Who is People First?

Our Mission:  To serve as an outlet for people with disabilities to air and alleviate their concerns about disability related issues and to work together to address those issues.  They are empowering themselves by learning what their rights and responsibilities are and how to be effective self advocates

Our History:  We started in 1981 with a dedicated group of 12 people who wanted to learn to speak up for themselves and others with disabilities.  They were a volunteer driven organization until 1986.  In 1987 we were able to open the state office.  We were largely staffed by VISTA Volunteers from 1990-1994

Today:  We have 20 local chapters across the state.  They are working on issues that are important in their neighborhoods as well as issues on a state and national level.  They are learning how to run meetings, leadership skills and problem solving skills

Just one of Many Self Advocacy organizations:  People first is just one of about 40 self advocacy state organizations across the United States.  Other self advocacy organizations go by different names such as Advocating Change Together or Speaking For Ourselves.  There is a national self advocacy conference every two years.  There is also a international organization which has a conference every 4 years.

Our Projects

Institution Campaign.  In 1989 we filed a lawsuit against Arlington Developmental Center.   That lawsuit resulted in a remedial order by the judge and a community plan to get people out of Arlington and into the community.  In 1992 we filed a class action lawsuit against the remaining developmental centers.  That case resulted in a settlement agreement.  In 1996 Nat T Winston Closed.  We have been in settlement talks and continue to have status conferences. 

Education.  We provide a wide variety of trainings to our members and other people with disabilities, on a local, state, and national level.  Topics include Self advocacy, Self Determination, employment, voting, housing, advisor training.  If you are interested in one of our staff or members doing a presentation on one of these topics, please contact us at 1-800-264-7773.