Exploring Self-Advocacy from a Social Power Perspective

This is a thought-provoking analysis of social power comprehensive enough to satisfy the advanced reader without overwhelming those newer to the field. Self-advocates and advisers will appreciate the application of power dynamics to situations that clearly portray the obstacles faced by those trying to obtain real homes and jobs in the community. The power analysis of a young woman’s life experiences and results from a national survey of self-advocacy advisors further reveal constraints in power relations and suggest action steps. Members and Advisors of People First self-advocacy chapters participated in the research at all stages. The appendix contains hundreds of gripping verbatim responses from self-advocacy advisors in the field that illustrate power issues familiar to everyone in the disability field. People with developmental disabilities and their friends will recognise the struggle, and those not already familiar with social power theory will find it to be a new tool that lays bare the framework underlying many of their deepest frustrations.