Self-Advocacy

Our mission is to teach individuals with disabilities to be their own best self-advocate and to educate them, as well as parents, caregivers, professionals or community resources.

What is Self-Advocacy?

• Speaking up for yourself
• Asking for what you need
• Negotiating for yourself
• Knowing your rights and responsibilities
• Using resources that you may need

Self-Advocacy Action Group

Would you like to learn more about how to take charge of your life?

1. Choosing where you live and who you want to live with.

2. Making choices on how to spend your money.

3. Building Relationships and choosing your circle of friends.

4. Making choices where you want to shop.

5. Choosing what you want to eat.

6. Choosing where you want to worship.

7. Choosing how you want to manage your transportation.

8. Choosing who you want to work for you.

9. Taking charge of your health. Remember it’s about taking control of your life, making choices and decisions for yourself.

Adrienne Gallo

Hi my name is Adrienne Gallo. I am from Lisbon Ohio. I have Cerebral Palsy and Dyspraxia. I graduated from Lisbon High School and then attended the Career and Technical Center where I studied Early Childhood, Culinary Arts and Work Force Readiness. They were all three challenging in different ways.

The next school I went to was Minnesota Life College. It was a three-year program that taught me how to develop independent skills, like living by myself, cooking, cleaning, doing laundry, vocational skills, transportation skills, building healthy relationships, and financial skills. I also started to learn how to start a business. It was a dog treats business. It was a lot of fun. I currently work at the Corner store in East Palestine. I like talking to the customers and working the cash register. I have developed skills in working there that will help me with my future plans. I don’t mind doing tasks that most people don’t like doing.

I was recently hired as the Community Outreach Advocate for Columbiana County Board of DD. I was hired as an advocate for people with disabilities, which is something I have always wanted to do. I feel it is important for people to advocate the right way. I want to be a Columbiana County Board of DD member in the future. I think that would be very rewarding. I would have a lot to offer the board as a person with a disability. I will also be working to develop an ability awareness program that will help educate kids about people with disabilities.

My journey has given me skills in public speaking that allows me to be a good advocate. I can understand where people are coming from as I was once shy and afraid to speak up. In my spare time I go to Aktion Club Advocacy group and church. I also walk my dog, do
diamond dots and watch TV.

I am looking forward to working with the individuals of CCBDD and helping them learn to
advocate for themselves.