Welcome to the Self-Advocates Page!

This section of the DSAHRC website is devoted to individuals ages 16 and older who have Down syndrome. We are an active group that plans and organizes social, educational, and awareness events. We have a list of great activities that will take place over the next several months (see our Planned Calendar of Self-Advocates Events below).

We also have an email list that we use to send out announcements about dances, classes, and other programs. Please join us by contacting the DSAHRC at (518) 438-1113 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . We hope to hear from you!

What We Do

The Self-Advocates are involved in lots of things – we like to get together socially, but we also look forward to classes that help us learn, with topics like Money Management and Creating Your Own Portfolio. During the Beyond Our Wildest Dreams Conference in the spring, we have our own conference. Some of us participate in the DSAHRC Speaker’s Bureau, where we learn how to create PowerPoint presentations and actually go out and tell audiences about our lives as people living with Down syndrome. Many of us are involved at the organizational level, serving on the Board of Directors or helping to plan the Buddy Walk. We’re always looking for new ideas, too, so let us know what you’re thinking!

Planned Calendar of Self-Advocates Events

Recently, some of us sat down with a few parents and came up with a calendar of activities that we would like to offer to the DSAHRC community. Here’s what we have planned so far. Please check our website calendar for specific dates, times and details for each of the events mentioned below.

Winter Wonderland Dance with DJ Charlie Sims
December 16, 2011, 6-9 pm at the Albany-Shaker Road Firehouse
Please note: this dance is for ages 13 and up – bring a friend!

Snow Tubing
January, 2012 at Willard Mountain

Stamping Class with Karen Garnsey
January 15, 2012 at the DSAHRC office

Snowshoeing, Supper and Hot Cocoa
February, 2012 at Five Rivers Environmental Center in Delmar

Bowling
March, 2012 at Spare Time Bowling in Latham

DSAHRC Self-Advocates Conference
Spring, 2012

Educational Programs
Spring, 2012 at the College of St. Rose in Albany

Spring Dance for Self-Advocates
May or June, 2012

Capital District Bike Camp
June or July, 2012 at Union College

National Down Syndrome Congress Annual Convention
July 19-22, 2012 in Washington, DC

Drum Circle
September, 2012

DSAHRC Buddy Walk
October 7, 2012 in Schenectady’s Central Park

Bowling
October, 2012

In addition to the above, we’re hoping to organize other activities this coming year, like going to sporting events, attending musicals, making jewelry, learning about photography and writing for the DSAHRC newsletter. Parents, the DSAHRC staff, and other interested parties are teaming up with us to make things happen – won’t you join us?

Resources

The DSAHRC has a great Lending Library, with many books and videos that address issues that are important to youth and adults with Down syndrome. You can also find a lot of information on this website under About DS.

The National Down Syndrome Congress website has an extensive section for Self-Advocates, as does the website of the National Down Syndrome Society.

For More Information about the Self-Advocates Group

Contact the DSAHRC at (518) 438-1113 or email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
You may also contact Rose Hargrave at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

We hope to hear from you soon!