Self-Advocates in Leadership (SAIL)

Why SAIL?

Policies directly impacting people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) are often implemented without their input. Young adults with IDD want to be the leading voice in their own lives. Many want to be change agents in their communities and to improve the lives of others who have disabilities. Inclusive Higher Education programs are the ideal place to prepare the next generation of leaders with IDD - yet no other college-based training programs exist!

Key Definitions - created with assistance from Next Steps students and alumni

• A Self-Advocate is someone who knows what they need and value. They speak out and make decisions based on their needs, even if others disagree. They know when they need to ask for help.
• A Leader is responsible for making decisions, speaking up, and accomplishing tasks that help themselves and others meet established goals. They do this by being proactive and good listeners, having positive attitudes, and working with others, even when things change. The example leaders set can earn them respect and inspire others.

The Five Pillars of SAIL

The SAIL program is anchored in the following 5 competencies and values (Pillars):

1. Communication Skills (CS): the ability of an individual to share information with others to ensure the mutual understanding of all parties.
2. Individual Responsibility (IR): the extent to which an individual consistently chooses to meet agreed upon expectations with appropriate support and accommodations.
3. Personal Integrity (PI): Having strong beliefs that guide an individual's decision making and behavior, while doing what they believe is right.
4. Professional Reliability (PR): conduct themselves in a manner appropriate to the setting, including working well with others, and responding appropriately in group situations.
5. Self-Knowledge (SK): knowledge of an individual's abilities and how those abilities relate to what that individual wants to accomplish.