The Arc of Western Wayne County: Serving people with disabilities

The Take Charge Helpline

The Arc of Western Wayne County’s Self Advocacy Group

People First is a National Self-Advocacy Organization.  It was first started in 1974 when a group of ex-residents of an Oregon state institution came together to share concerns.  They were tired of having others speak for them, and they were tired of being denied opportunities for independence.

Since then People First has grown so that now there are People First organizations in almost every state.  The first international conference was held in 1986 and the first national conference was held in 1989.

In Michigan, People First of Michigan started in Muskegon in 1979.  Local chapters have been added every year.

People First is funded by membership dues, donations, grants and fundraisers.

At People First Meetings individuals with disabilities learn how to be advocates, learn how officers are elected, learn how to solve problems, learn about rights and responsibilities as citizens of our communities, and plan fun activities and community projects.

The goals of The Arc of Western Wayne County’s Self Advocacy group are to help each other, to become self-advocates, and to speak up for themselves, show people in the community that they can do things for themselves by making decisions and being as independent as possible, and participate fully in the life of their community, fight for the rights of people with disabilities, to help people in the community accept and understand that people with disabilities want to be seen as People First and that their disabilities come second.

The Arc of Western Wayne County’s Self Advocacy Group is open to all people with disabilities, and meets once a month at The Arc office.  If you have questions, or would like to join our group, please contact The Arc at 734-729-9100.

Phone code: 1248