“Nothing about us without us” is a theme of the disability community, reminding the world that people with disabilities expect and deserve autonomy over their lives. This includes actively participating in the organizational structures that advocate for and with people with disabilities.

With this guiding principle in mind, The Arc established its National Council of Self-Advocates (NCSA) in 2012. NCSA abides by the “nothing about us without us” motto by creating a space where people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) can provide guidance to The Arc and offer their unique disability perspectives. The council also strives to provide professional growth opportunities to its members, such as access to job opportunities and other leadership roles.

NCSA is led by Chloe Rothschild, a national board member for The Arc, and it is supported by Juan Guerrero, a policy associate for The Arc. As a sibling of an individual with a disability, he understands and values the need to amplify the perspectives of people with IDD. This understanding has motivated him to constantly create new growth opportunities for NCSA’s approximately 300 members.

NCSA’s members are from all over the U.S., and many credit the group for providing a space to meet other self-advocates and freely discuss their thoughts on certain topics. Hearing from one another is essential to personal growth, especially in the advocacy space.

At the beginning of 2022, the council set a goal of providing speaking engagements, both to NCSA Officers and the general council, and they also decided to gather more frequently. Each monthly meeting centers around a topic relevant to self-advocacy, such as employment, voting, interacting with law enforcement, leading with a disability, and more. In a recent session, three council members presented on employees with disabilities assuming leadership positions in the working world. From time to time, members will be called upon to review materials created by The Arc.

General members can apply for a two-year officer position. If elected, they are expected to attend officer meetings, and they are also charged with setting the monthly agenda and preparing presentations for the regular monthly meetings. Recently, the current officers have begun leading and facilitating these monthly sessions.

Using the knowledge and experience gained in this space, NCSA member Mark got the opportunity to speak at the Disability Vote Submit. He was also able to help with The Arc’s toolkit on self-determination, and he helps doctors understand how to work with people with disabilities.

Another member, Nathaniel, advises NCSA has deepened his understanding of the federal policy system. With his newfound knowledge, he plans to serve as a mentor to people with disabilities by pursuing their Bachelors, Masters, or even a PhD.

There’s no better time to join than right now! We’re currently growing and would love for anyone interested in joining to come check us out. The only requirement for acceptance is that you must identify as a person with a disability.

Learn more about NCSA and click here to join as a general member. Current members can also apply for an officer position this fall. We look forward to shaping the future of disability with you!