Speaking For Ourselves
Speaking For Ourselves is a self advocacy group run by people with intellectual/developmental disabilities. Speaking For Ourselves –North Metro is the local Adams County Chapter. Speaking For Ourselves Colorado is the state chapter and Self Advocates Becoming Empowered (SABE) is the national organization.
The purpose of this organization is to create a self-directed, supportive community of adults who have developmental disabilities. The group helps people who are members get better at these skills, by giving them a place to practice making decisions, helping others, and solving problems.
SFO meetings give people a chance to learn parliamentary procedures. People have a chance to practice debating sides of an issues, and then taking a vote.
SFO elects its own officers who run the meetings. SFO groups are trying to show other people in the community that people with developmental disabilitites are regular people who have basically the same interests, talents, strengths and desires that other people have.
If you are interested in joining the group or just visiting a meeting to see what SFO talks about, please call the Arc of Adams County at 303-428-0310 to get connected to an officer or member.