections on what brought them to the agency, what their favorite experience is and what they want the rest of the agency to know. Their pride, passion and dedication shines through. Below are highlights:

  • Shanell Davis, senior advocate: Between facilitating both three advocacy groups and the daily calls, I have come to understand that for some of the people who participate in these calls or meetings are the most interaction they get. Therefore, it is important to connect with them and build relationships. We are here for each other, especially during difficult or challenging times. I do a lot of research to prepare.
  • Christy Glenn, advocacy support professional: I facilitate daily calls that are important to me because I am there for people who are bored and have no one to talk to - they come hang out with us. We chat and learn about advocacy. On the weekends we do fun things like play games or watch a movie and relax together.
  • Israel Cruz, advocacy support professional: One of my proudest accomplishments has to be sitting in a room with government officials fighting for an ADA coordinator for Erie County. One of the strengths of our department is that we come from so many different walks of life backgrounds, and disability experiences that we complement each other and continue to grow.
  • Karen Readel, advocacy support professional: I am proud to be able to use my Bachelor of Science in Social Work skills in a meaningful way. I meet people from across the state and lead important discussions that can be applied to everyday life and offer support.
  • Gwen Squire, advocacy support professional: I enjoy presenting at orientation. We meet the agency's new hires on their first day and share our experience of living with a disability, teach disability etiquette and provide information on the Advocacy Department. I grew up in an institution where I didn't have a voice in much of what happened around me. Now, with my master's in Rehabilitation Counseling, I can advocate for people with disabilities and be a part of the incredible outreach and programming we are responsible for and help people through their struggles to succeed.
  • Richard Marino, advocacy support professional: Working to encourage others to advocate or speak up for themselves is something I take great pride in facilitating. I am responsible for the monthly calendar of activities that we make available to the public.
  • Heather Kraemer, advocacy support professional: I am very proud of our work around natural language, person-centered practices, and trauma informed care. Members of the advocacy team have first-hand experiences living with a disability. This is their strength, and they share so much of themselves while creating thoughtful conversations and supports with the people we serve.


The Advocacy Department provides a platform for people to share their experiences and promote positive change. Learn more.